Home / Federal careers / WG-5725
Crane Operating
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.
What WG-5725 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-5725, as written.
Crane Operating
Federal Wage System Position
Work Performed
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.
Skill and Knowledge Requirements
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
Physical Effort
is substantially the same as that described at the
Working Conditions
are essentially the same as those at the
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-5725
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.
Typical duties
- Perform crane operating 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
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 judgm
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-5725
What is a federal Crane Operator?
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.
How much does a federal Crane Operator make?
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.
What are the requirements for WG-5725 positions?
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).
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-5725?
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.
What is the career progression for Crane Operating?
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.
How do I apply for WG-5725 jobs on USAJOBS?
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.
Ready to apply for WG-5725?
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.