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Beautician
Federal Wage Grade position providing cosmetology and beauty services including hair styling, coloring, and treatments at federal facilities such as military bases, VA medical centers, and government installations.
What WG-7641 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-7641, 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-7641
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 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-7641
What is a federal Beautician?
A Beautician (WG-7641) provides cosmetology and beauty services including hair styling, coloring, cutting, and treatments at federal facilities such as military bases, VA medical centers, and government installations. Work involves consulting with clients, performing hair services, and maintaining a professional salon environment that meets health and safety standards.
How much does a federal Beautician make?
Federal Beauticians are paid under the WG system with locality adjustments. WG-7641 positions typically range from WG-5 to WG-7 based on skills and services offered. Beauty shops at military installations offer stable employment with federal benefits. Check DCPAS wage schedules for your locality rates.
What are the requirements for WG-7641 positions?
WG-7641 positions require state cosmetology license and demonstrated skill in hair styling, cutting, and coloring. Candidates must maintain sanitary equipment and workspace, stay current with styling trends, and provide excellent customer service. Some positions may require additional certifications for specialty services.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-7641?
A state cosmetology license is required regardless of military background. However, veterans who worked in base beauty shops or received cosmetology training through military spouse employment programs have relevant experience. Your understanding of military community needs and professional standards enhances your candidacy.
What is the career progression for Beauticians?
Beauticians advance from WG-5 through WG-7 based on skills and service variety. Senior beauticians may manage salon operations and train staff. Work Leader (WL) positions supervise beauty shop teams. Related paths include MWR management or recreation services. Federal service provides stability while building clientele.
How do I apply for WG-7641 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for "Beautician" or "7641" to find positions at military bases, VA facilities, and federal installations. Emphasize your state cosmetology license, range of services offered, and customer service skills. Include any specialty certifications for coloring, perms, or styling. Veterans' preference applies.
Ready to apply for WG-7641?
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.