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Custodial Working
This standard is to be used for grading jobs made up of janitorial and custodial work, such as sweeping, scrubbing, and waxing floors; washing windows and walls; dusting and polishing furniture and fixtures; and emptying waste cans. Work is done by hand or with powered equipment. This standard should not be used to grade jobs requiring the operation of a street sweeper or similar equipment.
What WG-3566 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-3566, as written.
Custodial Working
Federal Wage System Position
Work Performed
This standard is to be used for grading jobs made up of janitorial and custodial work, such as sweeping, scrubbing, and waxing floors; washing windows and walls; dusting and polishing furniture and fixtures; and emptying waste cans. Work is done by hand or with powered equipment. This standard should not be used to grade jobs requiring the operation of a street sweeper or similar equipment.
Physical Effort
is used occasionally in moving, setting up, and working from ladders and scaffolds. Use of heavy powered cleaning equipment (wall washers, industrial-type buffers) is required, but not on a continual basis. Overall, the physical effort in this situation exceeds the
Working Conditions
than those described at the Grade 1 level of this standard. Normally, more than one factor must be involved, although it is possible for a major difference in a single factor to affect the overall level of the whole job. Situations and Factor Descriptions: The following three situations are typical of the
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-3566
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.
Typical duties
- Perform custodial working 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-3566
What is a Custodial Worker?
A Custodial Worker (WG-3566) performs janitorial and custodial work including sweeping, scrubbing, and waxing floors; washing windows and walls; dusting and polishing furniture; and emptying waste containers. They maintain cleanliness at federal buildings, military facilities, and government offices.
How much does a federal Custodial Worker make?
Federal Custodial Workers (WG-3566) are paid under the Federal Wage System based on local prevailing rates. Typical wages range $15-$24 per hour depending on locality. Annual earnings range $31,000-$50,000. Night shift and weekend workers often receive shift differential pay.
What are the requirements for WG-3566 positions?
WG-3566 requires ability to perform cleaning duties using hand tools and powered equipment. Qualifications include operating floor buffers, carpet extractors, and cleaning machinery; using cleaning chemicals safely; and maintaining buildings to sanitation standards.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-3566?
Yes, any military service provides relevant experience. Daily barracks/quarters maintenance, facility upkeep duties, and the discipline and attention to detail developed in military service directly apply. Veterans receive strong hiring preference for custodial positions.
What is the career progression for Custodial Working?
Custodial Workers progress through grade levels and can advance to lead custodian or crew supervisor positions. Career paths include transitioning to WG maintenance trades, building management positions, or GS facility management roles. Federal benefits make these stable career positions.
How do I apply for WG-3566 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Custodian' or 'Custodial Worker' or series '3566.' Positions are available at virtually every federal installation. Many positions are filled through direct hire authority. Veterans receive significant hiring preference for these positions.
Ready to apply for WG-3566?
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.