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This standard is used to grade all nonsupervisory jobs involved in the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of electrical wiring systems, fixtures, controls, and equipment in industrial, institutional, office, and residential buildings, and on ships. These jobs require knowledge and application of electrical principles, materials, and safety standards.
Federal Wage System Pay
Federal Wage Grade (WG) pay varies by geographic location and is determined by local prevailing wage surveys.
Look Up WG Pay by LocationSource: DoD Civilian Personnel Advisory Service
Official OPM qualification standards for WG-2805
This standard is used to grade all nonsupervisory jobs involved in the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of electrical wiring systems, fixtures, controls, and equipment in industrial, institutional, office, and residential buildings, and on ships. These jobs require knowledge and application of electrical principles, materials, and safety standards.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal electrician position
WG positions require demonstrated skill in a specific trade or craft. Review the job announcement for required certifications, licenses, and hands-on experience.
WG positions are experience-based, not grade-based. Document your years of hands-on trade experience, apprenticeships completed, and journeyman status if applicable.
Collect your DD-214, trade certifications (welding, electrical, HVAC, etc.), apprenticeship completion certificates, and any specialized licenses required for your trade.
Create a detailed federal resume highlighting your hands-on trade experience, tools and equipment operated, safety training, and specific projects completed. Include hours worked per week.
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 transition to WG-2805
Electrician pathway. Construction electrical work.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Typical grades for Federal Wage System positions
A federal Electrician (WG-2805) installs, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs electrical wiring systems, fixtures, controls, and equipment in industrial, institutional, office, and residential buildings, and on ships. This core electrical trade requires knowledge of electrical principles, materials, and safety standards.
Federal Electricians (WG-2805) are paid under the Federal Wage System based on local prevailing rates. Journeyman electricians (WG-10/11) typically earn $28-$40 per hour depending on locality. Annual earnings range $58,000-$83,000 with overtime opportunities common at many installations.
WG-2805 requires demonstrated journeyman-level electrical skills including installation, troubleshooting, and repair of wiring systems and equipment. Qualifications include knowledge of NEC codes, ability to read blueprints, and experience with both residential and industrial electrical systems.
Yes, military electrician experience directly qualifies. MOSs like Army 12R (Interior Electrician), Navy EM (Electrician's Mate), Air Force 3E0X1 (Electrical Systems), or Seabee construction electrician ratings provide the hands-on experience needed for federal electrician positions.
Federal Electricians progress from helper (WG-5) through journeyman (WG-10/11) levels. Senior positions (WG-12+) involve lead electrician or foreman roles. Many advance to WG-2810 (High Voltage Electrician), GS Electrical Engineering Technician, or facilities management positions.
Search USAJOBS for 'Electrician' or series '2805.' Positions exist at virtually every federal installation - military bases, VA hospitals, federal buildings, and shipyards. Highlight your journeyman credentials, code knowledge, and safety certifications. Veterans receive hiring preference.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.