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This standard covers nonsupervisory work involved in the operation of cranes to lift, transport, and position materials; to dig and move earth or other materials; to drive pilings; or to destroy obsolete structures. Cranes use attachments such as hooks, clamshell buckets, orangepeel buckets, dragline buckets, magnets, pile-drivers, demolition hammers, and other special material handling devices.
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-5725
This standard covers nonsupervisory work involved in the operation of cranes to lift, transport, and position materials; to dig and move earth or other materials; to drive pilings; or to destroy obsolete structures. Cranes use attachments such as hooks, clamshell buckets, orangepeel buckets, dragline buckets, magnets, pile-drivers, demolition hammers, and other special material handling devices.
required of grade 9 boom crane operators, grade 11 operators must be skilled in operating cranes at all boom lengths, angles, and positions. They must be skilled in making rapid lifting capacity judgments during continual position changes. They must be skilled in operating near or at the crane's lifting capacity and within extremely congested areas. They must be skilled in producing exact movements while precision setting loads onto or into other objects, e.g., positioning and holding a hull section of a ship while it is welded into place. Grade 11 operators must be skilled in simultaneously operating the crane's controls, making difficult clearance judgments while watching the moving load and boom, and compensating for variations in the crane's lifting capacity during position changes. This demands intense concentration, unusual alertness, and an exceptional degree of visual and physical coordination. U.S. Office of Personnel Management 6 Crane Operating, 5725 TS-17 June 1971
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Step-by-step guide to landing a federal crane operating 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.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Typical grades for Federal Wage System positions
A federal Crane Operator (WG-5725) operates cranes to lift, transport, and position materials using attachments like hooks, clamshell buckets, magnets, and pile-drivers. They also dig, move earth, drive pilings, and perform demolition at federal facilities and construction sites.
Federal Crane Operators (WG-5725) are paid under the Federal Wage System based on local prevailing rates. Journeyman wages (WG-10/11) typically range $30-$48 per hour. Annual earnings range $62,000-$100,000. Shipyard and construction crane operators earn premium rates.
WG-5725 requires demonstrated crane operation skill at various boom lengths, angles, and positions. Qualifications include rapid lifting capacity judgments, load calculation, safe rigging practices, and certification (often NCCCO or equivalent).
Yes, military crane operation experience directly qualifies. Army 88H (Cargo Specialist) with crane duties, Seabee Equipment Operators (EO), and Navy shipboard crane operators have directly relevant experience for federal crane operator positions.
Crane Operators progress through crane types and capacities to heavy lift specialist positions (WG-12+). Career paths include crane supervisor, equipment management, or rigging specialist. Shipyard crane operators have excellent long-term opportunities.
Search USAJOBS for 'Crane Operator' or series '5725.' Major employers include shipyards, construction agencies, and heavy equipment facilities. Maintain current certifications (NCCCO) and highlight your crane types and lift capacities. Veterans receive preference.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.