Traffic Management
Positions involving management of transportation and traffic operations including freight and passenger movement.
💰GS-2130 Salary Information
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 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-2130
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in transportation, logistics, or business
OR
Experience: Experience in traffic management, transportation, or freight operations.
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):
- Upper third of graduating class in college/university or major subdivision
- GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 as recorded on official transcript, OR 3.5 or higher in major field
- Election to membership in national scholastic honor society
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.
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-2130
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal traffic management position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your 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).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-2130
Transportation Management Coordinator
This role directly aligns with traffic management duties, involving planning and coordinating transportation operations.
Cargo Movement
Traffic management pathway.
Distribution Management Specialist
Carrier selection, rate analysis, mode optimization, and freight documentation are the core of both MOS 3112 and the GS-2130 Traffic Management series. This is the closest federal match.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Plan transportation operations
- •Coordinate shipments
- •Negotiate rates with carriers
- •Monitor traffic flows
- •Resolve shipping problems
- •Ensure regulatory compliance
- •Manage freight programs
- •Analyze transportation costs
- •Develop routing plans
- •Prepare reports
🎯Key Competencies
Ability to plan traffic operations.
Skill in selecting transportation modes.
Ability to analyze freight rates.
Knowledge of traffic regulations.
Skill in determining shipping routes.
Ability to manage transportation costs.
Knowledge of traffic documentation.
Skill in negotiating rates and services.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-2130
What is a Traffic Management Specialist?
A Traffic Management Specialist (GS-2130) manages transportation and traffic operations for federal agencies, overseeing freight and passenger movement. They negotiate rates with carriers, coordinate shipments, analyze transportation costs, develop routing plans, and ensure regulatory compliance across government logistics operations.
How much does a federal Traffic Management Specialist make?
Federal Traffic Management Specialists earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) on the base pay scale. Journey-level positions at GS-11/12 earn $63,163-$98,422 annually. Locality pay adjustments increase total compensation by 15-30% based on geographic location.
What are the requirements for GS-2130 positions?
GS-2130 positions require a bachelor's degree in transportation, logistics, or business, OR equivalent experience in traffic management or freight operations. This is a two-grade interval series where education can substitute for experience through GS-11. Higher grades require demonstrated specialized experience at each level.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-2130?
Yes, military traffic management experience is highly valued. MOSs like Army 88N (Transportation Management Coordinator), Air Force 2T0 (Traffic Management), or Navy logistics ratings involving freight coordination directly qualify. Experience with military shipment routing, carrier negotiation, and Defense Transportation System counts as specialized experience.
What is the career progression for Traffic Management?
Traffic Management follows a two-grade interval ladder: GS-5/7/9/11/12/13. Entry positions typically start at GS-5 or GS-7. Journey-level is GS-11/12, handling complex rate negotiations and traffic program management. Senior positions at GS-13 involve program oversight and policy development.
How do I apply for GS-2130 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Traffic Management' or series '2130.' Your federal resume should emphasize carrier selection experience, rate analysis, regulatory knowledge, and cost control achievements. Major employers include Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC), GSA, and DHS. Veterans preference applies.
Ready to Apply for GS-2130?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.