Excepted Service Position Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry‑level (GS-9 to GS-11) salaries range from $40,000 to $60,000, mid‑level (GS-12 to GS-13) from $70,000 to $90,000, senior (GS-14 to GS-15) from $110,000 to $150,000, plus locality pay adjustments that can add 5‑20% depending on the agency’s location.

Core technical skills include Python, Java, SQL, and cloud platforms (AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Azure Fundamentals). For data roles, proficiency in Tableau, Power BI, and Snowflake is essential. Certifications such as PMP, PMI-ACP, CompTIA Security+, and Certified Scrum Master are highly valued for project‑management and cybersecurity positions.

Many agencies offer remote or hybrid arrangements, especially for cloud‑native and data‑centric roles. Remote eligibility depends on the agency’s policy, the position’s security clearance level, and project requirements; candidates should review each job’s work‑location details on the posting.

Typical progression follows the GS‑pay scale: GS-9 → GS-11 → GS-12 → GS-13 → GS-14 → GS-15, with opportunities to move into managerial or director roles. Analysts can transition to program manager positions, and tech specialists may advance to chief technology officer roles or cross‑agency leadership tracks.

Key trends include accelerated cloud migration (AWS, Azure), adoption of AI/ML for data analytics, increased focus on cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, FedRAMP), and a push for data‑driven public‑health initiatives. Agencies are also prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring practices.