skip to main content

INDUSTRY:

Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

Military transport jobs span the world with roles that involve the delivery of essential supplies and services for our global fighting force.

There are 24 military careers in this industry

Explore stories from service members who have Transportation, Distribution & Logistics careers
Three US coast Guard members standing at a port while holding a checklist board

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 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 Airplane Pilots

Airplane pilots in the Military train, organize, and equip the nation’s air services to support the national and international policies of the government. They operate many different jet and propeller planes. Aircraft range from combat airplanes to supersonic fighters and bombers. In addition to flying aircraft, airplane pilots develop flight plans, check weather reports, brief and direct all crew members, and perform system operation checks to test the proper functioning of instrumentation, controls, and electronic and mechanical systems on the flight deck.

  • Average Salary:$110,874
  • Most Common Education: Bachelor's degree

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 Air Traffic Control Managers

Air traffic control managers oversee the operations of airfields and control centers, both on land and at sea, that direct the tactical employment of aircraft during combat or noncombat missions. They prepare flight operations plans and monitor the maneuvers of aircraft in and out of the airspace. They train, establish standards, and conduct operational evaluations to manage unit training and performance standards that ensure airfield operations personnel possess required job skills.

  • Average Salary:$115,095
  • Most Common Education: Bachelor's degree

Military Automotive and Heavy Equipment Mechanics

After ensuring adequate manpower, supplies, and workspace are available, automotive and heavy equipment mechanics maintain and repair various vehicles and systems. They determine the overall mechanical condition of vehicles and heavy equipment, diagnose malfunctions, and initiate restorative actions related to equipment in their area of responsibility.

  • Average Salary:$68,175
  • Most Common Education: High school

Military Avionics Technicians

Avionics technicians inspect, service, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair avionics systems that perform communications, navigation, collision avoidance, target acquisition, and automatic flight-control functions. They perform operational tests on aircraft components to determine condition, analyze performance, and isolate malfunctions in the radar, sensors, weapons control, electronic warfare (EW), flight control, and engine control systems. They repair and replace systems and equipment when deficiencies are identified.

  • Average Salary:$59,780
  • Most Common Education: Post-secondary certificate

Military Cargo Specialists

Cargo specialists ensure the safe and efficient transfer of supplies needed by service members worldwide. They are responsible for transferring or supervising the transfer of cargo to and from air, land, and water vehicles by manual and mechanical methods. They also plan and organize loading schedules.

  • Average Salary:$56,466
  • Most Common Education: Bachelor's degree

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