Instrument Making
Federal Wage Grade position fabricating and assembling precision instruments including gauges, measuring devices, and specialized tools at federal laboratories and manufacturing facilities.
💰WG-3314 Salary Information
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
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for WG-3314
Qualification requirements not yet available for this series.
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for WG-3314
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal instrument making position
- 1
Review 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.
- 2
Document 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.
- 3
Gather Credentials
Collect your DD-214, trade certifications (welding, electrical, HVAC, etc.), apprenticeship completion certificates, and any specialized licenses required for your trade.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
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.
- 5
Apply 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 to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to WG-3314
Optical Laboratory Specialist
GS-3314 Instrument Making fabricates precision instruments and components, rewarding the micron-tolerance habit from lens surfacing.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋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
Understanding of trade-specific tools, equipment, materials, and techniques required for the position
Physical coordination and skill in using hands and tools to perform precise work
Knowledge of workplace safety procedures, OSHA standards, and proper use of personal protective equipment
Ability to diagnose issues, troubleshoot problems, and determine effective repair solutions
Attention to detail ensuring work meets specifications, standards, and quality requirements
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, diagrams, and work orders
Proficiency in operating trade-specific machinery, power tools, and specialized equipment
Knowledge of preventive maintenance, inspection protocols, and equipment care
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and customers about work status
Flexibility to work in various conditions and adjust to changing priorities and assignments
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
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Grade Levels
Grade information not available
❓Frequently Asked Questions about WG-3314
What is an Instrument Maker?
An Instrument Maker (WG-3314) fabricates and assembles precision instruments including gauges, measuring devices, and specialized tools at federal laboratories and manufacturing facilities. This highly skilled trade produces one-of-a-kind precision equipment to exact specifications.
How much does a federal Instrument Maker make?
WG-3314 positions are paid under the Federal Wage System based on local prevailing rates. Journeyman instrument makers (WG-11/12) typically earn $30-$45 per hour depending on locality. Annual earnings range $62,000-$94,000. This is one of the highest-paying skilled trades.
What are the requirements for WG-3314 positions?
WG-3314 requires mastery of precision fabrication techniques including machining, fitting, and assembly. Qualifications include ability to read complex blueprints, work to extremely tight tolerances, use precision measuring equipment, and fabricate custom instruments from raw materials.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-3314?
Military precision machining and fabrication experience helps qualify for WG-3314. MOSs involving instrument repair, precision machining, or weapons system maintenance provide foundational skills. Navy machinist mates and Army ordnance specialists often have transferable precision metalworking experience.
What is the career progression for Instrument Making?
Instrument Makers progress through skill levels to journeyman (WG-11/12) and master craftsman positions. This is an elite trade with limited but well-compensated positions. Career paths include research laboratory support, prototype development, or transition to GS engineering technician roles.
How do I apply for WG-3314 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Instrument Maker' or series '3314.' Positions exist at national laboratories, research facilities, and specialized manufacturing centers. Demonstrate your precision machining skills, blueprint interpretation ability, and tolerance capabilities. Veterans receive preference.
Ready to Apply for WG-3314?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.