Welding
Federal Wage Grade welding position joining and fabricating metal components using MIG, TIG, stick, and specialized welding techniques at federal shipyards, arsenals, maintenance facilities, and defense installations.
💰WG-3703 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-3703
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-3703
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal welding 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-3703
Hull Maintenance Technician
HTs map directly to WG-3703 Welding. SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW process qualifications plus shipboard structural and piping welding experience translate without friction. Public shipyards and DoD depots hire continuously.
Steelworker
Welding pathway. Structural steel fabrication.
Metal Worker
1316s map directly to WG-3703 Welding, the federal trades series for welders at Navy shipyards, Army depots, and Air Force logistics complexes. A passing structural or pipe weld qualification is the hiring gate.
💡 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.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
Grade information not available
Related Series
❓Frequently Asked Questions about WG-3703
What is a federal Welder?
A federal Welder (WG-3703) joins and fabricates metal components using MIG, TIG, stick, and specialized welding techniques at federal shipyards, arsenals, maintenance facilities, and defense installations. They produce welds meeting critical structural and safety standards.
How much does a federal Welder make?
Federal Welders (WG-3703) are paid under the Federal Wage System based on local prevailing rates. Journeyman wages (WG-10/11) typically range $28-$45 per hour depending on locality. Annual earnings range $58,000-$94,000. Certified structural and pipe welders earn premium rates.
What are the requirements for WG-3703 positions?
WG-3703 requires demonstrated welding proficiency in multiple processes. Qualifications include MIG, TIG, and stick welding skills; ability to read blueprints; pass certification tests; work with various metals; and produce welds meeting quality standards for critical applications.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-3703?
Absolutely. Military welding experience directly qualifies. Navy Hull Technicians (HT), Army 91E (Allied Trades Specialist), Seabee steelworkers, and any MOS involving welding provide directly relevant experience. Combat welding and field repair experience is particularly valued.
What is the career progression for Welding?
Welders progress through skill levels to journeyman (WG-10/11) and lead positions (WG-12+). Advancement includes welding inspector, supervisor, or specialized certifications for pipe, structural, or aerospace welding. Some transition to GS welding engineering technician roles.
How do I apply for WG-3703 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Welder' or series '3703.' Major employers include shipyards, arsenals, depot facilities, and construction units. Highlight your certifications (AWS, ASME), process proficiencies, and quality record. Veterans receive strong hiring preference.
Ready to Apply for WG-3703?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.