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Bartending
This standard is for use in grading nonsupervisory work involving the mixing and serving of beverages and the support services required for operating a bar. The work requires the ability to mix and serve alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, meet and converse with the public, and to maintain the bar in a presentable and sanitary condition.
What WG-7405 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-7405, as written.
Bartending
Federal Wage System Position
Work Performed
This standard is for use in grading nonsupervisory work involving the mixing and serving of beverages and the support services required for operating a bar. The work requires the ability to mix and serve alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, meet and converse with the public, and to maintain the bar in a presentable and sanitary condition.
Skill and Knowledge Requirements
: In comparison to requirements at the grade 3 level, Grade 5 bartenders mix and serve a wider variety of beverages by combining ingredients such as liquors, soda, water, sugar, bitters, and fruit garnishes. They also serve liqueur, beer, and wine, and are skillful in mixing such beverages as an Alexander, Margarita, Zombie, and Singapore Sling. They have the skill required to completely set up a bar and to recognize impending shortages of supplies based on the volume of business and insure their timely replacement. They collect tabs, chits or cash in appropriate amounts and are accountable for cash and inventory for the period worked.
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-7405
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.
Typical duties
- Perform bartending 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
In comparison to requirements at the grade 3 level, Grade 5 bartenders mix and serve a wider variety of beverages by combining ingredients such as liquors, soda, water, sugar, bitters, and fruit gar
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
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-7405
What is a federal Bartender?
A Bartender (WG-7405) mixes and serves alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages at federal facilities including military clubs, officer and enlisted clubs, and recreation facilities. Work involves preparing drinks according to standard recipes, interacting professionally with customers, maintaining bar cleanliness, managing inventory, and ensuring responsible alcohol service.
How much does a federal Bartender make?
Federal Bartenders are paid under the WG system with locality adjustments. WG-7405 positions typically range from WG-3 to WG-5 based on beverage variety and operational complexity. Military club bartenders may receive shift differentials for evening work. Check DCPAS wage schedules for your locality rates. Tips policies vary by facility.
What are the requirements for WG-7405 positions?
WG-7405 positions require ability to mix and serve beverages, interact professionally with customers, and maintain a clean bar environment. Candidates must be at least 21 years old and demonstrate responsible alcohol service. Higher grades require knowledge of extensive drink recipes and ability to manage busy service periods.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-7405?
Yes, military MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) experience transfers directly to WG-7405. Veterans who worked in military clubs, recreation facilities, or food service operations have relevant customer service skills. Your experience serving military customers and maintaining professional standards applies to federal bartending positions.
What is the career progression for Bartenders?
Bartenders advance from WG-3 through WG-5 based on skills and facility complexity. Related advancement includes WG-7408 Food Service Working or club management roles. Work Leader (WL) positions supervise bar operations. Many progress to GS Recreation Specialist (0188) or MWR management positions for broader career advancement.
How do I apply for WG-7405 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for "Bartending" or "7405" to find positions at military clubs, recreation facilities, and conference centers. Emphasize your beverage service experience, customer service skills, and responsible alcohol service training. Include any bartending certifications. Must be 21+ years old. Veterans' preference applies.
Ready to apply for WG-7405?
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.