The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is one of the most important federal agencies in the United States, responsible for overseeing more than 245 million acres of public land and resources. Its employees play a vital role in managing natural resources, enforcing environmental regulations, supporting energy development, and protecting cultural heritage.
Because of the wide variety of tasks performed, BLM employees receive salaries based on federal pay scales. These salaries depend on job level, years of experience, location, and specialized qualifications. In 2025, the BLM salary structure remains competitive, aligning with the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, which applies to most federal employees.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of Bureau of Land Management employee salaries by level and experience, along with benefits, allowances, and career progression opportunities. If you are considering a career with the BLM or simply researching federal government pay structures, this article gives you all the details you need.
Overview of BLM Salary Structure
The salary structure for BLM employees follows the federal GS pay system:
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GS Levels (GS-3 to GS-15): Define the grade of the position, with higher levels earning more.
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Steps (1 to 10): Within each grade, employees progress through steps based on performance and years of service.
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Locality Pay Adjustments: Salaries differ by region to reflect cost-of-living differences.
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Experience and Education: Higher qualifications allow for entry at higher GS levels.
In 2025, the base pay range for BLM employees runs from approximately $25,000 per year at entry-level GS-3 to over $170,000 annually at senior GS-15 levels. Employees also enjoy federal benefits, retirement packages, and allowances that enhance overall compensation.
How the BLM Salary System Works
The pay structure is influenced by multiple factors:
1. General Schedule (GS) Pay Grades
The GS scale is the most common pay system for BLM workers. Each job title is assigned a grade level depending on responsibility, required skills, and educational requirements.
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GS-3 to GS-5 → Entry-level positions such as administrative assistants, interns, or field aides.
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GS-7 to GS-9 → Specialist roles including environmental technicians, rangers, and junior scientists.
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GS-11 to GS-12 → Mid-level professionals such as geologists, archaeologists, and program managers.
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GS-13 to GS-15 → Senior management, directors, policy analysts, and highly specialized scientists.
2. Step Increases
Each GS grade has 10 steps. Employees move up steps based on:
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Length of service
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Performance reviews
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Demonstrated competency
Step increases mean that even if an employee remains at the same GS level, their salary can still grow steadily over time.
3. Locality Pay Adjustments
Because the cost of living varies across the U.S., employees in higher-cost areas (such as California, New York, or Washington, D.C.) receive locality pay. This can raise salaries significantly compared to employees in lower-cost areas.
4. Promotions and Career Progression
Employees may also move up by promotions to higher GS levels, which come with major pay jumps and new responsibilities.
Salary Breakdown by GS Level (2025 Data)
Here is a detailed look at average salaries for Bureau of Land Management employees across different GS levels in 2025. These figures include base pay plus average locality adjustments:
Entry-Level Positions (GS-3 to GS-5)
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GS-3: $25,000 – $32,000 per year
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GS-4: $28,000 – $37,000 per year
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GS-5: $33,000 – $45,000 per year
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Typical Roles: Clerks, student interns, administrative assistants, entry-level technicians.
Junior Specialists (GS-7 to GS-9)
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GS-7: $39,000 – $55,000 per year
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GS-9: $48,000 – $67,000 per year
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Typical Roles: Park rangers, environmental specialists, junior engineers, wildlife biologists.
Mid-Level Professionals (GS-11 to GS-12)
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GS-11: $59,000 – $80,000 per year
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GS-12: $71,000 – $95,000 per year
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Typical Roles: Geologists, program managers, archaeologists, environmental planners.
Senior Staff and Managers (GS-13 to GS-15)
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GS-13: $84,000 – $110,000 per year
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GS-14: $100,000 – $140,000 per year
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GS-15: $120,000 – $170,000+ per year
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Typical Roles: Senior policy analysts, directors, high-level managers, and senior scientists.
Salary Growth by Experience
Experience plays a major role in shaping pay within the BLM. Here’s how:
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0–5 years of service: Employees usually start at GS-3 to GS-7 levels, with modest base pay but opportunities for rapid growth.
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6–10 years of service: Workers advance to GS-9 to GS-11 positions, moving into specialized and mid-level roles.
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11–15 years of service: Most professionals reach GS-12 to GS-13, with strong salaries and leadership responsibilities.
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16–20+ years of service: Employees often rise to GS-14 or GS-15, securing top-tier salaries and retirement benefits.
Allowances and Benefits for BLM Employees
BLM employees enjoy a wide range of allowances and benefits that significantly increase the value of their compensation packages.
1. Locality Pay
Raises base salary depending on work location, ensuring fair pay across states.
2. Overtime and Hazard Pay
Some positions, such as firefighters, rangers, or field staff, may qualify for hazard pay or overtime compensation.
3. Health Insurance
Employees have access to Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB), which covers medical, dental, and vision care.
4. Retirement and Pension Plans
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Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
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Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions
5. Paid Leave
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Annual leave (vacation days)
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Sick leave
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Paid federal holidays
6. Training and Education Support
Opportunities for tuition assistance and professional training to advance careers.
Comparison with Other Federal Agencies
When compared to other federal agencies, BLM salaries are consistent with the GS pay scale. However, the nature of work often involves outdoor fieldwork, travel, and resource management, which may not be as common in agencies like IRS or Social Security Administration.
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US Forest Service: Similar salary ranges, as both agencies manage land and natural resources.
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National Park Service: Comparable pay but more focused on tourism and cultural preservation.
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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Slightly higher salaries at mid-to-senior levels due to specialized scientific roles.
Factors Influencing BLM Salaries in 2025
Several factors shape salary ranges:
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Federal Pay Adjustments: Annual cost-of-living increases.
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Inflation: Adjustments to match economic realities.
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Budget Allocations: Congressional funding levels for BLM operations.
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Specialized Skills: Employees with advanced technical expertise may qualify for higher GS entry points.
Joining the Bureau of Land Management
To qualify for a BLM position:
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U.S. citizenship is required.
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Educational requirements vary by role (some positions require degrees in environmental science, geology, or law).
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Passing background checks and meeting physical requirements for field roles is necessary.
Career Progression at the BLM
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Entry Phase (GS-3 to GS-7): Administrative and support roles.
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Development Phase (GS-9 to GS-11): Technical specialists and junior managers.
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Mid-Career Phase (GS-12 to GS-13): Supervisory and senior specialist roles.
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Executive Phase (GS-14 to GS-15): Leadership and policy-making positions.
Advancement depends on performance, experience, and education.
FAQs on BLM Employee Salaries (2025)
1. What is the starting salary for a BLM employee in 2025?
Entry-level employees typically earn between $25,000 and $33,000 per year.
2. Do BLM employees get paid more in expensive cities?
Yes, locality pay raises salaries in areas with high costs of living.
3. How often do BLM employees get salary increases?
Increases happen through annual federal adjustments, step increases, and promotions.
4. What is the highest salary a BLM employee can earn?
Senior executives at GS-15 can earn $170,000+ annually.
5. Do BLM employees receive hazard pay?
Yes, certain roles such as firefighting and field operations qualify.
6. Is overtime pay available for BLM employees?
Yes, depending on job duties and workload.
7. What retirement benefits do BLM employees get?
They receive FERS pensions and access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
8. Can BLM employees work remotely?
Some administrative roles allow telework, but many field jobs require in-person work.
9. How does BLM pay compare to private sector jobs?
Private sector jobs may offer higher pay, but BLM provides strong job security and benefits.
10. Are BLM employees unionized?
Yes, many are represented by federal employee unions that negotiate on pay and benefits.
Salary Summary Table (2025)
| GS Level | Salary Range (USD) | Typical Roles |
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| GS-3 – GS-5 | $25,000 – $45,000 | Entry-level, clerks, assistants |
| GS-7 – GS-9 | $39,000 – $67,000 | Rangers, junior specialists |
| GS-11 – GS-12 | $59,000 – $95,000 | Geologists, managers, planners |
| GS-13 – GS-15 | $84,000 – $170,000+ | Directors, senior scientists, policy analysts |
Conclusion
The Bureau of Land Management employee salary structure in 2025 reflects the standard federal GS pay system, providing competitive salaries that grow with experience, responsibility, and location. From entry-level clerical staff to senior managers, pay is carefully structured to ensure fairness and career growth opportunities.
In addition to base pay, BLM employees benefit from locality adjustments, retirement plans, health insurance, and job security. For professionals interested in environmental management, land stewardship, and public service, a career at the BLM offers both financial stability and meaningful impact.