Home / Federal careers / WG-5823
Automotive Mechanic
This standard is used to grade all nonsupervisory jobs involved in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of combustion-powered automotive vehicles, over-the-road trucks, and comparable vehicles, such as passenger cars, pickup trucks, buses, semitrailer truck tractors, warehouse tractors, farm tractors, forklifts, motorcycles, light combat vehicles such as jeeps and trucks, and other vehicles with similar characteristics, including their gasoline and diesel engines and other mechanical, hydraulic
What WG-5823 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-5823, as written.
Automotive Mechanic
Federal Wage System Position
Work Performed
This standard is used to grade all nonsupervisory jobs involved in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of combustion-powered automotive vehicles, over-the-road trucks, and comparable vehicles, such as passenger cars, pickup trucks, buses, semitrailer truck tractors, warehouse tractors, farm tractors, forklifts, motorcycles, light combat vehicles such as jeeps and trucks, and other vehicles with similar characteristics, including their gasoline and diesel engines and other mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and electronically controlled systems.
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-5823
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
Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) Crewmember
Automotive mechanic puts ACV powerpack diagnostics and fault-code work straight into federal fleet shops.
Skills that carry over: Diesel powerpack diagnostics, Fault-code troubleshooting, Drivetrain repair, Preventive maintenance.
Usually opens at: WG-8, WG-9, WG-10.
Fuel and Electrical Systems Technician
3524 fuel and electrical work maps directly to WG-5823 Automotive Mechanic, the federal trade for diagnosing and repairing wheeled-vehicle fuel, electrical, and drivetrain systems. Qualification is by demonstrated trade ability, which your component-repair record covers.
Skills that carry over: Fuel-injection diagnosis, Electrical and charging system repair, Wiring schematic interpretation, Component-level troubleshooting.
Usually opens at: WG-8, WG-9, WG-10.
Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
Most direct federal match. WG-5823 Automotive Mechanic positions at Army depots, USPS, GSA Fleet, and other federal agencies. Military vehicle experience qualifies at WG-8 to WG-10 immediately. Veterans Preference is highly effective for these positions.
Skills that carry over: Diesel and gasoline engine repair, Brake system maintenance, Electrical system diagnostics, Transmission overhaul, Preventive maintenance programs, Technical manual interpretation.
Usually opens at: WG-8, WG-9, WG-10.
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 automotive 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
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
Ability to read and interpret instructions and procedures
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-5823
What is an Automotive Mechanic?
An Automotive Mechanic (WG-5823) performs maintenance, repair, and overhaul of combustion-powered vehicles including passenger cars, trucks, buses, forklifts, motorcycles, and light combat vehicles. Work includes diagnosing mechanical problems, repairing engines, transmissions, and hydraulic systems, and ensuring vehicles meet safety and performance standards. This is a skilled trade position requiring comprehensive automotive knowledge.
How much does a federal Automotive Mechanic make?
Federal Automotive Mechanics are paid under the WG pay system with locality adjustments. WG-5823 positions typically range from WG-8 to WG-11 based on skill level and assignment complexity. Journey-level mechanics commonly earn WG-10 rates. Check DCPAS wage schedules for your area's specific hourly rates, which include shift differentials when applicable.
What are the requirements for WG-5823 positions?
WG-5823 positions require demonstrated journeyman-level skill in automotive repair including engine diagnostics, transmission work, brake systems, and electrical troubleshooting. Entry may require completion of automotive training programs or equivalent experience. Higher grades require proficiency across multiple vehicle systems and ability to work from technical manuals with minimal supervision.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-5823?
Absolutely. Military automotive mechanics have directly transferable skills for WG-5823. Army 91B/91M, Marine Corps 3521, Navy AS/GSM, Air Force 2T3X1, and Coast Guard MK ratings provide excellent preparation. Your military training on tactical vehicles, Humvees, and fleet maintenance demonstrates the diagnostic and repair competencies federal positions require.
What is the career progression for Automotive Mechanics?
Automotive Mechanics advance from WG-8 (developmental) through WG-10 (journey level) to WG-11 (senior). Specialists can pursue WG-5803 Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic for larger vehicles. Work Leader (WL) and Supervisor (WS) positions offer management advancement. ASE certifications and specialized training in diesel, hybrid, or electric vehicles enhance career opportunities.
How do I apply for WG-5823 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for "Automotive Mechanic" or "5823" to find openings at military bases, VA medical centers, GSA facilities, and other federal installations. Detail your specific repair experience—engines, transmissions, electrical systems—on your federal resume. Include any ASE certifications and list the types of vehicles you've worked on. Veterans' preference applies.
Ready to apply for WG-5823?
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.