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Gs 12 information

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How much do gs 12 jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for gs 12 in the United States is $52.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.27 and $60.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a GS-12 (General Schedule Grade 12) federal employee, and why are they important?

To succeed as a GS-12 federal employee, you generally need advanced knowledge in your field, a relevant bachelor's or master's degree, and several years of specialized experience. Familiarity with government-specific systems like USA Staffing, federal regulations, and relevant technical tools or certifications is often required. Strong written and verbal communication, analytical thinking, and the ability to collaborate effectively within teams set outstanding candidates apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for managing complex projects, ensuring compliance, and delivering impactful results in a federal workplace.

What are the typical career progression opportunities for someone in a GS-12 position within the federal government?

A GS-12 position is considered a mid-level professional or technical role within the federal government. Employees at this grade often have significant responsibilities and may supervise lower-grade staff. Advancement opportunities typically include promotion to GS-13 and higher grades, which involve greater leadership, management, or subject-matter expertise. Many agencies offer structured career development programs, mentorship, and training to support advancement. Networking, continued education, and strong performance reviews are key factors in progressing to higher-grade positions.

What is a GS-12 position?

A GS-12 position is a pay grade within the General Schedule (GS) classification system used by the United States federal government to determine salaries and job responsibilities for civilian employees. GS-12 roles are considered mid-level professional or management positions and typically require at least a bachelor's degree and significant experience in the relevant field. Employees at this level often perform complex technical, administrative, or supervisory work and may serve as project leaders or specialists within their organizations.

What is the difference between Gs 12 vs Gs 13?

CriteriaGs 12Gs 13
Required credentialsBachelor's degree often requiredBachelor's degree, sometimes master's preferred
Work environmentOffice, administrative, technical rolesMore complex projects, supervisory tasks
Employer and industry usageFederal agencies, administrative rolesFederal agencies, specialized technical roles
Common search and comparison intentUnderstanding entry to mid-level federal rolesAdvancement to higher-level federal positions

The main difference between Gs 12 and Gs 13 lies in the level of responsibility and required credentials. Gs 13 positions typically involve more complex tasks, supervisory duties, and often require additional education or experience. Gs 12 roles are generally more focused on technical or administrative functions suitable for those with a bachelor's degree. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the appropriate level for their skills and career goals within federal employment.

More about Gs 12 jobs
What states have the most Gs 12 jobs? States with the most job openings for Gs 12 jobs include:
Infographic showing various Gs 12 job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,058 per year, or $52.9 per hour.
Criminal Investigator, GS-1811-12/13 (MP)

Criminal Investigator, GS-1811-12/13 (MP)

US Department of Education

Houston, TX

$89.51K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


U.S. Department Of Education rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 97 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

475th of 639 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This position is located in the Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, Investigation Services.  As a Criminal Investigator, the incumbent of this position will be responsible for investigations involving allegations of suspected violations of criminal statutes as they relate to fraud or corruption in various Department of Education programs.

This is an open continuous announcement to fill current and future vacancies, until 12/31/2026.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

Specialized Experience for the GS-12 level:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level or equivalent public or private sector experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the following duties or work assignments below:

  1. Conducting the full range of criminal investigations of greater than average complexity and importance using accepted methodology and problem-solving techniques.
  2. Serving as a lead agent in planning and conducting investigations, operations, searches, seizures, or arrests.
  3. Reviewing evidence and preparing case reports at the conclusion of a criminal investigation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

The quality of your experience will be measured by the extent to which you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs).  You do not need to provide separate narrative responses to these KSAs as they will be measured by your responses to the occupational questionnaire (you may preview the occupational questionnaire by clicking the link at the end of the Evaluations section of this vacancy announcement).

  1. Knowledge of and skill in applying investigative approaches and techniques to gather information and evidence. 
  2. Understanding of federal statutes and regulations.
  3. Ability to plan, interact, work effectively with others.
  4. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  5. Knowledge of and skill in analyzing and organizing data and in presenting facts and analyses in writing.
  6. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to meet essential deadlines.
  7. Skilled in use of computers and computer software including work processing, spreadsheets, email, and Internet search engines.

Specialized Experience for the GS-13 level:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level or equivalent public or private sector experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the three (3) following duties or work assignments below:

  1. Applying a wide range of criminal investigative, enforcement, laws, regulations, guidelines, and precedent decisions.
  2. Identifying significant sources of information to detect illegal activity and document issues or probable cause and conduct investigations to determine if violations have occurred.
  3. Communicating orally and in writing to prepare and present reports, briefings, and/or exchange information.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

The quality of your experience will be measured by the extent to which you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs).  You do not need to provide separate narrative responses to these KSAs as they will be measured by your responses to the occupational questionnaire (you may preview the occupational questionnaire by clicking the link at the end of the Evaluations section of this vacancy announcement).

  1. Independently apply investigative approaches and techniques to gather information and evidence.
  2. Understanding of federal statutes and regulations.
  3. Ability to plan, interact, work effectively with others.
  4. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  5. Knowledge of and skill in analyzing and organizing data and in presenting facts and analyses in writing.
  6. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to meet essential deadlines.
  7. Skilled in basic use of computers and computer software including work processing, spreadsheets, email, and Internet search engines.

Individual Occupation Requirement (IOR):  Medical Requirements: The duties of positions in this series require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather.  Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, and knee joints is required.  Arms, hands, legs, and feet must be sufficiently intact and functioning in order that applicants may perform the duties satisfactorily.  Sufficiently good vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required to perform the duties satisfactorily.  Near vision, corrective lenses permitted, must be sufficient to read printed material the size of typewritten characters.  Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 35 decibels at 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz levels.  Since the duties of these positions are exacting and responsible, and involve activities under trying conditions, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability.  Any physical condition that would cause the applicant to be a hazard to himself/herself, or others is disqualifying.

Agent Training: Applicant must have already satisfactorily completed the Basic Criminal Investigative Training Program (CITP) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia, or its equivalent.

Mobility Plan:  New employees hired pursuant to this vacancy announcement must sign a mobility agreement. The purpose of the mobility policy is to meet the needs of the OIG.

Education:

Education cannot be substituted for experience for this position and grade level.

Employment Type: OTHER

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