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Sewing Machine Operating
Federal Wage Grade position operating industrial sewing machines for manufacturing, repairing, and altering textiles, uniforms, parachutes, and canvas products at federal facilities and defense installations.
What WG-3111 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-3111, 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-3111
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
WG-3111 Sewing Machine Operating covers production sewing of textile and equipment items at federal facilities. A 1181 already runs heavy single-needle, walking-foot, and bartack machines to standard.
Skills that carry over: Industrial sewing machine operation, Production throughput, Finishing and hardware, Quality control.
Usually opens at: WG-5, WG-7, WG-9.
Aircrew Survival Equipmentman
Direct trade match. PR sewing and load-bearing fabrication experience qualifies for WG-3111 Sewing Machine Operating at DoD depots, DLA, and airlift/special-operations support.
Skills that carry over: Industrial sewing, Load-bearing fabric assembly, Parachute and harness repair, Pattern and spec compliance.
Usually opens at: WG-7, WG-8, WG-9.
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-3111
What is a Sewing Machine Operator?
A federal Sewing Machine Operator (WG-3111) operates industrial sewing machines for manufacturing, repairing, and altering textiles, uniforms, parachutes, and canvas products at federal facilities and defense installations. They produce and repair critical textile items to military specifications.
How much does a federal Sewing Machine Operator make?
WG-3111 positions are paid under the Federal Wage System based on local prevailing rates. Typical wages range $17-$28 per hour depending on skill level and locality. Annual earnings range $35,000-$58,000. Parachute riggers and specialized textile workers often earn higher rates.
What are the requirements for WG-3111 positions?
WG-3111 requires proficiency operating industrial sewing machines and related textile equipment. Qualifications include experience with various machine types, ability to work with different fabrics, skill in following patterns and specifications, and producing quality finished products.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-3111?
Yes, military parachute rigging and textile work directly qualifies. The Army MOS 92R (Parachute Rigger) and similar Navy/Air Force ratings provide excellent preparation. Any military experience involving uniform alteration, equipment fabrication, or parachute maintenance applies.
What is the career progression for Sewing Machine Operating?
Sewing Machine Operators progress through skill grades with specialized work in parachutes commanding higher rates. Career paths include lead operator positions, transition to WG-3105 (Fabric Working), parachute rigger certification, or supervisory roles in textile operations.
How do I apply for WG-3111 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Sewing Machine Operator' or series '3111.' Major employers include Defense Logistics Agency textile facilities, parachute rigging facilities, and uniform production centers. Highlight your machine operation experience and production quality. Veterans receive preference.
Ready to apply for WG-3111?
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.