How long does it take to become a GS-14?

[Anonymous]

It took me five years to go from 9 to 14, and another 3.5 years to go to 15. I actually had to wait two years to go from 13 to 14 per the policy of my division, but others in the department in different areas went straight to 14 after a year. Depends on your track and agency.

[Anonymous]

You need a PhD. Get in at GS13, do a good job for 2 years, then get to GS14. I've seen it for so many people..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went from 13 to 15 in only a few years. I think its easier if you have an advanced degree or other credentials that would allow you to make substantially more if you worked in the private sector. Lawyers and doctors etc. move through the pay scale very quickly.

i mean lawyers, doctors, phds need the quick progression or they all leave really really quickly.

[Anonymous]

One year. Promoted from 12.

[Anonymous]

GS 7 for 1 year
GS 9 for 1 year
Got a ladder for 11/12 so:
GS 11 for 1 year
GS 12 for 4 years
GS 13 for 1

It's doable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You need a PhD. Get in at GS13, do a good job for 2 years, then get to GS14. I've seen it for so many people..

This is agency and job dependent. Virtually everyone in my role has a Ph.D. It’s listed as a 12-13, and you have to apply to a separate senior position to get the 14. There are tons of people who don’t get the 14 for years and years because they only give it to the best couple of people each year.

I got mine relatively quickly (specialized in niche/challenging work) but to get a 15 you have to be in management and not all management positions are 15s even when they are a ton of work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You need a PhD. Get in at GS13, do a good job for 2 years, then get to GS14. I've seen it for so many people..

This is agency and job dependent. Virtually everyone in my role has a Ph.D. It’s listed as a 12-13, and you have to apply to a separate senior position to get the 14. There are tons of people who don’t get the 14 for years and years because they only give it to the best couple of people each year.

I got mine relatively quickly (specialized in niche/challenging work) but to get a 15 you have to be in management and not all management positions are 15s even when they are a ton of work.

+1 My division has a ton of 14s and 15s and no one is going by Dr. So and So. Unless they are hiding it, there are no Ph.Ds. Many of them are leads and branch chiefs, but also a fair amount of non-supervisory. My complete speculation is that many have a Masters in something.