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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
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-5823
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.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal automotive mechanic 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.