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Performs transportation work including traffic management, transportation planning, and logistics coordination.
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-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
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-2101
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
OR
Experience: Experience in transportation management, traffic management, or logistics.
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 transportation specialist 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.
Military jobs that transition to GS-2101
Transport leadership.
Air transportation management. Highlight transportation operations, logistics, and team leadership.
Direct translation to federal motor vehicle operator.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Ability to plan transportation operations.
Knowledge of transportation regulations.
Skill in working with carriers.
Ability to analyze transportation costs.
Skill in determining optimal routes.
Knowledge of shipping documentation.
Ability to resolve transportation issues.
Skill in coordinating shipments.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A Transportation Specialist (GS-2101) is a federal professional who manages traffic operations, transportation planning, and logistics coordination for government agencies. They analyze transportation requirements, coordinate with carriers, plan routing, and ensure efficient movement of personnel and cargo across federal operations.
Federal Transportation Specialists earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) annually on the base pay scale. Most mid-career specialists at GS-11/12 earn $63,163-$98,422. Locality pay adjustments can increase total compensation by 15-30% depending on duty location.
GS-2101 positions require either a bachelor's degree in transportation, logistics, or business, OR equivalent experience in transportation management. No specific degree is required - experience in traffic management or logistics operations can substitute for education. Higher grades require one year of specialized experience at each preceding level.
Absolutely. Military transportation experience directly translates to GS-2101 requirements. MOSs like Army 88M (Motor Transport Operator), 88N (Transportation Management Coordinator), Navy LS (Logistics Specialist), or Air Force 2T1 (Vehicle Operations) provide qualifying experience. Movement control, convoy operations, and logistics planning all count toward specialized experience.
Transportation Specialists follow a two-grade interval career ladder: GS-5/7/9/11/12/13. Entry-level positions typically start at GS-5 or GS-7, with journey-level at GS-11/12. Senior transportation specialists and supervisory positions can reach GS-13. Progression typically takes 4-7 years from entry to journey level with satisfactory performance.
Search USAJOBS for 'Transportation Specialist' or series '2101.' Federal resumes should detail your traffic management experience, carrier coordination, cost analysis skills, and transportation regulations knowledge. Veterans receive preference points - ensure your DD-214 reflects any transportation-related duties. Many positions are with DOD, GSA, and DHS.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.