High-Paying Job Opportunities In The United States 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.
Air Traffic Control Managers: $97,360
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 9,112 with this high-paying job title.
Air traffic control managers average a solid salary of $97,360.
Supply And Warehouse Manager: $98,878
Around 14,982 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, averaging $98,878.
Training Specialist: $124,193
Currently, there are 228 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 salary is an average of $124,193.
Pharmacist: $137,992
The Coast Guard, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps are all in need of pharmacists. Responsible for medication dispersal amongst the military, side effect discussion, as well as consulting with doctors on proper dosages, the job of a pharmacist is no small task.
As of 2021, there are 676 pharmacists in the military, each making an average of $137,992
Epidemiologist/Infectious Disease Physician: $117,456
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, there is 1,487 military personnel who hold this job title throughout the five branches of the United States military, earning an average salary of $117,456.
Chaplain: $118,154
When it comes to being a military chaplain, around 66% of people hold a master's degree in theology, phycology, 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.
On average, military chaplains make $118,154.
Physicist: $130,580
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.
On average, military physicists earn a salary of $130,580.
Computer Programmer And Developer: $118,839
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, there are around 1,226 people throughout every branch of the United State military who hold this job title, making an average of $118,839.
Social Worker: $120,752
Military social workers provide essential mental health services, clinical counseling, substance abuse interventions, and more to not only other military personnel but their families. Needed in every branch of the military, there are currently 290 social workers spread throughout the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force.
On average, social workers make $120,752.
Music Composer And Arranger: $126,026
While music composers and arrangers are in each branch of the military, there are only a total of 27 with the 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.
On average, military music composers and arrangers earn $126,026.
Chemist: $124,495
A job as a chemist is available in each branch of the military. Even so, there are only 68 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 average salary is around $124,495.
Dental Laboratory Technician: $158,901
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 only 70 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 salary is an average of $158,901.
Nuclear Engineer: $116,097
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 726 military members currently hold this title.
They're all well compensated, with an average salary of $116,097.
Judge: $114,779
The Judge Advocate General selected each of the current 1,671 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 compensation averages $14,779.
Helicopter Pilots: $77,487
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 1,068 servicemen and women who hold this title, earning an average salary of $77,487.
Podiatrist: $113,428
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 an average salary of $113,428.
Healthcare Administrators: $110,826
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 3,591 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 the average salary of $110,826.
Human Resource Managers: $84,121
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 an average salary of $84,121.
Recruiter: $79,773
Military recruiters are those men and women who kids see at their high school career fairs, asking students what their plans are for the future and if they've ever considering 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 an average salary of $79,773.
Artillery And Missile Officers: $79,188
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 an average salary of $79,188 since 28,297 people hold the title.
