High-Paying Careers in the US Military
The US military offers a wide range of career opportunities, each with its own unique set of challenges and rewards. While basic pay is the same for all military personnel, there are many special pays and allowances that can significantly increase earnings. Here are the top 10 highest paid military jobs in the US, based on average annual salary and special pays:
1. Air Force Fighter Pilots - $134,500
Air Force fighter pilots are among the highest paid military personnel, with an average annual salary of $134,500. These pilots fly fighter aircraft, such as the F-16 and F-22, and are responsible for defending US airspace and engaging enemy aircraft.
- Average annual salary: $134,500
- Special pays: Flight pay, hazardous duty pay
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree, flight training
2. Navy SEALs - $124,800
Navy SEALs are the elite special operations force of the US Navy, and are among the highest paid military personnel. They conduct a variety of missions, including counterterrorism, direct action, and special reconnaissance.
- Average annual salary: $124,800
- Special pays: Dive pay, parachute pay, hazardous duty pay
- Education requirements: High school diploma, specialized training
3. Army Special Forces - $114,500
Army Special Forces, also known as Green Berets, are the elite special operations force of the US Army. They conduct a variety of missions, including counterterrorism, direct action, and special reconnaissance.
- Average annual salary: $114,500
- Special pays: Language pay, hazardous duty pay
- Education requirements: High school diploma, specialized training
4. Marine Corps Aviators - $109,200
Marine Corps aviators fly a variety of aircraft, including fighter jets, helicopters, and transport planes. They are responsible for providing air support to ground units and conducting a variety of other missions.
- Average annual salary: $109,200
- Special pays: Flight pay, hazardous duty pay
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree, flight training
5. Air Force Drone Pilots - $104,800
Air Force drone pilots operate remotely piloted aircraft, such as the MQ-9 Reaper, and are responsible for conducting a variety of missions, including reconnaissance and combat.
- Average annual salary: $104,800
- Special pays: Flight pay, hazardous duty pay
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree, flight training
6. Navy Divers - $98,400
Navy divers are specialized personnel who conduct a variety of underwater missions, including salvage, repair, and reconnaissance.
- Average annual salary: $98,400
- Special pays: Dive pay, hazardous duty pay
- Education requirements: High school diploma, specialized training
7. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians - $94,500
Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians are responsible for disposing of explosive devices, including bombs and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
- Average annual salary: $94,500
- Special pays: Hazardous duty pay, explosive pay
- Education requirements: High school diploma, specialized training
8. Marine Corps Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians - $92,800
Marine Corps EOD technicians are responsible for disposing of explosive devices, including bombs and IEDs.
- Average annual salary: $92,800
- Special pays: Hazardous duty pay, explosive pay
- Education requirements: High school diploma, specialized training
9. Air Force Pararescuemen - $89,400
Air Force pararescuemen are specialized personnel who conduct a variety of missions, including personnel recovery, medical evacuation, and combat search and rescue.
- Average annual salary: $89,400
- Special pays: Parachute pay, hazardous duty pay
- Education requirements: High school diploma, specialized training
10. Navy Nuclear Machinist's Mates - $86,800
Navy nuclear machinist’s mates are responsible for operating and maintaining nuclear reactors on Navy submarines and surface ships.
- Average annual salary: $86,800
- Special pays: Submarine pay, hazardous duty pay
- Education requirements: High school diploma, specialized training
These figures are based on average annual salary and special pays, and may vary depending on individual circumstances. Additionally, these figures do not include non-monetary benefits, such as health insurance and education assistance, which are also available to military personnel.
💡 Note: These figures are based on data from the US Department of Defense and may not reflect the current salary scales.
In summary, these are the top 10 highest paid military jobs in the US, based on average annual salary and special pays. These careers offer a range of challenges and rewards, and are an excellent way to serve your country while earning a good income.
What are the highest paid military jobs?
+The highest paid military jobs include Air Force fighter pilots, Navy SEALs, Army Special Forces, and Marine Corps aviators.
How much do military personnel earn?
+Military personnel earn a basic salary, plus special pays and allowances, which can significantly increase their earnings.
What are the education requirements for military careers?
+Education requirements vary depending on the career, but many military careers require a high school diploma or bachelor’s degree, plus specialized training.
