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Military Enlisted Careers

This comprehensive list includes military careers that are available to individuals.

A Marine K-9 handler sitting with a military dog

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Military Administrative Support Specialists

Administrative support specialists are responsible for a variety of duties in the office. They make sure that information is recorded, stored, and delivered in order to keep operations running as smoothly as possible. They supervise or perform administrative, clerical, and typing duties. They may also be in charge of scheduling meetings, making travel arrangements, and organizing any other work-related events.

  • Average Salary:$67,141
  • Most Common Education: High school

Military Information Control Specialists

Information control specialists safeguard sensitive material and arrange for delivery by courier. They provide adequate protection for material from receipt through delivery or storage; prepare classified correspondence; and manage administrative functions and security procedures for various security programs (e.g., Special Security Program, Sensitive Compartmented Information Security Program, Communications Security [COMSEC] Program).

  • Average Salary:$69,173
  • Most Common Education: Not Available

Military Postal Administrative Specialists

Postal administrative specialists perform all duties necessary to the efficient running of military postal operations. They perform postal finance, mail handling, locator service, and mail distribution functions. Mail handling duties can include, but are not limited to, accepting, sorting, manifesting, and dispatching all types of mail. They may also issue and cash United States Postal Service (USPS) money orders, sell stamps, apply postage, and mail out parcels.

  • Average Salary:$46,985
  • Most Common Education: High school

Military Air Crew Members

Air crew members perform in-flight duties to ensure the successful completion of combat, reconnaissance, transport, and search and rescue missions. They perform inspections to ensure equipment is in working order and are responsible for properly storing cargo for flight. They operate, monitor, and perform limited maintenance on mission-critical systems. Their responsibilities may vary by type of aircraft, and include such tasks as operating mine sweeping, refueling, photography, and electronic warfare systems.

  • Average Salary:$65,303
  • Most Common Education: Not available

Military Flight Attendants

Flight attendants are responsible for passenger safety during aircraft operations. They manage cabin duties such as briefing passengers on aircraft systems, amenities, and equipment. Flight attendants are responsible for orderly, expeditious evacuation of passengers and crew, and providing emergency medical assistance when necessary. Additionally, they perform pre-flight, through-flight, and post-flight inspections. They also operate a variety of aircraft systems and equipment.

  • Average Salary:$77,856
  • Most Common Education: High school

Military Air Traffic Controllers

Air traffic controllers direct the movement of aircraft into and out of military airfields. They operate communications equipment and track aircraft using navigational aids. They coordinate and communicate aircraft movement information, as well as weather and airfield conditions. They also provide critical information to direct the action of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other offensive air operations.  

  • Average Salary:$59,251
  • Most Common Education: High school

Military Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialists

Aircraft launch and recovery specialists ensure the safety of aircraft as they launch from and return to aircraft carriers. They perform this critical work by operating and maintaining catapults, arresting gear, and other equipment used in aircraft carrier takeoff and landing operations.

  • Average Salary:$58,815
  • Most Common Education: Bachelor's degree

Military Aircraft Mechanics

Aircraft mechanics supervise or perform the inspection, service, and repair of the Military's fleet of helicopters and airplanes. These mechanics troubleshoot and maintain the aircraft’s structure, engines, and other components, including mission-critical features such as weapons and electronic warfare, and coatings for stealth purposes.

  • Average Salary:$60,352
  • Most Common Education: Post-secondary certificate

Military Aircraft Engine Mechanics

Some aircraft mechanics in the Military work solely on the engines, or powerplants, of the aircraft. These mechanics troubleshoot and perform organizational, intermediate, and depot level maintenance on the engines and related components of the Military’s airplanes and helicopters. Aircraft engine mechanics must have specialized knowledge of the mechanical, electrical, and hydraulics principles applying to jet and turboprop engines.

  • Average Salary:$60,933
  • Most Common Education: Post-secondary certificate

Military Armored Assault Vehicle Crew Members

Armored assault vehicle crew members work as a team to operate armored equipment and fire weapons to destroy enemy positions. They normally specialize in a type of armor, such as tanks, light armor (cavalry), or amphibious assault vehicles.

  • Average Salary:$75,243
  • Most Common Education: Not available