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What do the different "grades" for government jobs mean?

I am trying to apply for a government job but I don't know my "grade". I have never worked for the government and I don't have a security clearance.

Public Comments

1. In the Federal govt, grades refer to the salaries and wage scale. The higher the grade or "GS" the more money you make but also the more responsibility you assume. Executives are paid on the ES scale.
2. To be as ambiguous as possible, depends on the government job! State, local, federal? What are you wondering about? Generally, you can find some sort of job classification associated with the grade, and there should be a level of responsibility associated with that grade... Usually, the higher the number, the more money and responsibility and skill required!
3. Depending on the types of jobs you are applying for your grade will depend on your education. Most GS-9 and above jobs require a Master's degree. GS-7 normally require a bachelors but it is possible to get that position based on experience. Below the GS-7 level experience will do.
4. www.usajobs.gov is the federal job site, managed by OPM. A few tips: 1) Register on the site and check daily for new positions in your area. 2)When you find a job, fill out the questionaire completely and thoroughly. List specific tasks you did for that job skill, no "fuzzy" language. 3)Follow the instructions completely. If it says send transcript, do it. Copies are often allowed at the beginning of the process. Do not leave any areas blank or "later". 4)Never assume you have the position because you applied. Continue applying for additional positions. 5)You may hear nothing regarding the position. HR is overwhelmed and it takes months to send out "rejection" ltrs. 6)Within federal employment, once you get hired, you can apply to move up. Most people know nothing about working for the federal gov't. The pay is steady, benefits are good, promotion potential at every level. Plus you can work anywhere and take your grade level with you. Good luck.