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This standard is to be used to grade nonsupervisory jobs involved in the preparation of regular and special diet bakery products such as bread, rolls, cakes, cookies, pies, doughnuts, pastries, puddings, fillings, and icings.
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-7402
This standard is to be used to grade nonsupervisory jobs involved in the preparation of regular and special diet bakery products such as bread, rolls, cakes, cookies, pies, doughnuts, pastries, puddings, fillings, and icings.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal baking 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 Baker (WG-7402) prepares bread, rolls, cakes, cookies, pies, pastries, and other baked goods for federal facilities including military dining facilities, VA hospitals, and federal institutions. Work involves measuring ingredients, operating commercial baking equipment, and producing both regular and special diet bakery products that meet nutritional and quality standards.
Federal Bakers are paid under the WG system with locality adjustments. WG-7402 positions typically range from WG-5 to WG-9 based on skill level and menu complexity. Head bakers producing specialized items for large facilities earn higher grades. Check DCPAS wage schedules for your locality rates, noting shift differentials may apply.
WG-7402 positions require knowledge of baking techniques, ingredient measurements, and commercial baking equipment operation. Candidates must follow standardized recipes, adjust for altitude and humidity, and maintain food safety standards. Higher grades require ability to create specialty items, modify recipes for dietary restrictions, and manage high-volume production.
Yes, military culinary experience transfers well to WG-7402. Army 92G (Culinary Specialist), Navy CS (Culinary Specialist), Marine Corps 3381 (Food Service Specialist), and similar ratings with baking duties have relevant skills. Your experience with high-volume food production, following military recipes, and meeting food safety standards applies directly.
Bakers advance from WG-5 through WG-9 based on skills and production responsibility. Senior bakers create specialty items and manage bakery operations. Related advancement includes WG-7404 Cook for broader food preparation. Work Leader (WL) positions supervise bakery staff. Supervisory (WS) roles manage food service operations.
Search USAJOBS for "Baking" or "7402" to find positions at military dining facilities, VA medical centers, and federal institutional cafeterias. Emphasize your baking experience, commercial equipment operation, and ability to produce high-volume quality products. Include food handler certifications and any specialized training. Veterans' preference applies.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.