WG-4204

Pipefitting

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.

📊Administrative📁4200

💰WG-4204 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 Location

Source: DoD Civilian Personnel Advisory Service

Qualification Requirements

Official OPM qualification standards for WG-4204

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-4204

Step-by-step guide to landing a federal pipefitting position

  1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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-4204

NavyHT
Match

Hull Maintenance Technician

Direct fit. Shipboard fire main, CHT, fuel, and steam piping work translates immediately to WG-4204 Pipefitting. Strong demand at all four public shipyards, NAVFAC public works, and DLA depots.

Skills:
Pipe fabricationPressure pipingValve installationSystem pressure testing
Entry Grades:
WG-8WG-9WG-10
Air Force3E4X1
Match

Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance

WG-4204 Pipefitting covers your pressurized water, fuel, and gas piping work directly. Federal facilities maintenance shops hire steadily for this trade.

Skills:
Pressurized pipingWelding and joiningSystem testingBlueprint reading
Entry Grades:
WG-8WG-9WG-10
Army12K
Match

Plumber

WG-4204 Pipefitting covers high-pressure and process piping in central plants. Strong fit for 12Ks who ran distribution and heating lines.

Skills:
High-pressure pipingProcess systemsThreading and fittingSystem pressure testing
Entry Grades:
WG-8WG-9WG-10

💡 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

Technical Knowledge

Understanding of trade-specific tools, equipment, materials, and techniques required for the position

Manual Dexterity

Physical coordination and skill in using hands and tools to perform precise work

Safety Awareness

Knowledge of workplace safety procedures, OSHA standards, and proper use of personal protective equipment

Problem Solving

Ability to diagnose issues, troubleshoot problems, and determine effective repair solutions

Quality Control

Attention to detail ensuring work meets specifications, standards, and quality requirements

Blueprint Reading

Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, diagrams, and work orders

Equipment Operation

Proficiency in operating trade-specific machinery, power tools, and specialized equipment

Maintenance Procedures

Knowledge of preventive maintenance, inspection protocols, and equipment care

Communication

Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and customers about work status

Adaptability

Flexibility to work in various conditions and adjust to changing priorities and assignments

🔑Resume Keywords

pipefittingpipingplumbingweldinginstallationfederal wage gradeblue collar federal jobstrade jobs governmentskilled trades federalmaintenance

💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.

Frequently Asked Questions about WG-4204

What is a federal Pipefitter?

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.

How much does a federal Pipefitter make?

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.

What are the requirements for WG-4204 positions?

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.

Can military experience substitute for education in WG-4204?

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.

What is the career progression for Pipefitting?

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.

How do I apply for WG-4204 jobs on USAJOBS?

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.

Ready to Apply for WG-4204?

Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.