Cooking
This standard covers nonsupervisory work involved in the preparation of regular or special diet foods and meals. This includes cooking meats, poultry, fish, shellfish, and vegetables and making soups, gravies, sauces, desserts, and other foods. Cooks use standardized recipes and menus and personal knowledge and experience to measure, assemble, and mix ingredients; regulate cooking temperatures; and add seasoning to foods. They use specialized knowledge and skill to design and prepare decorated f
💰WG-7404 Salary Information
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
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for WG-7404
Cooking
Federal Wage System Position
Work Performed
This standard covers nonsupervisory work involved in the preparation of regular or special diet foods and meals. This includes cooking meats, poultry, fish, shellfish, and vegetables and making soups, gravies, sauces, desserts, and other foods. Cooks use standardized recipes and menus and personal knowledge and experience to measure, assemble, and mix ingredients; regulate cooking temperatures; and add seasoning to foods. They use specialized knowledge and skill to design and prepare decorated foods and aesthetic food arrangements. This includes techniques to mold food items into various forms, carve fruits and vegetables into various shapes, and create ice sculptures.
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for WG-7404
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal cooking position
- 1
Review 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.
- 2
Document 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.
- 3
Gather Credentials
Collect your DD-214, trade certifications (welding, electrical, HVAC, etc.), apprenticeship completion certificates, and any specialized licenses required for your trade.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
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.
- 5
Apply 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 to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to WG-7404
Culinary Specialist Submariner
Cooking pathway. Highlight submarine environment expertise.
Culinary Specialist
Direct translation to federal cooking positions. Volume cooking and safety compliance key.
Submarine Culinary Specialist
Cooking pathway.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •This standard covers nonsupervisory work involved in the preparation of regular or special diet foods and meals.
🎯Key Competencies
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
Typical grades for Federal Wage System positions
❓Frequently Asked Questions about WG-7404
What is a federal Cook?
A Cook (WG-7404) prepares regular and special diet foods and meals at federal facilities including military dining facilities, VA hospitals, and federal institutions. Work involves cooking meats, poultry, seafood, and vegetables, making soups, gravies, sauces, and desserts, and using standardized recipes to produce nutritious meals for large numbers of people while meeting health and safety standards.
How much does a federal Cook make?
Federal Cooks are paid under the WG system with locality adjustments. WG-7404 positions typically range from WG-5 to WG-9 based on skill level and menu complexity. Head cooks managing large dining operations earn higher grades. Check DCPAS wage schedules for your locality rates—shift differentials often apply for early morning or evening shifts.
What are the requirements for WG-7404 positions?
WG-7404 positions require knowledge of cooking techniques, food preparation methods, and commercial kitchen equipment. Candidates must follow standardized recipes, maintain food safety standards, and prepare meals for large groups. Higher grades require ability to prepare specialty dishes, modify recipes for therapeutic diets, and manage kitchen production schedules.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-7404?
Absolutely. Military culinary experience is highly valued for WG-7404. Army 92G (Culinary Specialist), Navy CS (Culinary Specialist), Marine Corps 3381, Air Force 3M0X1, and Coast Guard FS ratings provide excellent preparation. Your experience with high-volume cooking, military recipes, food safety, and field kitchen operations directly applies to federal cook positions.
What is the career progression for Cooks?
Cooks advance from WG-5 through WG-9 based on culinary skills and operational responsibility. Senior cooks manage complex menu preparation and special dietary requirements. Work Leader (WL) positions supervise kitchen staff. Supervisory (WS) roles manage entire food service operations. Some advance to GS Dietitian or Food Service positions.
How do I apply for WG-7404 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for "Cook" or "7404" to find positions at military dining facilities, VA medical centers, federal prisons, and institutional cafeterias. Emphasize your cooking experience, commercial kitchen equipment skills, and food safety certifications. Include any ServSafe or military culinary training certificates. Veterans' preference applies strongly.
Ready to Apply for WG-7404?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.