Lowest Paying Job in the Federal Government: What You Need to Know

Believe it or not, federal government jobs aren’t all cushy or high-paying. There are roles out there with paychecks that might surprise you—and not in a good way. If you’re sizing up government work and want to dodge the lowest rung, you’ll want to know exactly where that bottom falls and how folks end up there.

See, the government has a pay system called the GS scale, short for General Schedule. It’s a grid of pay grades and steps—a GS-1 at step 1 is rock bottom. Think elevator operator, mail room clerk, or even a basic office helper. Back in 2025, a GS-1 step 1 in places without locality pay pulls in about $23,690 a year. Yup, that’s barely above minimum wage in plenty of states. Out in the DC area, locality pay bumps it up a bit, but the pay’s still tight.

If you’re prepping for government employment and see listings for GS-1 or GS-2, know what you’re getting into. These jobs are pretty basic—sorting mail, doing filing, running errands—but they can get your foot in the door. And let’s be real, sometimes that’s all you need to get started on a steady career path. But if you’re hoping for a quick big raise or cool assignments on day one, you might want to look at higher grades or agencies that need more specialized skills.

• How Federal Pay Grades Work
• Who Gets the Lowest Pay?
• What Does the Job Actually Involve?
• Why Do People Take These Jobs?
• Tips for Moving Up Fast

How Federal Pay Grades Work

If you’re thinking about working for Uncle Sam, you’ve probably seen those mysterious job links with a code like “GS-5” or “GS-9.” That’s the General Schedule pay scale—a big deal for anyone chasing a government job. This system decides what almost all federal employees get paid, especially those who aren’t in the military or special agencies like the FBI.

The General Schedule (GS) has 15 grades, starting with GS-1 and finishing with GS-15. Each grade means a bump in the level of work and responsibility. Inside each grade, there are also ten “steps,” which basically work as yearly raises. When you do your time and do your job, you usually move up a step each year within your grade, though things can move faster for high-performers (or if your boss is really rooting for you).

Most federal government jobs—especially stuff like office work, admin, or entry-level help—are somewhere between GS-1 and GS-7. If you’re fresh out of high school and don’t have much work experience, you’ll start with a lowest paying federal job at GS-1, step 1. But if you’ve got a college degree, you can skip a few grades and land at GS-5 or even GS-7 if your field lines up with what an agency wants.

Wondering how much cash we’re talking about? Here’s a quick look:

Keep in mind, these are the basic numbers for 2025 and don’t include “locality pay”—extra bucks for people living where costs are higher (like San Francisco or DC). So, that entry-level mail clerk in Kansas makes less than the same clerk in New York City.

If you want to move up fast, show up, learn the ropes, and don’t be afraid to put in for promotions. And remember, once you’re on the inside, benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and job stability can make even a lower-paying job a smart choice for some people, especially if you’re thinking long-term for your family, like I do for Eliana.

Who Gets the Lowest Pay?

Alright, let's get real about who actually lands those bottom-of-the-barrel federal jobs. The lowest paying federal gigs usually show up in the General Schedule, specifically at the GS-1 level. Yeah, that’s basically the first step on the ladder. It’s not just a pay scale legend—hundreds of entry-level positions actually use it.

These jobs often go to people just starting their careers or folks switching into government work without previous experience or a college degree. For example, think office assistants, mailroom clerks, or support staff—jobs that keep the building running but don’t call for any flashy credentials.

Notice how the "lowest paying federal job" typically falls under GS-1 and GS-2? These roles don’t require much beyond a high school diploma—and sometimes not even that. Some job postings just ask for the ability to follow instructions or do basic manual tasks. Teenagers and retirees sometimes go for these roles, either to start fresh or for some extra income.

Federal agencies like the VA, Department of Agriculture, or the National Park Service regularly hire for these jobs. Not every listing goes up on fancy websites; some positions are just posted locally for temp or seasonal help, especially in national parks or federal buildings.

One thing worth knowing: the real paycheck depends on location because of "locality pay"—a little extra to cover the cost of living in pricier places. But even with bumps, you’re looking at near-minimum-wage income for basic government support work. If you need quick entry to steady government employment, these roles are the most accessible starting line.

What Does the Job Actually Involve?

Jobs at the very bottom of the federal ladder are usually marked as GS-1 or GS-2. These are a far cry from the high-powered roles you might imagine. Instead, they’re super basic. Typical job titles might say “Clerk,” “Laborer,” “Messenger,” or “Mail Room Assistant.” Here’s what most of these folks actually do in a normal week:

• Sorting incoming and outgoing mail—think lots of paper cuts
• Filing and moving boxes of files (hello, government paperwork!)
• Answering phones or delivering messages from desk to desk
• Restocking office supplies and making coffee runs
• Cleaning and organizing storage areas, sometimes moving light furniture
• Occasional scanning, copying, and shredding paperwork

It’s hands-on manual work most days, and you’re likely standing or walking more than sitting. You’ll usually clock in for set hours, either full-time or part-time, but there’s almost no room for working from home—you can’t file or deliver stuff remotely. Managers count on you to be reliable and punctual above all, but there’s not a lot of decision-making or problem-solving expected at this level.

If you want concrete numbers, here’s a quick look at what the lowest paying federal jobs (usually lowest paying federal job is at the GS-1, Step 1 level) might look like salary-wise in 2025:

So if you’re considering one of these gigs, expect a lot of routine chores. The upside? No experience is required, and you get a foothold in the federal government. If you show up, work hard, and stick around, you can start thinking about better positions down the line.

Why Do People Take These Jobs?

It’s easy to wonder why anyone would sign up for the lowest paying federal job. The answer isn’t always about a love for desk work or sorting files all day. Sometimes, it’s about getting a foot in the door or making a smart, long-term move. Here’s what actually draws people to these roles:

• Entry Point for Young Adults: These jobs are open to recent high school grads or folks with little to no work history. They offer a first chance at steady work and government benefits, no fancy degree needed.
• Job Security: Even the lowest-level federal workers get a steady paycheck and the kind of job protection you just won’t find in most private sector gigs.
• Accessible Benefits: Federal jobs—no matter the pay grade—come with health coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and sometimes tuition help. Some people value these perks more than a bigger salary out the gate.
• Promotion Potential: Many start in these entry roles, work hard, and move up fast. The General Schedule has built-in paths for raises and promotions, so your paycheck isn’t stuck forever.
• Preference for Stability: If you’re caring for family or want reliable hours, these roles are predictable. No late nights or shift surprises.

Look how these jobs stack up for benefits versus a similarly low-wage retail gig:

And here’s something practical: In 2024, about 1,600 people held GS-1 positions, but many used them as a launchpad. Lots left for higher GS levels after only a year or two. So, while nobody brags about snagging the lowest paying federal job, for some, it’s just the beginning of a long government career.

Tips for Moving Up Fast

Landing at the bottom of the lowest paying federal job ladder doesn’t mean you’re stuck there. In fact, the federal government is built for people to climb if they know what levers to pull. You’re not doomed to sorting mail forever—unless you want to be.

The GS system has a straightforward promotion path, and agencies like to promote from within. According to the 2024 Office of Personnel Management report, roughly 23% of GS-1 and GS-2 staff move up a grade within their first year. Here’s what works if you want to bump your paycheck sooner rather than later:

• Get certified or take classes. Many agencies offer training. Completing popular courses (think Microsoft Office or project management basics) makes you way more competitive for higher-grade jobs.
• Ask your supervisor about Career Ladder Positions. Some federal jobs are designed for promotions if you hit clear milestones. Find out if you’re in one of these roles or how to transfer into one.
• Apply for openings inside your agency. Internal postings sometimes get less competition than the public job boards. Keep an eye out and don’t be shy about applying for step-up roles as soon as you qualify.
• Build relationships. Networking isn’t just for big companies. Get to know people a few grades above you—they’ve usually got the inside scoop on how to move up.

Here’s a quick table showing average time-in-grade requirements for entry-level jobs, according to federal agency guidelines:

Pro tip: Jumping more than one grade at a time is rare, but not impossible for high performers or people who finish college while working. If you’re enrolled in school, tell your HR rep—completing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree can speed up promotions.

And don’t underestimate the value of showing up, doing your job well, and making yourself useful. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to get noticed when a spot opens up.