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Why This Matters
GS-1 starts at $17,160, but with promotions, you could reach $114,528 at GS-15 Step 10. Your first step is just the beginning of your career path.
When people think of federal government jobs, they often imagine stable salaries, benefits, and steady career growth. But not all federal jobs pay the same. Some roles, especially entry-level ones, start at the very bottom of the pay scale - and that’s where the lowest paying federal jobs live.
What’s the Actual Starting Pay?
The lowest paying federal job in the U.S. government pays $17,160 per year as of 2026. That’s based on the GS-1, Step 1 pay rate under the General Schedule (GS) pay system, which covers most white-collar federal positions. This salary applies to full-time, year-round employees working in the continental United States. In Alaska and Hawaii, the pay is slightly higher due to locality adjustments, but still under $20,000.
This pay level isn’t for managers, engineers, or specialists. It’s for roles that require little to no prior experience - positions like:
- File Clerk (GS-1)
- Mailroom Assistant (GS-1)
- Office Aide (GS-1)
- Data Entry Clerk (GS-1)
- Junior Administrative Assistant (GS-1)
These jobs are often filled by students, recent high school graduates, or people transitioning into federal service. They don’t require a college degree. Some only need basic computer skills and the ability to follow simple instructions.
Why Do These Jobs Exist?
You might wonder: why does the federal government pay so little for some roles? The answer is simple - these jobs are designed as entry points, not careers.
The GS system is built to allow employees to move up. A GS-1 position isn’t meant to be a lifelong job. It’s a foot in the door. Most people who start here don’t stay long. They use it as a stepping stone to higher grades - GS-3, GS-5, GS-7 - often within a year or two. Many agencies actively promote from within, especially when they have high turnover.
For example, a mailroom assistant who shows up on time, learns how to use the internal filing system, and handles paperwork accurately might be promoted to GS-3 within six months. That jump alone raises their salary to over $24,000. From there, they can apply for clerical, administrative, or technical roles that pay more.
How Does the GS Pay Scale Work?
The General Schedule is the standard pay system for over 70% of federal civilian employees. It’s divided into 15 grades (GS-1 to GS-15), and each grade has 10 steps. Pay increases as you move up steps within a grade, usually after one to three years of satisfactory performance.
Here’s what the first few steps look like in 2026:
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | $17,160 | $17,748 | $18,336 |
| GS-2 | $19,476 | $20,136 | $20,796 |
| GS-3 | $22,128 | $22,860 | $23,592 |
| GS-5 | $27,888 | $28,824 | $29,760 |
Notice how big the jump is from GS-1 to GS-5? That’s intentional. The government wants people to grow. If you’re willing to learn and take on more responsibility, your pay can nearly double in just a couple of years.
What About Benefits?
While the salary looks low, federal jobs come with benefits that make a big difference. Even at GS-1, employees get:
- Health insurance (FEHB program - premiums start around $20/month for basic coverage)
- Dental and vision coverage (optional, low-cost)
- Retirement plan (FERS - government contributes 1% of your salary automatically)
- 13 days of paid leave per year (sick and annual leave combined)
- Federal holidays (11 paid days off per year)
- Flexible work schedules (many offices allow remote or hybrid work)
For someone without employer-sponsored health insurance, these benefits alone can be worth $8,000 to $10,000 a year. That’s not just a bonus - it’s part of the total compensation package.
Who Gets These Jobs?
These entry-level roles attract a mix of people:
- High school graduates looking for their first job
- College students working part-time while studying
- People returning to work after a break
- Those with limited education or skills seeking stable employment
Many of these positions are filled through USAJobs.gov, the official federal hiring site. You don’t need a resume in the traditional sense. Often, you just need to answer a few questions about your experience and pass a basic background check.
For example, a 17-year-old who just graduated high school can apply for a GS-1 data entry job at the Social Security Administration. They don’t need to know Excel - training is provided. Within a year, they might be managing small projects, and by 19, they could be on GS-5, earning over $27,000.
Are These Jobs Worth It?
If you’re looking for a high salary right away, no - these jobs aren’t for you. But if you need a stable, reliable job with room to grow, they’re one of the best options in the country.
Compare this to private-sector entry-level jobs. A retail associate at Walmart might make $15/hour - around $31,200 a year - but they don’t get health insurance unless they work 30+ hours a week. They don’t get paid holidays. They don’t get retirement contributions from their employer. And they can be laid off with no notice.
Federal jobs at the lowest level offer something rare: security. You won’t get rich, but you won’t go broke either. And if you’re willing to put in the work, you can climb out of the lowest pay grade faster than you think.
How to Get One of These Jobs
If you’re interested in applying for a GS-1 federal job, here’s how to start:
- Go to USAJobs.gov - the only official site for federal hiring
- Search for "GS-1" and filter by "Entry Level"
- Look for positions like "Administrative Assistant," "File Clerk," or "Office Support
- Fill out the application - answer the questions honestly
- Complete the background check (usually takes 2-6 weeks)
- Wait for an offer - many agencies hire quickly for these roles
You don’t need a college degree. You don’t need experience. You just need to be reliable.
What Comes After GS-1?
Once you’re in, the real opportunity begins. Federal agencies invest in training. Many offer tuition reimbursement for employees who want to go to college. Some even sponsor certifications in areas like IT, accounting, or project management.
After a few years, GS-1 employees often move into:
- GS-5: Administrative Specialist
- GS-7: Junior Analyst
- GS-9: Case Worker or Technical Assistant
Some even become managers. Others use their federal experience to land better jobs in the private sector - with a resume that says "U.S. Government" on it.
Final Thought: It’s Not About the Starting Pay
The lowest paying federal job isn’t the end of the road. It’s the beginning. For many, it’s the first time they’ve had a steady paycheck, health insurance, and a path forward. It’s not glamorous. But it’s real. And in a world where entry-level jobs are disappearing, that matters.
If you’re starting from scratch, this might be your best shot at building something stable. Don’t look at the salary and walk away. Look at the system - and see how far you can go.
What is the lowest paying federal job in 2026?
The lowest paying federal job in 2026 is a GS-1, Step 1 position, which pays $17,160 annually for full-time work in the continental U.S. These roles include File Clerk, Mailroom Assistant, and Data Entry Clerk - jobs that require no prior experience or college degree.
Do federal jobs pay more than private sector entry-level jobs?
It depends. On salary alone, many private-sector jobs like retail or food service pay more upfront. But federal jobs include benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, paid leave, and job security - which often make the total compensation package better, especially for people without other benefits.
Can you live on a GS-1 salary?
It’s tight, but possible - especially if you live with family, share housing, or work part-time on the side. Many GS-1 employees are students or young adults who don’t have major financial responsibilities. The real value comes from benefits and the chance to move up quickly.
How fast can you move up from GS-1?
Most employees move to GS-3 within 6 to 12 months if they perform well. Some reach GS-5 in under two years. Promotion depends on performance, availability of positions, and willingness to take on more responsibility. Agencies often encourage internal growth.
Do you need a degree to get a GS-1 job?
No. GS-1 positions do not require a college degree. A high school diploma or equivalent is often enough. Training is provided on the job. The main requirements are reliability, basic computer skills, and the ability to follow instructions.
