Home / Federal careers / WG-6606
Small Arms Repairing
Federal Wage Grade position repairing, maintaining, and overhauling small arms weapons including rifles, pistols, and machine guns at military arsenals, armories, and defense maintenance facilities.
What WG-6606 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-6606, as written.
The qualification standard for this series is not loaded yet.
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-6606
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
Small Arms/Towed Artillery Repairer
WG-6606 Small Arms Repairing is the exact federal trade a 91F performs. Document your headspace-and-timing, gaging, and rebuild experience for the job-element questionnaire.
Skills that carry over: Small arms repair, Headspace and timing, Parts gaging to spec, Function checks.
Usually opens at: WG-8, WG-9, WG-10.
Gunner's Mate
Small Arms Repairing. Direct match for GMs who specialize in small arms maintenance and repair. Federal law enforcement armories, military training commands, and weapons repair facilities hire into this series.
Skills that carry over: Small arms repair, Weapons inspection, Parts replacement, Technical manuals, Armory management, Safety compliance.
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 skilled trade work in accordance with established standards, specifications, and safety procedures
- Operate, maintain, and repair trade-specific equipment, tools, and machinery
- Read and interpret blueprints, technical manuals, work orders, and specifications
- Inspect completed work for quality, accuracy, and compliance with requirements
- Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in clean, safe, and operational condition
- Document work performed including time, materials used, and completion status
- Coordinate with supervisors and other trades on project requirements and schedules
- Follow all safety protocols including proper use of PPE and hazardous material handling
- Train and assist lower-grade workers in trade techniques and procedures
- Requisition materials, parts, and supplies needed to complete assigned work
Key competencies
Technical Knowledge
Understanding of trade-specific tools, equipment, materials, and techniques required for the position
Manual Dexterity
Physical coordination and skill in using hands and tools to perform precise work
Safety Awareness
Knowledge of workplace safety procedures, OSHA standards, and proper use of personal protective equipment
Problem Solving
Ability to diagnose issues, troubleshoot problems, and determine effective repair solutions
Quality Control
Attention to detail ensuring work meets specifications, standards, and quality requirements
Blueprint Reading
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, diagrams, and work orders
Equipment Operation
Proficiency in operating trade-specific machinery, power tools, and specialized equipment
Maintenance Procedures
Knowledge of preventive maintenance, inspection protocols, and equipment care
Communication
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and customers about work status
Adaptability
Flexibility to work in various conditions and adjust to changing priorities and assignments
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-6606
What is a Small Arms Repairer?
A Small Arms Repairer (WG-6606) maintains, repairs, and overhauls small arms weapons including rifles, pistols, shotguns, and machine guns at military arsenals, armories, and defense maintenance facilities. Work involves diagnosing malfunctions, replacing components, test firing, and ensuring weapons meet accuracy and safety standards. This precision trade requires expert knowledge of firearms mechanics.
How much does a federal Small Arms Repairer make?
Federal Small Arms Repairers receive WG pay with locality adjustments. WG-6606 positions range from WG-8 to WG-11 based on skill level and weapon system complexity. Journey-level armorers typically earn WG-10 rates. Some positions at secure facilities may include additional pay. Check DCPAS wage schedules for specific locality rates in your area.
What are the requirements for WG-6606 positions?
WG-6606 positions require comprehensive knowledge of small arms mechanics, including actions, triggers, barrel systems, and optical sights. Candidates must demonstrate precision measurement skills, ability to diagnose malfunctions, and competency with armorer tools. Security clearance is required. Higher grades require expertise across multiple weapons platforms and ability to fabricate parts.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-6606?
Absolutely. Military armorer experience is highly valued for WG-6606. Army 91F (Small Arms/Artillery Repairer), Marine Corps 2111 (Small Arms Repairer/Technician), Navy GM ratings, and similar specialties provide excellent preparation. Your experience maintaining M4s, M9s, M240s, and other military small arms translates directly to federal armorer positions.
What is the career progression for Small Arms Repairers?
Small Arms Repairers advance from WG-8 through WG-11 based on weapons system expertise and repair complexity. Senior repairers handle custom modifications and difficult repairs. Work Leader (WL) positions supervise armory operations. Related paths include quality inspection, weapons testing, or advancing to WG-6605 Artillery Repairing for larger systems.
How do I apply for WG-6606 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for "Small Arms Repairing" or "6606" to find positions at military armories, arsenals, and maintenance facilities. Highlight your specific weapons experience, armorer certifications, and precision repair skills on your federal resume. List each weapon system you have worked on. Security clearance required. Veterans' preference applies.
Ready to apply for WG-6606?
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.