20 Of The Highest-Paying Jobs You Can Have In The US Military
Joining the United States military can be a rewarding experience, one that can connect people with a high-paying, six-figure job. Of course, there's a lot of skill and dedication involved.
From a dental laboratory technician or pharmacist to a music composer or social worker, take a look at some of the military's highest-paying job opportunities, according to My Future.
Air Traffic Control Managers: $115,095
According to My Future, "Air traffic control managers oversee the operations of airfields and control centers that direct the tactical employment of aircraft during combat or non-combat missions."
Throughout the various branches of the military, there are 25,642 individuals with this high-paying job title.
Air traffic control managers have a solid median salary of $115,095.
Supply And Warehouse Manager: $63,336
Around 29,813 military members work as supply and warehouse managers throughout the various branches of the United States military. A high-paying job, this title requires people to be highly organized and able to facilitate the various needs of a massive warehouse.
The pay for this position is very generous, too, with the median salary being $63,336 and some making as much as $256,074.
Training Specialist: $82,343
Currently, there are 4,349 training specialists throughout every branch of the military. This job is critical, as people who hold the title plan out curriculums that educate, train, and improve the knowledge and skills of military personnel.
For an officer, a college degree is required for a training specialist position. It's worth it, though, since the median salary is $82,343.
Pharmacist: $74,514
The Coast Guard, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps all need pharmacists. A pharmacist's job is no small task. They are responsible for medication dispersal amongst the military, side effect discussion, and consulting with doctors on proper dosages.
There are 754 pharmacists in the military. The median salary for this role is $74,514.
Epidemiologist/Infectious Disease Physician: $127,387
On the front lines of global health issues, military epidemiologists/infectious disease physicians are responsible for researching the patterns, causes, and effects of various diseases.
Currently, 2,055 military personnel hold this job title throughout the five branches of the United States military, earning a median salary of $127,387.
Chaplain: $131,731
When it comes to being a military chaplain, around 47% of people hold a master's degree in theology, psychology, pastoral studies, or counseling, to name a few. As a chaplain, people are responsible for providing a wide variety of religious needs amongst the military branches, including religious accommodation and counseling.
The median salary of military chaplains is $131,731.
Physicist: $110,021
Physicists are utilized in every branch of the military, from the Navy to the Air Force, with 437 total people taking up the title. These scientists are responsible for conducting experiments and analyzing results, especially in relation to matter and living organisms.
The median salary of military physicists is $110,021.
Computer Programmer And Developer: $68,279
According to My Future, "Computer programmers and developers write, analyze, design, and develop programs that are critical to war-fighting capabilities and allow computer applications and software programs to function properly."
Currently, around 27,477 people throughout every branch of the United States military hold this job title, which has a median salary of $68,279.
Social Worker: $126,143
Military social workers provide essential mental health services, clinical counseling, substance abuse interventions, and more to not only other military personnel but also their families. Needed in every branch of the military, there are currently 518 social workers in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force.
The median salary of social workers is $126,143.
Music Composer And Arranger: $74,470
Music composers and arrangers are in each branch of the military; approximately 1,191 people have this job title. Responsible for transcribing musical scores and composing original musical arrangements for various events, this job is only offered to those with extensive knowledge of music theory.
The median salary of military music composers and arrangers is $74,470.
Chemist: $117,365
A job as a chemist is available in each branch of the military. Even so, there are only 668 people currently holding the title, as it is a lot of responsibility with a required college degree.
According to My Future, military chemists, "Conduct and advise on research having military and/or medical application, such as protection of personnel from chemical, biological, and radiological agents..." Their median salary is around $117,365.
Dental Laboratory Technician: $74,336
One of the highest-paying jobs in the United States Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Navy is a dental laboratory technician. In total, there are 440 technicians in the military, making it a hard-earned job that requires a lot of dedication and knowledge of all things dentistry.
Of course, it's worth it since the median salary is $74,336.
Nuclear Engineer: $129,295
The job of a nuclear engineer is no small task. They're responsible for developing and then capitalizing on the energy released during a nuclear reaction. Because of the high level of critical thinking, problem-solving, math, science, and technology design that goes into this job, only 5,491 military members currently hold this title.
They're all well compensated, with a median salary of $129,295.
Judge: $103,866
The Judge Advocate General selected each of the current 3,096 military judges throughout the branches of the United States military. With 66% of people holding a doctoral degree, 23% holding a first professional, and 9% going through post-doctoral training, it is a very prestigious and difficult job to earn.
A military judge's median compensation is $103,866.
Helicopter Pilots: $109,495
Helicopter pilots are needed in every branch of the military. They are skilled and trained in how to spot and observe enemy positions, transport troops, perform combat maneuvers, and evacuate the wounded.
In total, there are currently 16,649 servicemen and women who hold this title, earning a median salary of $109,495.
Podiatrist: $125,427
Feet, ankles, and the surrounding bones and ligaments holding everything together are pretty important. Military podiatrists are responsible for examining and taking care of any issues or abnormalities that may arise in that area.
In the military, a lot of podiatrists will see cases relating to combat. Their compensation is a median salary of $125,427.
Healthcare Administrators: $109,508
Healthcare administrators have an important job, managing clinics, hospitals, and other military care facilities. Needed throughout every branch of the United States military, there are currently 25,041 with this high-paying job title.
For this job, people tend to need high levels of social skills, leadership, math, science, critical thinking, problem-solving, and technology design in order to earn a median salary of $109,508.
Human Resource Managers: $84,217
Even the military needs human resource managers! Responsible for "coordinating policies and programs that support service members," as stated by My Future, this position is important for keeping the whole of the United States military organized and compliant.
From disciplinary action to giving out awards, HR managers pretty much do it all and are well compensated for their efforts with a median salary of $84,217.
Recruiting Managers: $82,180
Military recruiting managers are the men and women who students see at their high school career fairs. They ask students what their plans are for the future and if they've ever considered joining the military. Responsible for virtually every aspect of the recruitment process, this job is necessary for all military branches.
They're well-compensated, with a median salary of $82,180.
Artillery And Missile Officers: $79,925
According to My Future, "Artillery and missile officers manage personnel and weapons operations to destroy enemy positions, aircraft, and vessels. They direct artillery crew members as they position, maintain, and fire guns, cannons, howitzers, and rockets."
This stressful and leadership-driven position makes a median salary of $79,925 since 59,802 people hold the title.
