U.S. Secret Service Looking for a Data Scientist — Washington, District of Columbia, $121,785 to $158,322 per year

This one's worth bookmarking. U.S. Secret Service has quietly posted a Data Scientist opening in Washington, District of Columbia — and at $121,785 to $158,322 per year, the pay is nothing to overlook. Here's the full breakdown and what you need to know to put in a strong application.

You have until February 27, 2026 to submit your application through USAJobs. We'd recommend getting yours in well before the deadline.

Position Details at a Glance

Here's a quick summary of the key details:

What This Role Involves

Here's the rundown of what this position actually entails on a day-to-day basis:

Joining the Secret Service, Office of Strategy, Planning, and Innovation will allow you to apply data science and related information management principles to promote effective data use for informed decision-making, and to drive positive transformation in programs and organizational units with advanced analytic, modeling, and evaluation support. For definitions of terms found in this announcement, please click here.

Core Duties

as a Data Scientist in the Office of Strategy, Planning, and Innovation. Typical work assignments include: Analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of data science projects, models, and Operations; and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to develop data tags and electronic records metadata, products, and definitions. Leads the creation and implementation of statistically valid data collection tools and systems and analyzes agency operations to define data and reporting requirements. Collaborates with intra-agency partners to build and maintain data models, reporting systems, automation, and dashboards using multiple data sources, demonstrating expertise in at least two areas such as cloud platforms, generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), programming, Machine Learning Operations (MLOps), or relevant certifications. Translates complex concepts, findings, and limitations into clear, audience-specific language, and develops presentations and interpretations of analytical results-ut...

Who Should Apply

Here's exactly what they want to see on your application — pay close attention to the specialized experience requirements:

To be considered qualified for this position you must meet the following qualification requirements for the respective grade level in which you are applying. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the Basic Requirements AND Minimum Qualification requirements as listed below: BASIC REQUIREMENTS: A. Degree: Mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or field directly related to the position. The degree must be in major field of study (at least at the baccalaureate level) that is appropriate for the position. OR B. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to major field of study (30 semester hours) as shown in paragraph A above, plus additional education or appropriate experience. IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS ABOVE, YOU MUST ALSO MEET THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: You qualify for the GS-13 level (starting salary $121,785.00) if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level performing duties such as...

What This Position Pays

The posted range is $121,785 to $158,322 per year (grade GS-13). Here's an insider tip: if you have strong qualifications, you can negotiate your starting step. Don't just accept Step 1 — agencies have the authority to offer Steps 2 through 10 based on superior qualifications or a special hiring need.

The benefits package is where federal employment really shines: health insurance through FEHB with the government covering roughly 75% of premiums, a FERS pension, TSP retirement savings with a 5% employer match, generous leave (13-26 days annual, 13 days sick), and 11 federal holidays. Factor all that in and you're looking at a total package well above the posted salary range.

How to Apply

If this role looks like a fit, here's how to give yourself the best shot:

Start by pulling up the full announcement on USAJobs. Read the specialized experience requirements word by word — then mirror that language in your federal resume where it honestly applies to your background. This is how you get past the initial HR screening.

Make sure every required document is uploaded. Transcripts, SF-50 if you're a current fed, DD-214 for veterans preference — whatever they ask for, include it. Missing documents means an automatic rejection.

Deadline: February 27, 2026. Get it in early — technical issues on the last day are more common than you'd think.

View the full job announcement and apply here →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this Data Scientist position pay?

The salary range is $121,785 to $158,322 per year. Your actual pay will depend on factors like locality adjustments, your qualifications, and your negotiated step within the grade. Federal employees in higher-cost areas receive additional locality pay that can significantly increase the base figure.

What are the requirements for this role?

Eligibility depends on your experience, education, and whether you fall within the hiring paths listed in the announcement (this position is GS-13). The announcement spells out exactly what they need — check the Qualifications section for details.

When does this position close?

The closing date is February 27, 2026. Don't wait until the final day. Give yourself time to prepare a thorough application and gather all required documents.

Can I work remotely?

This position is based in Washington, District of Columbia and is currently listed as an on-site role. Telework and remote policies can vary, so it's worth asking about during the interview process.

What benefits are included?

Federal employees receive a strong benefits package: FEHB health insurance with the government covering about 75% of premiums, a FERS pension, TSP retirement savings with up to 5% matching, between 13 and 26 days of paid leave per year, 13 sick days, and 11 federal holidays. It adds up to roughly 30-40% on top of your base salary.

Do I need a security clearance?

Yes, this position requires a Top Secret clearance. You don't need to have one beforehand — the agency will sponsor your investigation after making a conditional offer. The process involves a background check, financial review, and potentially interviews with your references. It can take a few months, so factor that into your timeline.

Is this open to the public?

This position is open to: United States Citizens. Check the "Who May Apply" section of the full announcement for specific hiring paths. If you're a veteran, make sure to include your DD-214 and any applicable preference documentation.

Is there promotion potential?

Yes — this position has a promotion potential to 13. That means with satisfactory performance, you can advance to that level without competing for a new position. Career ladder promotions in the federal system are one of the best paths to higher pay.