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Electrician (Aircraft)
This standard covers nonsupervisory work involved in installing, testing, repairing, and maintaining high voltage electric power-controlling equipment and/or distribution lines. The work requires knowledge of electrical principles, procedures, materials, and safety standards governing electrical systems above 600 volts. In addition, the work requires general mechanical skills and knowledge, and in some cases may require knowledge of electronic principles as they pertain to electronic control cir
What WG-2810 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-2810, as written.
Electrician (Aircraft)
Federal Wage System Position
Work Performed
This standard covers nonsupervisory work involved in installing, testing, repairing, and maintaining high voltage electric power-controlling equipment and/or distribution lines. The work requires knowledge of electrical principles, procedures, materials, and safety standards governing electrical systems above 600 volts. In addition, the work requires general mechanical skills and knowledge, and in some cases may require knowledge of electronic principles as they pertain to electronic control circuitry. In some situations, the work includes testing, repairing, and maintaining electric-generating equipment in co-generation facilities. This standard cancels and supersedes the Job Grading Standard for Electrician (High Voltage), 2810, issued in June 1973.
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-2810
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
Aircraft Electrician
Aircraft electrician pathway.
Skills that carry over: Aircraft Electrical, Wiring Installation, Troubleshooting, Safety Compliance, Documentation.
Usually opens at: WG-10, WG-11, WG-12.
Aviation Electrical Inspector
Aircraft electrician pathway.
Skills that carry over: Electrical Inspection, Quality Assurance, Compliance, Documentation, Technical Analysis.
Usually opens at: GS-9, GS-11.
Interior Electrician
WG-2810 Electrician (Aircraft) suits 12Rs moving toward depot and flightline electrical work, where the same diagnostic and wiring skills apply to aircraft electrical systems.
Skills that carry over: Electrical troubleshooting, Wiring to technical drawings, Component testing.
Usually opens at: WG-08, WG-10.
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 (aircraft) 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-2810
What is an Aircraft Electrician (High Voltage)?
An Aircraft Electrician/High Voltage Electrician (WG-2810) installs, tests, repairs, and maintains high voltage (600+ volts) electric power-controlling equipment and distribution lines. They work on aircraft electrical systems requiring knowledge of electrical principles governing high voltage systems, plus electronic control circuitry.
How much does a federal High Voltage Electrician make?
WG-2810 positions are paid under the Federal Wage System with premium rates for high voltage work. Journeyman wages (WG-11/12) typically range $32-$48 per hour depending on locality. Annual earnings range $67,000-$100,000. High voltage specialists command premium rates due to hazardous conditions.
What are the requirements for WG-2810 positions?
WG-2810 requires knowledge of electrical principles, procedures, materials, and safety standards for systems above 600 volts. Qualifications include high voltage system experience, understanding of power distribution, electronic control circuits, and in some cases, generator/co-generation equipment.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-2810?
Yes, military high voltage and aircraft electrical experience qualifies. MOSs like Navy EM (Electrician's Mate), Air Force 3E0X2 (Electric Power Production), Army 91D (Power-Generation Equipment Repairer), or aviation electrical ratings provide directly transferable skills.
What is the career progression for High Voltage Electrician?
High Voltage Electricians progress to journeyman (WG-11/12) and lead positions. This is a specialized, high-paying trade with limited advancement within the series but strong potential for supervisory roles, GS engineering technician positions, or power plant management careers.
How do I apply for WG-2810 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'High Voltage Electrician' or 'Electrician Aircraft' or series '2810.' Positions exist at power plants, air logistics centers, shipyards, and large installations. Emphasize your high voltage certifications, safety record, and distribution system experience. Veterans receive preference.
Ready to apply for WG-2810?
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.