What are the Highest Paying Jobs in the Military?
The military offers a wide range of careers with competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities for advancement. While many people may associate the military with traditional roles such as infantry and engineering, there are many other high-paying jobs available across various branches and specialties.
What are the Highest Paying Jobs in the Military?
According to the Department of Defense, the top 10 highest paying jobs in the military are:
| Rank | Job Title | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Physician Assistant | $122,000 |
| 2 | Dentist | $118,000 |
| 3 | Orthodontist | $114,000 |
| 4 | Chiropractor | $104,000 |
| 5 | Air Traffic Controller | $102,000 |
| 6 | Aerospace Engineer | $96,000 |
| 7 | Computer Hardware Engineer | $94,000 |
| 8 | Electrical Engineer | $92,000 |
| 9 | Software Engineer | $90,000 |
| 10 | Physician | $87,000 |
Physician Assistant
Physician assistants (PAs) are medical professionals who work under the supervision of physicians to provide medical care to patients. As one of the highest paying jobs in the military, PAs can earn an average annual salary of $122,000. With a bachelor’s degree and a 2-year PA program, PAs can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and battlefields.
Dentist
Dentists are medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oral health issues. With a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, dentists can earn an average annual salary of $118,000. As a military dentist, you’ll work to ensure the oral health of military personnel and their families.
Orthodontist
Orthodontists are specialists in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. With a DDS or DMD degree and a 2-3 year orthodontic residency program, orthodontists can earn an average annual salary of $114,000. As a military orthodontist, you’ll work to improve the alignment and function of teeth for military personnel and their families.
Chiropractor
Chiropractors are medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system. With a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree, chiropractors can earn an average annual salary of $104,000. As a military chiropractor, you’ll work to provide alternative treatments for military personnel and their families.
Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers are responsible for ensuring the safe takeoff and landing of aircraft at military airbases and airfields. With a high school diploma and a 2-year air traffic control training program, air traffic controllers can earn an average annual salary of $102,000. As a military air traffic controller, you’ll work to ensure the safe movement of aircraft and personnel.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. With a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, aerospace engineers can earn an average annual salary of $96,000. As a military aerospace engineer, you’ll work to design and develop new aircraft and spacecraft systems.
Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer hardware engineers design, develop, and test computer hardware components such as processors, memory devices, and graphics cards. With a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field, computer hardware engineers can earn an average annual salary of $94,000. As a military computer hardware engineer, you’ll work to develop and maintain computer systems for military use.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems, including power generation and distribution systems, electrical circuits, and electronic devices. With a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, electrical engineers can earn an average annual salary of $92,000. As a military electrical engineer, you’ll work to develop and maintain electrical systems for military use.
Software Engineer
Software engineers design, develop, and test software programs for a variety of applications, including military systems. With a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, software engineers can earn an average annual salary of $90,000. As a military software engineer, you’ll work to develop and maintain software systems for military use.
Physician
Physicians are medical doctors who diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and injuries. With a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree, physicians can earn an average annual salary of $87,000. As a military physician, you’ll work to provide medical care to military personnel and their families.
Conclusion
The military offers a wide range of high-paying jobs across various branches and specialties. From physician assistants and dentists to aerospace engineers and software engineers, there are many opportunities for professionals to earn a competitive salary while serving their country. Whether you’re interested in medicine, engineering, or another field, the military has a job that’s right for you.
