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Meatcutting
This standard covers nonsupervisory jobs involved in cutting, trimming, and removing bones from a variety of types of meat, including beef, pork, lamb, and veal. The meat is usually processed from a variety of forms such as boxed beef and pork primals and subprimals, and sides, quarters, primals, and subprimals of lamb and veal. The work includes cutting meat into steaks, roasts, chops, cutlets, ground meat, and other small cuts using powered equipment and handtools such as meat saws, slicers, g
What WG-7407 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-7407, as written.
Meatcutting
Federal Wage System Position
Work Performed
This standard covers nonsupervisory jobs involved in cutting, trimming, and removing bones from a variety of types of meat, including beef, pork, lamb, and veal. The meat is usually processed from a variety of forms such as boxed beef and pork primals and subprimals, and sides, quarters, primals, and subprimals of lamb and veal. The work includes cutting meat into steaks, roasts, chops, cutlets, ground meat, and other small cuts using powered equipment and handtools such as meat saws, slicers, grinders, tenderizers, knives, and scrapers. In some work situations, the work includes processing fish and poultry. The work may also include wrapping and displaying meat products for retail sale. This standard cancels and supersedes the Job Grading Standard for Meatcutter, 7407, issued in February 1970.
Working Conditions
: Grade 5 meatcutting workers work in cold temperatures of 13 degrees Celsius (45 degrees Fahrenheit) or less and are exposed to temperatures of minus 22 degrees Celsius (10 degrees Fahrenheit) or colder when receiving or storing meat in lockers and freezers. The majority of work is performed in areas that are well lighted and ventilated. Employees are subject to cuts and injuries from knives, powered cutting saws, and blades, and work on wet, slippery floors. Workers at this level use safety devices such as cold weather clothing, hard hats, metal aprons and gloves, and safety shoes. MEATCUTTER,
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-7407
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 meatcutting 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
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
Ability to read and interpret instructions and procedures
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-7407
What is a federal Meatcutter?
A Meatcutter (WG-7407) cuts, trims, and debones beef, pork, lamb, and veal at federal commissaries, military dining facilities, and federal institutional kitchens. Work involves processing meat from primal cuts into steaks, roasts, chops, ground meat, and other retail portions using powered equipment and hand tools while following food safety standards.
How much does a federal Meatcutter make?
Federal Meatcutters are paid under the WG system with locality adjustments. WG-7407 positions typically range from WG-6 to WG-9 based on skill level and production responsibility. Journey-level meatcutters earn WG-8 rates. Check DCPAS wage schedules for your locality rates. Military commissaries often offer stable hours and benefits.
What are the requirements for WG-7407 positions?
WG-7407 positions require knowledge of meat cuts, knife skills, and powered cutting equipment operation. Candidates must understand meat grading, portion control, and food safety standards. Higher grades require ability to break down whole carcasses, prepare specialty cuts, and maintain quality standards across high-volume production.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-7407?
Yes, military culinary and food service experience provides relevant background for WG-7407. Army 92G, Navy CS, and Marine Corps 3381 personnel with meat preparation experience have transferable skills. Your experience with food handling standards, knife skills, and high-volume food preparation applies to federal meatcutting positions.
What is the career progression for Meatcutters?
Meatcutters advance from WG-6 through WG-9 based on skills and production responsibility. Senior meatcutters handle specialty preparations and train junior staff. Work Leader (WL) positions supervise meat department operations. Related paths include WG-7404 Cook or commissary management roles. Quality assurance positions offer alternative advancement.
How do I apply for WG-7407 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for "Meatcutting" or "7407" to find positions at military commissaries, VA medical centers, and federal institutional kitchens. Emphasize your knife skills, knowledge of meat cuts, and food safety certifications. Include any meat processing experience and equipment operation skills. Veterans' preference applies.
Ready to apply for WG-7407?
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.