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Federal Wage Grade pipefitting position installing, maintaining, and repairing high and low pressure piping systems for steam, water, gas, and other fluids at federal facilities and military installations.
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-4204
Qualification requirements not yet available for this series.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal pipefitting 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.
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
π‘ Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Grade information not available
A federal Pipefitter (WG-4204) installs, maintains, and repairs high and low pressure piping systems for steam, water, gas, and other fluids at federal facilities and military installations. They work on industrial, shipboard, and facility piping systems to exacting specifications.
Federal Pipefitters (WG-4204) are paid under the Federal Wage System based on local prevailing rates. Journeyman wages (WG-10/11) typically range $30-$45 per hour depending on locality. Annual earnings range $62,000-$94,000. This is one of the highest-paying WG trades.
WG-4204 requires journeyman-level pipefitting skills. Qualifications include pipe cutting, threading, and welding; blueprint reading; knowledge of high-pressure systems; understanding of steam, hydraulic, and industrial piping; and ability to work to close tolerances.
Absolutely. Military pipefitting experience directly qualifies. Navy Hull Technicians (HT), Machinist Mates (MM), Seabee Utilitiesmen (UT), and Army plumber/pipefitter MOSs provide directly relevant experience. Shipboard and submarine piping experience is highly valued.
Pipefitters progress to journeyman (WG-10/11) and lead positions (WG-12+). This high-skill trade offers excellent pay and advancement. Career paths include supervisory roles, nuclear pipefitting, or transition to GS mechanical engineering technician positions.
Search USAJOBS for 'Pipefitter' or series '4204.' Major employers include shipyards, power plants, and industrial facilities. Highlight your high-pressure piping experience, welding certifications, and blueprint reading skills. Veterans receive strong preference.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.