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Fabric Working
Federal Wage Grade position cutting, sewing, and working with fabric materials to produce, repair, and alter canvas products, covers, and textile items at federal facilities.
What WG-3105 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-3105, as written.
The qualification standard for this series is not loaded yet.
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-3105
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
Fabric Repair Specialist
1181s map directly to WG-3105 Fabric Working. Cutting, sewing, and repairing covers, parachutes, flags, and upholstery is the core of this Wage Grade trade; qualification is on hands-on experience plus a practical trade test.
Skills that carry over: Industrial sewing, Pattern-based fabrication, Load-bearing seam repair, Textile materials.
Usually opens at: WG-6, WG-8, WG-10.
Airborne and Air Delivery Specialist
The WG-3105 Fabric Working family is the federal home for parachute riggers and canopy repairers. Hands-on fabrication and repair experience qualifies directly at military depots and installations.
Skills that carry over: Textile fabrication, Canopy and harness repair, Industrial sewing, Material inspection.
Usually opens at: WG-6, WG-8, WG-10.
Aircrew Survival Equipmentman
WG-3105 Fabric Working covers fabricating and repairing parachutes, slings, covers, and survival assemblies. The closest federal trade to the rating.
Skills that carry over: Technical-textile fabrication, Parachute construction, Survival-gear repair, Inspection to standard.
Usually opens at: WG-8, WG-9, 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 skilled trade work in accordance with established standards, specifications, and safety procedures
- Operate, maintain, and repair trade-specific equipment, tools, and machinery
- Read and interpret blueprints, technical manuals, work orders, and specifications
- Inspect completed work for quality, accuracy, and compliance with requirements
- Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in clean, safe, and operational condition
- Document work performed including time, materials used, and completion status
- Coordinate with supervisors and other trades on project requirements and schedules
- Follow all safety protocols including proper use of PPE and hazardous material handling
- Train and assist lower-grade workers in trade techniques and procedures
- Requisition materials, parts, and supplies needed to complete assigned work
Key competencies
Technical Knowledge
Understanding of trade-specific tools, equipment, materials, and techniques required for the position
Manual Dexterity
Physical coordination and skill in using hands and tools to perform precise work
Safety Awareness
Knowledge of workplace safety procedures, OSHA standards, and proper use of personal protective equipment
Problem Solving
Ability to diagnose issues, troubleshoot problems, and determine effective repair solutions
Quality Control
Attention to detail ensuring work meets specifications, standards, and quality requirements
Blueprint Reading
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, diagrams, and work orders
Equipment Operation
Proficiency in operating trade-specific machinery, power tools, and specialized equipment
Maintenance Procedures
Knowledge of preventive maintenance, inspection protocols, and equipment care
Communication
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and customers about work status
Adaptability
Flexibility to work in various conditions and adjust to changing priorities and assignments
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-3105
What is a Fabric Worker?
A Fabric Worker (WG-3105) cuts, sews, and works with fabric materials to produce, repair, and alter canvas products, covers, and textile items at federal facilities. They create and repair tarps, equipment covers, tents, bags, and other fabric-based military and government items.
How much does a federal Fabric Worker make?
WG-3105 positions are paid under the Federal Wage System based on local prevailing rates. Typical wages range $18-$30 per hour depending on skill level and locality. Annual earnings range $37,000-$62,000. Specialized canvas work and aircraft upholstery may command higher rates.
What are the requirements for WG-3105 positions?
WG-3105 requires skill in fabric cutting, sewing, and pattern work. Qualifications include experience with industrial sewing equipment, ability to read patterns and specifications, knowledge of various fabric materials, and skill in producing durable products to military specifications.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-3105?
Yes, military canvas and fabric work experience qualifies. Personnel who worked in parachute rigging, tent repair, equipment cover fabrication, or vehicle canvas work have directly relevant skills. Seabee and engineering unit experience with field equipment often includes fabric work.
What is the career progression for Fabric Working?
Fabric Workers progress through skill levels from helper to journeyman (WG-9/10). Senior positions involve lead worker or specialized aircraft upholstery work. Career advancement includes transition to WG-3111 (Sewing Machine Operating) or supervisory roles in textile operations.
How do I apply for WG-3105 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Fabric Worker' or 'Canvas Worker' or series '3105.' Positions exist at depot facilities, parachute rigging facilities, and maintenance shops. Highlight your fabric work experience, sewing skills, and ability to work to specifications. Veterans receive preference.
Ready to apply for WG-3105?
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.