U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) / Department of State / General Physical Science

Job-title file

General Physical Science

Carry out the duties of this position in support of the agency's public mission.

20 employees hold this title in Department of State. Median total compensation for the role is $181,216, above the department median of $133,692.

Employees: 20
Total payroll: $3.3M
Role median: $181,216
Agency median: $133,692
Comparison: Above

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$102,849$212,055+

Hover a bar for its range; click to filter the list below.

How total compensation varies among the 20 people in this role. Even for one job title, pay differs with seniority, step, overtime, and tenure. Each bar is a pay range; the far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Compared with the local labor market

General Physical Science pay vs. the United States

Across all employers in the United States, the median wage for Physical Scientists, All Other — about 22,300 people — is $122,570. Department of State pays a median base salary of $181,216 for this role, 48% above that figure — about the 84th percentile of local pay for the occupation.

Where Department of State sits in the local pay range

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$67,000

$86,620

$122,570

$161,890

$195,190

Department of State median · $181,216

The bar is the range of annual wages for Physical Scientists, All Other across every employer in the United States, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, with the middle 50% highlighted. The marker shows Department of State’s median base salary for this role. Both figures are base pay only.

Median total compensation for this role at Department of State is $181,216, which includes overtime and employer-paid benefits. The benchmark above excludes both, so total compensation is deliberately not compared against it.

Benchmark: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) covers all employers in the area — private, non-profit, and government alike — so this is a comparison against the whole local labor market for the occupation, not against private-sector pay. OEWS wages are straight-time pay and exclude overtime, shift differentials, and employer-paid benefits, so the government figure shown here is base pay on the same basis. Total compensation is not comparable to it. Job titles are matched to the closest standard occupation, so the comparison is between similar work rather than an identical job classification.

Compare departments

This role across U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)

General Physical Science is held in 24 U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) departments. In Department of State, the median of $181,216 ranks #3 of 24.

Highest-paying departments for this role

National Science Foundation

$204,000 · 157

Nat Aeronautics and Space Administration

$185,824 · 496

Department of Justice

$171,923 · 11

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

$169,743 · 126

Department of Housing and Urban Developm

$162,629 · 5

International Joint Cmsn: U.S. & Canada

$162,166 · 4

U.S. Agency for International Development

$159,473 · 13

Office of Management and Budget

$157,983 · 2

Department of Commerce

$157,631 · 1,154

Department of Transportation

$154,917 · 26

Nat Archives and Records Administration

$153,345 · 4

Department of Homeland Security

$153,336 · 81

Median total compensation for the General Physical Science role in other U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)departments (highest first). Each bar links to that department’s page for this role.

Record list

Employees with this title

Page 1

Patricia Gruber

General Physical Science/Department of State

2024 total comp

$212,100

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $212,100
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $212,100
Pay grade: 00
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $212,100
Basic Pay (before locality): $212,100
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): SL

Patricia Gruber is a General Physical Science at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2024 total compensation came to $212,100. They are classified at grade 00.

James Adams

General Physical Science/Department of State

2024 total comp

$211,982

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $211,982
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $211,982
Pay grade: 00
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $211,982
Basic Pay (before locality): $211,982
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 33
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): SL

At Department of State, James Adams serves as a General Physical Science based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $211,982. They are classified at grade 00.

Kirsten Cutler

General Physical Science/Department of State

2024 total comp

$206,784

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $206,784
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $206,784
Pay grade: 00
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $206,784
Basic Pay (before locality): $206,784
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 21
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): SL

Kirsten Cutler works as a General Physical Science for Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. Kirsten earned $206,784 in 2024. Their pay grade is 00.

Rong-Song Jih

General Physical Science/Department of State

2024 total comp

$191,900

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $191,900
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $191,900
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $191,900
Basic Pay (before locality): $147,647
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 28
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Rong-Song Jih is a General Physical Science at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2024 total compensation came to $191,900. They are classified at grade 15.

Maher Tadros

General Physical Science/Department of State

2024 total comp

$191,900

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $191,900
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $191,900
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $191,900
Basic Pay (before locality): $159,950
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 17
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Maher Tadros holds the role of General Physical Science at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2024, their total compensation was $191,900. Their pay grade is 15.

Joel Zlotnick

General Physical Science/Department of State

2024 total comp

$191,900

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $191,900
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $191,900
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $191,900
Basic Pay (before locality): $151,748
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 25
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Joel Zlotnick is a General Physical Science at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2024 total compensation came to $191,900. They are classified at grade 15.

Donald Clagett

General Physical Science/Department of State

2024 total comp

$181,216

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $181,216
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $181,216
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $181,216
Basic Pay (before locality): $135,987
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 19
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Donald Clagett is a General Physical Science at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2024 total compensation came to $181,216. They are classified at grade 14.

Robert Douglas

General Physical Science/Department of State

2024 total comp

$181,216

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $181,216
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $181,216
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $181,216
Basic Pay (before locality): $135,987
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Robert Douglas works as a General Physical Science for Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. Robert earned $181,216 in 2024. Their pay grade is 14.

Traci Moran

General Physical Science/Department of State

2024 total comp

$181,216

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $181,216
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $181,216
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $181,216
Basic Pay (before locality): $135,987
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 30
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Traci Moran holds the role of General Physical Science at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2024, their total compensation was $181,216. Their pay grade is 14.

Terrill Ray

General Physical Science/Department of State

2024 total comp

$181,216

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $181,216
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $181,216
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $181,216
Basic Pay (before locality): $135,987
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 28
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Terrill Ray is a General Physical Science at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2024 total compensation came to $181,216. They are classified at grade 14.

Daniel Wurmser

General Physical Science/Department of State

2024 total comp

$181,216

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $181,216
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $181,216
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $181,216
Basic Pay (before locality): $135,987
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 31
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Daniel Wurmser is a General Physical Science at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2024 total compensation came to $181,216. They are classified at grade 14.

Tony Hassler

General Physical Science/Department of State

2024 total comp

$162,629

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $162,629
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $162,629
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $162,629
Basic Pay (before locality): $122,039
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 1
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of State, Tony Hassler serves as a General Physical Science based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $162,629. They are classified at grade 14.

Dan Fenstermacher

General Physical Science/Department of State

2024 total comp

$159,950

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $159,950
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $159,950
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $159,950
Basic Pay (before locality): $159,950
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): ED

Dan Fenstermacher is a General Physical Science at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2024 total compensation came to $159,950. They are classified at grade 15.

Andreea Paulopol

General Physical Science/Department of State

2024 total comp

$157,982

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $157,982
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $157,982
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $157,982
Basic Pay (before locality): $118,552
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Andreea Paulopol holds the role of General Physical Science at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2024, their total compensation was $157,982. Their pay grade is 14.

Jamie Gardner

General Physical Science/Department of State

2024 total comp

$129,759

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $129,759
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $129,759
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $129,759
Basic Pay (before locality): $97,373
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Jamie Gardner is a General Physical Science at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2024 total compensation came to $129,759. They are classified at grade 13.

Kathryn Easop

General Physical Science/Department of State

2024 total comp

$121,894

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $121,894
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $121,894
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $121,894
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,471
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 5
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Kathryn Easop is a General Physical Science at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2024 total compensation came to $121,894. They are classified at grade 13.

Samantha Marshall

General Physical Science/Department of State

2024 total comp

$121,894

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $121,894
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $121,894
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $121,894
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,471
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of State, Samantha Marshall serves as a General Physical Science based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $121,894. They are classified at grade 13.

Kathleen Mccormac-Miller

General Physical Science/Department of State

2024 total comp

$117,962

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $117,962
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $117,962
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $117,962
Basic Pay (before locality): $88,520
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Kathleen Mccormac-Miller is a General Physical Science at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2024 total compensation came to $117,962. They are classified at grade 13.

Leonard Hause

General Physical Science/Department of State

2024 total comp

$104,603

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $104,603
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $104,603
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Austin
Work county: Travis
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Basic Pay (before locality): $104,603
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 480330453
Length of Service (Years): 9
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): EF

At Department of State, Leonard Hause serves as a General Physical Science based in Austin, Texas. Their 2024 pay totaled $104,603. They are classified at grade 14.

Joshua Deal

General Physical Science/Department of State

2024 total comp

$102,849

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $102,849
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $102,849
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Blackstone
Work county: Nottoway
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,849
Basic Pay (before locality): $84,365
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510190135
Length of Service (Years): 20
Occupation Code (OPM): 1301
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Joshua Deal works as a General Physical Science for Department of State based in Blackstone, Virginia. Joshua earned $102,849 in 2024. Their pay grade is 12.