WG-4206

Plumbing

Federal Wage Grade plumbing position installing, maintaining, and repairing plumbing systems including pipes, fixtures, and water systems at federal buildings and military installations.

📊Administrative📁4200

💰WG-4206 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-4206

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-4206

Step-by-step guide to landing a federal plumbing 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-4206

Air Force3E1X2
Match

Plumber

Plumbing pathway.

Skills:
PlumbingWater SystemsSanitation
Entry Grades:
GS-7GS-9GS-10
Air Force3E4X1
Match

Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance

WG-4206 Plumbing positions exist on nearly every federal installation, VA medical center, and base. Your apprentice-to-craftsman progression maps onto the wage-grade structure with little friction.

Skills:
Plumbing installation and repairBackflow preventionPipe system diagnosisCode compliance
Entry Grades:
WG-8WG-9WG-10
Army12K
Match

Plumber

12K maps almost 1:1 to WG-4206 Plumbing, the federal plumber trade. Army journeyman hours satisfy the screen-out element once documented.

Skills:
Pipe system installationFixture settingSoldering and brazingLeak diagnosis
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

plumbingfixturespipesdrainswater systemsfederal 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-4206

What is a federal Plumber?

A federal Plumber (WG-4206) installs, maintains, and repairs plumbing systems including pipes, fixtures, and water systems at federal buildings and military installations. They ensure reliable water supply, drainage, and sanitary systems across government facilities.

How much does a federal Plumber make?

Federal Plumbers (WG-4206) are paid under the Federal Wage System based on local prevailing rates. Journeyman wages (WG-10/11) typically range $28-$42 per hour depending on locality. Annual earnings range $58,000-$87,000. This essential trade offers stable federal employment.

What are the requirements for WG-4206 positions?

WG-4206 requires journeyman-level plumbing skills. Qualifications include pipe installation, fixture repair, drain cleaning, blueprint reading, code compliance, and ability to troubleshoot water supply and drainage systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Can military experience substitute for education in WG-4206?

Yes, military plumbing experience directly qualifies. Navy Hull Technicians (HT), Seabee Utilitiesmen (UT), Army 12K (Plumber), and any construction MOS with plumbing duties provide directly relevant experience for federal plumber positions.

What is the career progression for Plumbing?

Plumbers progress from helper through journeyman (WG-10/11) and lead positions. Career paths include supervisory roles, facilities management, WG-4204 (Pipefitting) for industrial work, or transition to GS facilities engineering technician positions.

How do I apply for WG-4206 jobs on USAJOBS?

Search USAJOBS for 'Plumber' or series '4206.' Positions exist at virtually every federal installation. Highlight your journeyman credentials, code knowledge, and troubleshooting skills. Veterans receive strong hiring preference for this essential trade.

Ready to Apply for WG-4206?

Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.