What Is the Lowest Paying Job in the Federal Government?

When people think of federal government jobs, they often imagine stable careers with good benefits-maybe even high salaries. But not all federal jobs pay the same. In fact, some of the lowest-paying roles in the U.S. federal system earn barely above minimum wage, even though they’re full-time, benefits-covered positions. If you’re looking to get your foot in the door with no experience, these jobs exist-and they’re more common than you think.

What’s the lowest paying federal job?

The lowest paying federal job in 2025 is typically a GS-1, Step 1 position. These roles fall under the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, which is the standard pay system for most white-collar federal employees. As of January 2025, a GS-1, Step 1 employee in the continental U.S. earns $21,574 annually. That’s about $10.37 per hour for a 40-hour workweek. In Alaska and Hawaii, the pay is slightly higher due to locality adjustments, but still under $12 an hour.

These positions aren’t temporary gigs or internships. They’re full-time, permanent roles with full federal benefits: health insurance, retirement plans (FERS), paid leave, and job security. The pay is low, but the package is still better than many private-sector entry-level jobs without benefits.

What kind of jobs are GS-1 positions?

GS-1 jobs are entry-level roles that require no prior experience or formal education beyond a high school diploma. You don’t need a college degree. You don’t even need to know how to use a computer-though most do now. Common GS-1 jobs include:

• File clerk
• Mailroom assistant
• Office helper
• Janitorial staff (in some agencies)
• Data entry operator
• Receptionist (in small field offices)

These roles are often found in federal buildings, VA hospitals, IRS processing centers, Social Security offices, and military bases. They’re the backbone of day-to-day operations-handling paperwork, sorting mail, answering phones, keeping records. The work isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential.

For example, a GS-1 file clerk at the Department of Agriculture in rural Kansas might spend their day organizing paper files, labeling folders, and retrieving documents for inspectors. No advanced skills needed. Just accuracy and reliability.

Why do these jobs exist if they pay so little?

The federal government needs people to do basic, repetitive tasks. Automation hasn’t fully replaced these roles because many federal systems still rely on paper, legacy software, or strict compliance rules that make digital transitions slow. Also, some tasks require human oversight for security or legal reasons.

These positions are designed as stepping stones. The government uses them to hire people with little to no work history-recent high school grads, veterans without college, people re-entering the workforce, or those in rural areas with few job options. The pay is low, but the door is open. After one year of satisfactory performance, most GS-1 employees automatically move to GS-2. Then GS-3. And so on.

Many people start at GS-1 and end up in higher-paying roles like paralegals, IT support, or administrative officers within five years. It’s a career ladder built into the system.

How does GS pay compare to private sector entry-level jobs?

Let’s compare:

Even though the GS-1 salary is slightly lower than some retail or warehouse jobs, the benefits make it more valuable over time. A GS-1 employee gets paid leave from day one. They get subsidized health insurance that costs less than $50 a month. They get a pension plan that the employer contributes to. Private sector jobs rarely match that.

Who gets hired for these jobs?

Most GS-1 applicants are:

• Recent high school graduates with no college
• Veterans transitioning to civilian life
• People with criminal records who qualify for federal hiring programs
• Residents of rural or economically depressed areas with few local employers
• Individuals with disabilities who qualify for Schedule A hiring

The federal government actively recruits from these groups. There are special hiring authorities that allow agencies to bypass standard competitive exams for people in these categories. It’s one of the few places in the U.S. economy where someone with no college degree and no work history can get a full-time job with benefits.

How do you apply for a GS-1 job?

Applying is free and straightforward:

1. Go to USAJobs.gov (the official federal job site)
2. Search for “GS-1” or “Entry Level”
3. Filter by “No experience required”
4. Look for positions labeled “Open to All U.S. Citizens”
5. Submit your resume and complete the online application

You don’t need a cover letter. You don’t need references. You just need to answer a few basic questions about your work history and eligibility. The system automatically rates your application based on how well you match the job description.

Many people get hired within 30 to 60 days. Some wait longer, especially in high-demand areas like Washington D.C. or military bases. But the process is transparent. You can track your status online.

Can you live on a GS-1 salary?

It’s tight. But possible-if you’re young, live with family, or have minimal expenses. In rural areas, rent can be under $500 a month. In cities, it’s harder. Many GS-1 workers rely on food stamps, Medicaid, or housing assistance programs. The government doesn’t expect you to live comfortably on GS-1 pay. It expects you to grow into the job.

That’s the key: this isn’t a career end point. It’s a starting point. Most people who take GS-1 jobs don’t stay there. They learn the system. They take free training classes offered by their agency. They study for promotions. They move up to GS-5, GS-7, or even GS-9 within a few years.

What’s the next step after GS-1?

After one year of satisfactory performance, you automatically move to GS-2. Then GS-3. Each step comes with a 3-5% pay raise. At GS-5, you’re earning about $33,000 a year-close to the national median for entry-level jobs.

At GS-7, you’re earning $40,000-$48,000, depending on location. That’s when many people start to feel financially stable. Some use their federal job as a springboard to get a college degree through tuition assistance programs. Others become supervisors, auditors, or IT specialists.

The federal government doesn’t just hire you-it invests in your growth. Training, certifications, and tuition reimbursement are widely available. You just have to ask.

Is this the best job for you?

It’s not for everyone. If you want high pay, fast promotions, or creative freedom, this isn’t the path. But if you need stability, benefits, and a clear path forward-especially if you’re starting from zero-this is one of the most reliable ways to begin a career in the U.S.

Thousands of people start here. Some end up running entire departments. Others retire after 30 years with a pension and full healthcare. The system rewards patience. And if you’re willing to show up, learn, and grow, it rewards you.