Written by Fernando Cardona & Eloisa O Thomas
The U.S. Armed Forces offers job training in more than 150 career fields. These areas of work are known as Military Occupational Specialties (MOS). Are you curious about your possible career options in the military? Today we’ll go over 7 of the most lucrative military careers you can pursue. The sky is the limit!
Do my ASVAB scores influence my military career options?
Yes. While you can communicate your preferences to your recruiter during the enlistment process, your options will be limited by the results you get on the ASVAB test. In fact, the ASVAB measures the applicants’ skills and is a way to pair you with the MOS that will be better-suited to your natural abilities.
Careers in the Armed Forces
Each of the five branches of the U.S. military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard) offer training in specific areas. Because of that, the branch you choose when enlisting can influence your future career opportunities. According to the armed forces, there are different job categories that you can serve in within the armed forces, these include:
- Transport and Aviation
- Construction and Engineering
- Medicine and Emergency Services
- Computing and Technology
- Mechanics
- Combat
- Laws and Advocacy
- Media and Communication
- Intelligence and Combat Support
- Administrative Support
Of course, anual pay varies not only when comparing different job categories, but also when it comes to different branches. So, for example, a mechanic in the Army might not always make the same salary as a mechanic in the Navy.
Because of that, today’s article will showcase some of the highest-paying careers in the military without distinguishing between every branch. Remember that to get updated info, you should visit the army’s official job categorization here.
What are the highest-paying careers in the Armed Forces?
This is a very important aspect when deciding to enlist. Although it might come as a surprise, CEO positions are not at among the best yearly salaries within the military. Of course, within each force, pay varies with the degree obtained and years of experience. Feel free to inquire what you need to qualify for your dream job.
In general, the benefits package in the Armed Forces include other compensation. These compensations can be things like tax-free housing, or allowances for food and clothing. You could also get life, medical and dental insurances and 30 days of vacation per year. As for academics, you could have options to help pay for college and, for officers, opportunities for postgraduate study.
1. Nuclear engineers
Both nuclear engineering technologists and nuclear engineers work on nuclear plants and nuclear weapons. This profession is related to mechanical engineering. In this area, we have technicians and engineers.
Technicians help run nuclear reactors through the use of computers and other technical equipment. Thus, they are in charge of monitoring radiation levels during nuclear experiments, collecting soil samples, or maintaining specialized equipment.
On the other hand, nuclear engineers are in charge of the technicians’ work, they also design the equipment used in nuclear power plants. In addition, they carry out research to understand the benefits of using nuclear energy, and design protocols in the event of a nuclear emergency, among other tasks. In the United States Navy, the average annual salary for a nuclear engineer averages $ 68,784, with a range between $ 50,000 and $ 92,000.
2. Human resources specialists
The military is a large organization, and because of that they always need specialists in human resources. These specialists help recruit, hire, and place workers.
In order to work as a human resource specialist, you will need a bachelor’s or associate degree. However, once you have it, your average annual income could be around $ 60,880.
3. Nurses
In the field of nursing, salary is associated with the degree of academic training. Thus, a nurse aide’s salary can be $ 27,113, while an advanced practice registered nurse can earn $ 105,799 a year. Of course, as a nurse, you would get bonuses and additional compensation depending on the hours worked and other variables.
The good thing about nursing is you can start earning a good salary as an aide, and then continue your training while working in order to get promoted and earn better.
4. Air traffic control
Air traffic control specialists provide an essential service to guide pilots in flight and coordinate the movement of air traffic. Their job is making sure all planes land and take-off safely. Air traffic controllers are in demand both inside and out of the Armed Forces. Median annual salary is $ 122,990 and maximum annual salary is $ 172,590.
5. Lawyers
The work of lawyers is the defense and advice of their clients. As advocates, they represent their client in criminal and civil trials. As advisers, they advise their clients on their legal rights and obligations, as well as suggesting particular courses of action.
Advocacy Military Officers can also serve as attorneys in the military’s internal legal system, in civil or criminal cases. Military attorneys are known as JAGs (Judge Advocate General) and are one of the highest paid specialties in the Armed Forces. Their mean annual salary is $ 120,910 and the maximum annual salary is $ 182,490.
6. Medical Specialists and Dentists
In the military, there is a clear need for medical personnel. Physicians have demanding education and training requirements. Generally, you need a bachelor’s degree, i.e. four years of medical school. Furthermore, training in a medical specialty, this varies between 3 to 7 years. The career of a specialist doctor can be very lucrative, both in the military and civil sector. For doctors and dentists, the median annual salary is $ 126,240 and the maximum annual salary is $ 208,000.
7. Computer Science and Information System Engineers
Computer and information systems specialists work implementing and managing the technology aspect of their organization. They are responsible for overseeing all technical aspects of an organization, for example software development, network security and Internet operations.
Every branch of the military has a need to protect sensitive and classified information on computer networks and systems, so they need information security analysts who work to ensure this information is secure. Computer science in the military is an occupation with excellent prospects for salary improvements. The mean annual salary is $ 146,360 and the maximum annual salary is $ 208.000 for a system engineer or computer scientist.
These are just some of the highest paying careers in the military. Which of these would you choose? Let us know in the comments below!