Federal Government? If there's a position at grade GS-8 with a range of $40,779 - 53,012 USD per year (where the lowest number is GS-8, step 1; the highest GS-8, step 10). How do I determine what are the qualifications for each step? For example, if I want GS-8, step 8, how do I know if I'm qualified for that pay grade?