Loading...
Loading...
Performs supply cataloging work including item identification, catalog maintenance, and data management.
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-4 | $30,795 | $31,822 | $32,849 | $33,876 | $34,903 | $35,930 | $36,957 | $37,984 | $39,011 | $40,038 |
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-6 | $38,407 | $39,687 | $40,967 | $42,247 | $43,527 | $44,807 | $46,087 | $47,367 | $48,647 | $49,927 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-8 | $47,265 | $48,841 | $50,417 | $51,993 | $53,569 | $55,145 | $56,721 | $58,297 | $59,873 | $61,449 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-2050
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
OR
Experience: Experience in supply cataloging, item management, or data management.
Education and Experience Requirements (Group Standard):
This is a two-grade interval series. Positions follow the GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 progression pattern.
| Grade | Education | Experience | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | Bachelor's degree in any field from accredited college/university | 3 years progressively responsible experience, 1 year equivalent to GS-4 | Equivalent combinations qualifying |
| GS-7 | 1 full year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 | Combinations of graduate education and experience |
| GS-9 | 2 years graduate education or master's degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-7 requirement) and experience |
| GS-11 | 3 years graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-9 requirement) and experience |
| GS-12+ | Not applicable | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to next lower grade | N/A |
Superior Academic Achievement (for GS-7):
Graduate Education: One year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours the school determines represents 1 year of full-time study. If unavailable, 18 semester hours satisfies the 1-year requirement.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal supply cataloging position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Skill in cataloging and classifying items.
Knowledge of federal supply classification.
Ability to maintain accurate item data.
Skill in researching item specifications.
Ability to ensure data accuracy.
Proficiency in cataloging systems.
Ability to work with suppliers and customers.
Skill in maintaining catalog records.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-2050 Supply Cataloging Specialist identifies, classifies, and catalogs items in the federal supply system. These specialists maintain item databases, assign National Stock Numbers (NSNs), research item specifications, ensure data accuracy, and support supply operations—maintaining the master data that enables the federal supply chain to function properly.
Federal Supply Cataloging Specialists earn between $30,795 (GS-4 Step 1) and $67,865 (GS-9 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Most positions are at GS-5 through GS-7. A GS-6 Supply Cataloging Specialist earns $38,407-$49,927. DLA, military services, and federal supply management offices employ cataloging specialists.
GS-2050 follows the administrative qualification standard. Entry at GS-5 requires a bachelor's degree in business or library science, or equivalent experience. Higher grades require specialized cataloging experience. Knowledge of Federal Supply Classification, attention to detail, and database proficiency are essential competencies.
Yes, military supply cataloging or data management experience transfers. Veterans who worked with NSNs, maintained item records, processed cataloging requests, or used federal supply classification systems have relevant backgrounds. Experience researching item specifications or maintaining supply databases provides qualifying experience.
Supply Cataloging Specialists follow the GS-4/5/6/7/8/9 progression with journey level at GS-7. Senior specialists reach GS-9. Career paths include transitioning to GS-2001 General Supply or GS-2010 Inventory Management for higher grades, or specializing in specific commodity areas requiring deep cataloging expertise.
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Supply Cataloging" or "Item Manager" under series 2050. DLA, military logistics commands, and federal supply activities are primary employers. Highlight cataloging experience, attention to detail, database skills, and knowledge of Federal Supply Classification. Include experience with NSN assignment or item research.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.