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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.
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
Official OPM qualification standards for WG-3566
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.
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
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
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal custodial working position
WG positions require demonstrated skill in a specific trade or craft. Review the job announcement for required certifications, licenses, and hands-on experience.
WG positions are experience-based, not grade-based. Document your years of hands-on trade experience, apprenticeships completed, and journeyman status if applicable.
Collect your DD-214, trade certifications (welding, electrical, HVAC, etc.), apprenticeship completion certificates, and any specialized licenses required for your trade.
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.
Search for WG positions in your trade specialty, carefully answer assessment questions about your skill level and experience, and submit before the closing date.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Typical grades for Federal Wage System positions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.