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Gs Scale Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$57K - $82K/yr

The USPS OIG uses a Pay Banding system which is equivalent to the Federal GS scale. Grade and salary determinations will be made based upon a candidate's education and professional experience. This ...

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Gs Scale information

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$12

$17

$22

How much do gs scale jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for gs scale in the United States is $17.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does being on the GS (General Schedule) pay scale impact opportunities for career advancement within federal government roles?

Working in a position classified under the GS (General Schedule) pay scale provides a structured path for career advancement in the federal government. Employees can progress through steps within their current grade based on performance and years of service, and may also apply for higher-grade positions as they gain experience and demonstrate qualifications. Advancement often depends on a combination of merit, tenure, and completion of training or educational requirements. The GS system promotes transparency and fairness in promotions but can be competitive, so actively seeking professional development and networking within your agency can help accelerate your growth.

What is a GS 7 position?

A GS-7 position is a federal government job classified at the General Schedule pay grade 7, typically requiring a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. It often involves entry-level professional or technical work and offers a salary range set by the GS pay scale, with opportunities for advancement based on performance and experience.

Is GS 12 a good salary?

GS 12 is a mid-level federal government salary grade, typically corresponding to a salary range of approximately $71,000 to $92,000 annually, depending on location and step within the grade. It is considered a competitive salary for experienced professionals with specialized skills and often includes benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

What is the GS Scale?

The GS Scale, or General Schedule, is the pay scale used for most federal employees in the United States, specifically those in professional, technical, administrative, and clerical positions. It consists of 15 grades (GS-1 to GS-15), each with 10 steps that determine pay based on experience and performance. The GS Scale helps standardize salaries across different agencies and locations, though locality pay adjustments can increase base pay in higher-cost areas. Promotions and step increases typically occur based on years of service and satisfactory job performance. Understanding the GS Scale is essential for anyone considering a federal government career.

What is the difference between Gs Scale vs Civil Engineer?

AspectGs ScaleCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically none; federal pay grade systemBachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, federal agenciesConstruction sites, engineering firms, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageU.S. federal government for salary gradingPrivate and public sector infrastructure projects
Comparison Search IntentUnderstanding federal pay gradesUnderstanding civil engineering roles and salaries

The Gs Scale is a federal pay grade system used to determine salaries for government employees, while a Civil Engineer is a professional responsible for designing and overseeing construction projects. The Gs Scale provides a standardized salary structure, whereas civil engineers focus on project execution and technical expertise. Both are integral to government infrastructure projects, but they serve different functions within the industry.

What are the GS levels in order?

The General Schedule (GS) pay scale for federal employees includes levels GS-1 through GS-15, with GS-1 being entry-level and GS-15 representing senior positions. GS-13 and GS-14 are often considered mid- to high-level roles, while GS-15 is typically the highest level before senior executive service positions. Promotions generally involve increased responsibilities, skills, and experience, and may require competitive selection or additional qualifications.

Is GS 13 a high position?

GS-13 is considered a mid- to upper-level position within the General Schedule pay scale used for federal government jobs. It typically requires several years of experience and advanced skills, and it often involves supervisory or specialized responsibilities. While not the highest grade, it is regarded as a senior role with increased responsibilities and pay compared to lower GS levels.

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

To thrive as a GS federal employee, you typically need relevant education or experience for the specific position, strong analytical abilities, and knowledge of government procedures. Familiarity with federal HR systems like USAJOBS, proficiency in office software, and sometimes security clearances are often required. Strong communication, organizational skills, and adaptability are important soft skills for effective collaboration and navigating complex bureaucratic environments. These competencies ensure employees can efficiently fulfill their duties, comply with regulations, and contribute to public service goals.
What cities are hiring for Gs Scale jobs? Cities with the most Gs Scale job openings:
What states have the most Gs Scale jobs? States with the most job openings for Gs Scale jobs include:
Infographic showing various Gs Scale job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,032 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Business Analyst

Office of the Inspector General, USPS

Arlington, VA • On-site, Remote

$70K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Summary
*PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL, UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE, UNITED STATES POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE AND POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION EMPLOYEES. OTHER APPLICANTS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
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Duties
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This announcement provides the opportunity for a reassignment/promotion to the Business Analyst position in our Research & Insights Solution Center (RISC), located in Arlington, VA. Bring your skills and voice to our team!
The OIG's Research unit conducts innovative research and analysis on economic, business, strategy, operational, and public policy issues affecting the Postal Service. Please view our white papers at Reports | Office of Inspector General OIG (uspsoig.gov). Look for RISC or RARC (before 2019) in the report name.
We are increasingly focused on addressing USPS's financial condition, which requires deeper analysis of financial and operational data to explain USPS performance trends and evaluate potential solutions. The Business Analyst will strengthen our research goals by further grounding our policy analysis in rigorous, quantitative models and evidence and by providing a clearer understanding of USPS's position in the broader market and compared with industry standards. The analyst will regularly monitor strategies, productivity, investments, market trends, and industry practices to draw conclusions relevant to the Postal Service.
Candidates will be evaluated on the skills that they possess that are directly related to the duties of the position and the experience, education and training that indicate the applicant's ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position. Only those candidates who meet all qualification and eligibility requirements and who submit the required information by 11:59 PM EST on 07/31/2026 will be considered.
The USPS OIG uses a Pay Banding system, which is equivalent to the Federal GS scale. Grade and salary determinations will be made based upon a candidate's education and professional experience.
This position is being advertised at the Journey Band level, equivalent to a GS-9 to GS-13. The salary range for this position is $70,623.00 - $158,322.00. The salary figures include locality pay. Promotion potential to a GS-13 equivalent is at management's discretion.
Please note that the duties and responsibilities associated with this position may vary based upon the agency's needs at the time of hire. The following description of major duties and responsibilities is only intended to give applicants a general overview of the expectations.
  • Break down USPS's financial statements, cost structures, and operating trends to surface a more insightful picture of long-term financial health and contextualize USPS performance relative to other players and comparable organizations.
  • Monitor and evaluate emerging trends such as ecommerce growth, automation, labor pressures, pricing dynamics, and capital investment patterns to help develop public white papers or other written materials in compliance with the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) Blue Book Standards for Inspection and Evaluation.
  • Evaluate the potential impact of changes to postal policy, strategy, and/or legislation on the Postal Service's finances.
  • Present research findings in public forums, and conduct meetings with internal leadership, the Postal Service, and other external stakeholders to discuss project plans and outcomes.
  • Prepare and organize presentations and events that engage internal and external stakeholders and lead to the expression of new ideas.
  • Contribute to the creation of diverse content formats, in addition to traditional white papers, for presenting research findings and reaching a wider audience. Formats may include digital stories, podcasts, dashboards, and presentations at internal/external online and in-person events (e.g., webinars and expert panels).

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must be able to pass a drug screening
  • Must be able to pass a background investigation
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain Moderate Background Investigations security clearance
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a government-issued credit card
  • May be required to successfully complete a 12-month probationary period

Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
You must meet ALL of the minimum qualifications listed below.
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field such as business administration, finance, economics, public policy, or data analysis.

AND
  • At least 3 years of professional experience in planning and conducting market or business analysis using both quantitative and qualitative methods, including data analysis, to develop public-facing reports.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
  • Ability to think strategically by analyzing complex issues, anticipating risks and opportunities, and connecting data to broader trends, identifying implications for decisionmakers, and shaping recommendations.
  • Demonstrated experience conducting quantitative data analysis using various methodologies to identify market trends and benchmark industry practices, generate findings, and support evidence-based conclusions.
  • Strong written communication skills, with experience producing reports that meet rigorous quality standards and are tailored to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Effective verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex ideas clearly to internal and external stakeholders at various levels.
  • Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Flexibility and adaptability in managing shifting priorities and contributing to a team-oriented culture.

EVALUATION FACTORS
You must have the experience, knowledge and skills as listed in EACH of the evaluation factors. Failure to demonstrate that you meet all of the evaluation factor requirements as listed below will result in a score of zero (0); an ineligible status, and you will not be referred for further consideration. Include your major accomplishments relevant to the position requirements in your resume.
1. Demonstrated experience reviewing and interpreting corporate financial data including balance sheets, cash flow statements, 10-Ks, and other documents.
2. Interest in or experience with Postal Service operations or regulated industries, domestically or internationally.
3. Demonstrated ability to conduct qualitative and quantitative research and analysis. Proven track record of compiling these insights into high-quality analytical reports, white papers, briefs, and other professional written deliverables tailored to various audiences.
4. Ability to utilize advanced analytical methodologies, statistical tools, or business intelligence to manipulate data, build financial models, and forecast/interpret market trends.
5. Ability to express and present ideas clearly and concisely, both in writing and orally.
You will no longer be considered for this position if you: fail to respond to all of the questions in the self-assessment questionnaire; fail to address a factor in the narrative section (no response or "See resume" or similar language will be scored a zero (0)); or receive a zero (0) rating on any evaluation factor.
Failure to demonstrate that you meet all evaluation factor requirements will result in a score of zero (0). Upon receipt of a zero score, you will be deemed "not minimally qualified," and you will not be referred for further consideration.
Education
Education must be accredited by an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Applicants can verify accreditation here: https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/higher-education-laws-and-policy/college-accreditation.
Special Instructions for Candidates with Foreign Education:
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to that gained in U.S. education programs. You must submit all necessary documents to a private U.S. credential evaluation service to interpret equivalency of your education against courses given in U.S. accredited colleges and universities.
For further information visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications.
Additional information
Pay is only part of the compensation you will earn working for the USPS OIG. We offer a broad array of benefits programs:
As a result of the passage of the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 (PSRA), USPS employees (including USPS OIG) and retirees will transition from the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program to the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program effective January 1, 2025. Detailed information about eligibility and enrollment will be provided upon hiring. For more information, visit the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program website at https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/pshb/.
We offer Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Long-Term Care Insurances with Flexible Spending options as well.For more information about these programs visit: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/Guide-Me/Federal-Employees/
Retirement and Thrift Savings. For more information about these programs see https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/ and tsp.gov/.
Flexible Work Schedules. USPS OIG offers a range of family-friendly flexibilities including flexible work schedules, telework and employee assistance programs.
Leave and Holidays. In addition to eleven (11) paid holidays each year, you will earn thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave and thirteen (13) to twenty-six (26) paid vacation days each year depending on your years of service.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Status: Exempt (Nonexempt employees are entitled to overtime pay; Exempt employees are not).
This agency provides Reasonable Accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodations for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please send an email to jobs@uspsoig.gov. The decision on granting an accommodation request will be made on a case-by-case basis.
For further information, please refer to our website at: https://www.uspsoig.gov/frequently-asked-questions
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.