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Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic
This standard covers nonsupervisory work that is performed to repair and modify a variety of equipment and systems that achieve regulated climatic conditions. This work requires a knowledge of principles of air conditioning, the ability to recognize and determine the best method for correcting malfunctions and the skill to make repairs to a variety of air conditioning and cooling unit systems.
What WG-5306 pays
Federal Wage System pay is set by local prevailing wage surveys, so it moves with the wage area rather than a national table.
Wage Grade rates are published per wage area rather than nationally, so the number that matters is the one for the installation you are applying to.
Source: DoD Civilian Personnel Advisory Service wage schedules.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for WG-5306, as written.
Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic
Federal Wage System Position
Work Performed
This standard covers nonsupervisory work that is performed to repair and modify a variety of equipment and systems that achieve regulated climatic conditions. This work requires a knowledge of principles of air conditioning, the ability to recognize and determine the best method for correcting malfunctions and the skill to make repairs to a variety of air conditioning and cooling unit systems.
Skill and Knowledge Requirements
than the repair work described at the grade 10 level. For example, components of the systems may be inadequate to produce or react to the conditions needed for a specific test or experiment. In this case, grade 11 mechanics modify, alter, or substitute components and elements of the system in order to meet the specified pressure-temperature characteristics.
Physical Effort
is greater at the grade 10 level than at the
Working Conditions
that are a regular and recurring part of the air conditioning equipment mechanic occupation. This standard does not provide any additional grade credit for exposure to hazards, physical hardships, and working conditions that may be of an "unusual nature" as defined in Appendix J of Operating Manual for the Federal Wage System. U.S. Office Of Personnel Management 2 Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic, 5306 TS-17 June 1971 HELPER AND INTERMEDIATE JOBS Helper and intermediate air conditioning mechanic jobs are graded by the Job Grading Standard for Trades Helper Jobs and Intermediate Jobs. (
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for WG-5306
1Review 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.
2Document 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.
3Gather Credentials
Collect your DD-214, trade certifications (welding, electrical, HVAC, etc.), apprenticeship completion certificates, and any specialized licenses required for your trade.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages, the same USAJOBS limit that has applied since 27 September 2025. Lead with hands-on trade experience: the tools and equipment you ran, safety training, the projects you finished, and hours worked per week.
5Apply 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 jobs that map to this series
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R)
Strongest direct match. Federal Wage System Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic. Job description aligns word-for-word with 3E1X1 daily work.
Skills that carry over: EPA 608, Commercial chillers, Refrigeration, BAS controls, Brazing, Refrigerant recovery, Pneumatic and DDC troubleshooting.
Usually opens at: WG-08, WG-10, WG-11.
Aircraft Electrical and Environmental Systems
The environmental side of 2A6X6 lines up with WG-5306 Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic. Cabin air conditioning, pressurization, and refrigeration-cycle experience transfers directly to federal facility and shipboard HVAC roles.
Skills that carry over: Refrigeration cycle troubleshooting, Air conditioning and pressurization repair, Refrigerant handling, System leak isolation.
Usually opens at: WG-8, WG-10, WG-11.
HVAC Technician
AC equipment mechanic.
Skills that carry over: HVAC, Refrigeration, Climate Control.
Usually opens at: GS-9, GS-10, GS-11.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- Perform air conditioning equipment mechanic tasks as assigned
- Follow safety procedures and regulations
- Maintain and operate tools and equipment
- Complete work orders and documentation
- Coordinate with team members and supervisors
Key competencies
than the repair work described at the grade 10 level. For example, components of the systems may be inadequate to produce or react to the conditions needed for a specific test or experiment. In this c
Ability to follow safety procedures and regulations
Knowledge of tools and equipment for the trade
Skill in performing physical tasks requiring manual dexterity
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about WG-5306
What is an Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic?
An Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic (WG-5306) repairs and modifies equipment and systems that achieve regulated climatic conditions at federal facilities. They troubleshoot, maintain, and repair HVAC systems, chillers, and cooling units.
How much does a federal Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic make?
Federal HVAC Mechanics (WG-5306) 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 is a high-demand trade.
What are the requirements for WG-5306 positions?
WG-5306 requires knowledge of air conditioning principles and repair skills. Qualifications include troubleshooting HVAC systems, refrigerant handling certification (EPA 608), ability to diagnose malfunctions, and skill repairing various cooling systems.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-5306?
Yes, military HVAC experience directly qualifies. Air Force 3E1X1 (HVAC), Navy Utilitiesmen (UT), Seabee HVAC specialists, and Army 12P with HVAC duties provide directly relevant training and experience for federal air conditioning mechanic positions.
What is the career progression for Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic?
AC Equipment Mechanics progress to journeyman (WG-10/11) and lead positions. Career paths include HVAC supervisor, facilities engineering, or transition to GS engineering technician roles. EPA certifications and specialized skills increase advancement opportunities.
How do I apply for WG-5306 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Air Conditioning' or 'HVAC' or series '5306.' Positions exist at virtually every federal installation. Maintain current EPA 608 certification and highlight your system experience. Veterans receive strong hiring preference.
Ready to apply for WG-5306?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.