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Electronics Mechanic
This standard is for grading nonsupervisory jobs involved in fabricating, overhauling, modifying, installing, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining ground, airborne, and marine electronic equipment, such as: radio; radar; sonar; cryptographic; satellite; microwave; micro computers and peripherals; laser; infrared; industrial x-ray; marine, aeronautical, and space navigation aid; TV receiver; surveillance; and similar devices. The work requires knowledge of electronic principles; the abilit
What WG-2604 pays
Federal Wage System pay is set by local prevailing wage surveys, so it moves with the wage area rather than a national table.
Wage Grade rates are published per wage area rather than nationally, so the number that matters is the one for the installation you are applying to.
Source: DoD Civilian Personnel Advisory Service wage schedules.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for WG-2604, as written.
Electronics Mechanic
Federal Wage System Position
Work Performed
This standard is for grading nonsupervisory jobs involved in fabricating, overhauling, modifying, installing, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining ground, airborne, and marine electronic equipment, such as: radio; radar; sonar; cryptographic; satellite; microwave; micro computers and peripherals; laser; infrared; industrial x-ray; marine, aeronautical, and space navigation aid; TV receiver; surveillance; and similar devices. The work requires knowledge of electronic principles; the ability to recognize improper operation, locate the cause, and determine the best method to correct the defect; and the skill to disassemble, assemble, and adjust electronic equipment. The work includes using both manual and automated test equipment. The work may require the use of a personal computer and numerous software packages to program or realign various components or systems, download information, and detect equipment deficiencies. This standard cancels and supersedes the Job Grading Standard for Electronics Mechanic, 2604, issued February 1981.
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for WG-2604
1Review Trade/Craft Requirements
WG positions require demonstrated skill in a specific trade or craft. Review the job announcement for required certifications, licenses, and hands-on experience.
2Document Your Experience
WG positions are experience-based, not grade-based. Document your years of hands-on trade experience, apprenticeships completed, and journeyman status if applicable.
3Gather Credentials
Collect your DD-214, trade certifications (welding, electrical, HVAC, etc.), apprenticeship completion certificates, and any specialized licenses required for your trade.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages, the same USAJOBS limit that has applied since 27 September 2025. Lead with hands-on trade experience: the tools and equipment you ran, safety training, the projects you finished, and hours worked per week.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for WG positions in your trade specialty, carefully answer assessment questions about your skill level and experience, and submit before the closing date.
Military jobs that map to this series
Missile and Space Systems Electronic Maintenance
WG-2604 Electronics Mechanic is a direct hands-on trades match for component-level repair, paid on a locality wage schedule.
Skills that carry over: Component-level repair, Test equipment operation, Technical-data-directed maintenance, Quality verification.
Usually opens at: WG-8, WG-10, WG-11.
Fire Control Repairer
WG-2604 Electronics Mechanic is the closest federal match. Depot technicians troubleshoot, repair, and modify electronic equipment, which is exactly the 91G bench workflow.
Skills that carry over: Electronic troubleshooting, Automated test equipment, Component-level repair, Technical documentation.
Usually opens at: WG-8, WG-9, WG-10, WG-11.
Computer/Detection Systems Repairer
WG-2604 Electronics Mechanic is the Wage Grade equivalent for hands-on bench and field electronics repair. Maps almost 1:1 to the daily 94F job.
Skills that carry over: Soldering and rework, Fault isolation, Circuit-card repair, Preventive maintenance.
Usually opens at: WG-8, WG-10, WG-11.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- Perform electronics mechanic tasks as assigned
- Follow safety procedures and regulations
- Maintain and operate tools and equipment
- Complete work orders and documentation
- Coordinate with team members and supervisors
Key competencies
Ability to follow safety procedures and regulations
Knowledge of tools and equipment for the trade
Skill in performing physical tasks requiring manual dexterity
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to read and interpret instructions and procedures
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about WG-2604
What is an Electronics Mechanic?
An Electronics Mechanic (WG-2604) fabricates, overhauls, modifies, installs, troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains electronic equipment including radio, radar, sonar, satellite, microwave, computers, laser, navigation aids, and surveillance systems. They work on ground, airborne, and marine electronic equipment at federal facilities.
How much does a federal Electronics Mechanic make?
WG-2604 positions are paid under the Federal Wage System based on local prevailing rates. Journeyman-level wages (WG-10/11) typically range $28-$42 per hour depending on locality and specialization. Annual earnings range $58,000-$87,000. Radar and avionics specialists often earn premium rates.
What are the requirements for WG-2604 positions?
WG-2604 requires knowledge of electronic principles, ability to recognize improper operation and locate defects, and skill to disassemble, repair, and adjust electronic equipment. Technicians use both manual and automated test equipment, personal computers, and software packages for diagnostics and programming.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-2604?
Absolutely. Military electronics experience is highly valued. MOSs like Army 94E (Radio and Communications Security Repairer), Air Force 2A (Avionics Systems), Navy ET (Electronics Technician), or Marine 5900 (Electronics Maintenance) provide directly qualifying experience. Radar, sonar, and communications systems experience all applies.
What is the career progression for Electronics Mechanic?
Electronics Mechanics progress from helper (WG-5) through journeyman (WG-10/11) based on demonstrated skill. WG-12+ positions involve lead roles or complex integrated systems work. Many specialize in radar, avionics, sonar, or satellite systems. Career paths include GS electronics technician or engineering positions.
How do I apply for WG-2604 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Electronics Mechanic' or series '2604.' Major employers include military depots, shipyards, air logistics centers, and defense contractors. Highlight your specific systems experience (radar, sonar, avionics), troubleshooting skills, and relevant certifications. Veterans receive strong hiring preference.
Ready to apply for WG-2604?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.