The Best-Paying Jobs in the Military (5 Ranked by Salary)

Have you ever dreamed of joining a career where you wear a uniform daily? Or maybe one that is filled with adventure and travel?

If you think you’ll be stuck behind a desk or constantly running drills, then think again. Many career options are available to you if you decide to join the military, and plenty of the jobs offer excellent pay and benefits.

Here are five of the best-paying jobs in the military.

How Many Different Branches Are There To Work In?

There are six different branches you can work in the military and two reserve components. The branches include:

• Army
• Air Force
• Coast Guard
• Marine Corps
• Navy
• Space Force.

The reserve components include Army National Guard and Air National Guard. Each branch has its own unique culture, values, and way of doing things. So if you're thinking about joining, make sure to do your research ahead of time to know which one is best for you.

Job #1: Military Physician

The best-paying job in the military is a military physician. A military physician is a medical doctor who provides care for service members and their families. They may work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and deployed locations. Depending on their specialty, they may provide routine care or treat more severe conditions.

Education requirements for military physicians vary depending on their chosen field, but all must complete medical school and receive a license to practice medicine. Depending on their expertise, they also require 3-9 years in residency programs and internships.

Subspecialization entails further training during a one- to three-year fellowship. Salary varies depending on rank and experience, but all military physicians can expect to earn a competitive salary and benefits package.

You should expect to earn a salary of at least $208,000 a year once your residency is complete.

Job growth for military physicians is expected to be strong in the coming years. The job outlook is expected to be 3% between 2021 and 2031, making it an excellent career choice for those interested in serving their country.

Job #2: Mechanical Engineer

A mechanical engineer in the military is responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining various mechanical equipment. This could include everything from engines in vehicles to aircraft and weapons systems.

A mechanical engineer in the military must have at least a bachelor's degree in engineering, and many positions also require a master's degree. The median salary for a mechanical engineer in the military is $95,300 per year.

Job growth is expected to be about 2%t between 2021 and 2031 (a bit slower than the national average). If you're a natural problem solver who doesn't mind getting their hands a little dirty, this could be a great option for you.

Job #3: Recruiter

A military recruiter connects potential recruits with enlistment opportunities in the United States Armed Forces.

Just like human resources professionals, military recruiters hire, filter, and interview job candidates and assign newly hired employees to positions. They may also manage training, employee relations, and salary and benefits.

To become a military recruiter, one must have a bachelor's degree in human resources or a related field and undergo specialized training. The average salary for this position starts at around $64,000 per year.

Recruiter job growth is expected to be 8% between 2021 and 2031 (which is very fast!). If you're interested in serving your country and working with people, then this might be the perfect fit.

Job #4: Media Relations

In the military, media relations is about maintaining relationships with journalists and other media professionals. The goal is to keep them informed about what the military is doing and promote a positive image to the public.

Media relations specialists must have a good understanding of both the military and the media and be able to communicate effectively with both groups. They also need to be able to handle crises and handle difficult questions with the utmost care.

You must have a bachelor's degree to qualify for a media relations job. The average salary for this job is $63,000 per year but will grow steadily as you gain more senior roles.

The expected job growth for media relations is 8%, making it another one of the fastest-growing segments of the military career field.

Job #5: Cybersecurity Analyst

A career as a cybersecurity analyst in the military is an excellent choice for anyone interested in working in the computer science field. As a cybersecurity analyst, you will protect military computer systems from outside attacks.

Protecting computer systems is vital, as nearly every function relies heavily on computer technology for communication and operations. To become a cybersecurity analyst in the military, you must have at least a bachelor's degree in computer science and pursue additional cybersecurity certifications.

The average salary for a cybersecurity analyst is $102,600 per year. It's expected to grow by an astounding 35% over the next decade. There is already a massive demand for these analysts, so if you're looking for a career change — investigate this option.

Those were just a few of the best-paying jobs in the military. A great way to get more information is to reach out to a recruiter and talk through your unique skills and goals.

The more you know about what each job entails, the easier it will be to make an informed decision. Whatever path you decide to take, I wish you all the best of luck!