GS-0482 Fish Biology — Federal Salary & Workforce Data (2026)
Federal Fish Biologist — GS-0482. The verified average salary for GS-0482 Fish Biologys is $116,151/year (OPM FedScope, 2026). Data from 1,630 non-redacted OPM records (April 2026).
Salary Source: OPM Federal Workforce Data (EHRI Snapshot, April 2026) • Records included: 1,630 • Redaction rate: 4.7%
GS-0482 Fish Biology — Pay at a Glance
The GS-0482 Fish Biology series showed 1,630 non-redacted federal employees in the April 2026 OPM snapshot. The verified average salary is $116,151/year (OPM FedScope, 2026). Use our GS Pay Calculator for your exact salary by grade, step, and location.
$116K
GS-0482 verified avg salary (2026)
1.6K
Non-redacted OPM records
GS-0482
OPM occupational series
Salary = base pay + locality pay; excludes benefits. REDACTED records (OPM data release policy) are excluded from averages. Pay plan: General Schedule (GS). View occupation salary detail on OPM FedScope →
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GS-0482 Employment Overview
| Metric | Value | Source & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Series Salary | $116,151 | OPM EHRI Snapshot (April 2026). 1,630 non-redacted records. Base + locality pay; excludes benefits. |
| Non-redacted records (sample size) | 1,630 | OPM EHRI Employment Snapshot, April 2026. REDACTED records excluded per OPM data release policy. |
| Redaction rate | 4.7% | OPM redacts salary records for privacy-sensitive positions (DoD, law enforcement, intelligence). FedTools suppresses series averages when redaction exceeds 20%. |
| Pay plan(s) | General Schedule (GS) | Primary pay plan(s) used for this occupational series in the federal government. |
| Typical grades | GS-5 to GS-13 | Most common grade range for this series. Actual assignment depends on the position description and agency. |
| Locality pay | 17.06% – 44.15% | Varies by duty station across 58 OPM pay areas. Rate × base pay = locality supplement. Included in the average salary above. |
| Pay cap (2026) | $197,200 | Executive Schedule Level IV. Applies to GS employees whose locality-adjusted salary would exceed this amount. Title 38 and special pay plans may exceed this cap. |
Top Agencies Employing GS-0482 Fish Biologys
Based on OPM EHRI Employment Snapshot (April 2026). Actual grade, step, and locality assignment varies by position and location.
- ✓U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS / Interior)
- ✓National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS / NOAA / Commerce)
- ✓U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (DoD)
- ✓Bureau of Reclamation (Interior)
Key Duties — GS-0482 Fish Biology
Representative duties for the 0482 occupational series based on OPM classification standards. Specific responsibilities vary by position and agency.
- →Freshwater and anadromous fish population surveys and assessment
- →Endangered Species Act consultation for fisheries impacts
- →National fish hatchery operations and management (FWS)
- →Fisheries stock assessment and sustainable yield analysis (NMFS)
- →Aquatic habitat restoration and dam passage evaluation
About the GS-0482 Fish Biology Series
Federal Fish Biologists specialize in freshwater and anadromous (sea-run) fish, distinct from marine fisheries management handled by NOAA/NMFS. The FWS operates 70 National Fish Hatcheries producing fish for restoration and tribal treaty obligations. NMFS manages fisheries in federal waters (3–200 miles offshore) for commercial and recreational stocks. Most positions require a B.S. in fisheries biology, ecology, or a related natural science. The $116,151 average — near the government-wide mean — reflects a balanced grade distribution from field biologists at GS-7/9 to senior fisheries scientists and program leads at GS-13.
Calculate Your Exact GS-0482 Salary
Your actual pay depends on your GS grade, step, and duty station locality. Use our free calculator for an instant, accurate result.
GS-0482 Fish Biology — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a GS-0482 Fish Biology?↓
The verified average salary for the GS-0482 Fish Biology series is $116,151 as of 2026, based on OPM EHRI Employment Snapshot data (1,630 non-redacted records; 4.7% redaction rate). Use our GS Pay Calculator to find your exact pay by grade, step, and duty station.
What GS grades apply to the 0482 series?↓
The GS-0482 Fish Biology series typically spans GS-5 to GS-13. Actual grade assignment depends on the position description, agency, and your qualifications. Use our GS Pay Calculator to look up the exact salary for any grade, step, and locality.
Which agencies employ GS-0482 Fish Biologys?↓
The largest federal employers of GS-0482 Fish Biologys include: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS / Interior), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS / NOAA / Commerce), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (DoD), Bureau of Reclamation (Interior). These figures are based on the OPM EHRI Employment Snapshot (April 2026).
How is federal pay determined for GS-0482 positions?↓
Federal civilian pay for GS positions = Base Pay (by grade and step) × (1 + Locality Rate). The GS table has 15 grades (GS-1 through GS-15) and 10 steps per grade. Locality adjustments range from 17.06% (Rest of U.S.) to over 44% in San Jose–San Francisco. Use our GS Pay Calculator for an instant result.
Do GS-0482 federal employees receive FERS retirement benefits?↓
Yes, most GS-0482 positions qualify for the full federal benefits package: FERS pension (1–1.1% × High-3 Salary × Years of Service), TSP with up to 5% agency match, FEHB health insurance (government pays ~70% of premium), FEGLI life insurance, and FEDVIP dental/vision. Use our FERS Retirement Calculator to estimate your retirement income.
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Data Accuracy Notice (YMYL): Salary figures are from the OPM Federal Workforce Data portal (EHRI Employment Snapshot, April 2026). The
annualized_adjusted_basic_pay field captures base pay + locality pay under all pay plans (GS, Title 38, special rates). REDACTED records are excluded per OPM data release policy. FedTools publishes series-specific averages only when the non-redacted sample is representative (redaction ≤ 20%, n ≥ 50). This page does not constitute financial or career advice. Always verify current pay rates with your agency HR office and OPM.gov.