Home / Federal careers / WG-2805
Electrician
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.
What WG-2805 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-2805, as written.
Electrician
Federal Wage System Position
Work Performed
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.
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-2805
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
Electrical Power Production
WG-2805 Electrician covers high and low-voltage distribution, controls, and circuit work that 3E0X2 specialists perform daily.
Skills that carry over: Electrical distribution, High-voltage systems, Controls, Wiring diagrams.
Usually opens at: WG-8, WG-10.
Construction Electrician
Electrician pathway. Construction electrical work.
Skills that carry over: Electrical Installation, Wiring Systems, Code Compliance, Safety, Troubleshooting.
Usually opens at: WG-10, WG-11, WG-12.
Prime Power Production Specialist
WG-2805 Electrician is a near-direct match for 12P hands-on electrical work. Document medium-voltage and distribution experience.
Skills that carry over: Medium-voltage wiring, Electrical troubleshooting, Distribution systems, Safety compliance.
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 electrician 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-2805
What is a federal Electrician?
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.
How much does a federal Electrician make?
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.
What are the requirements for WG-2805 positions?
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.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-2805?
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.
What is the career progression for federal Electrician?
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.
How do I apply for WG-2805 jobs on USAJOBS?
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.
Ready to apply for WG-2805?
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.