Highest-Paying Military Careers
These top-paying jobs in the Military require specialized training in addition to service commitments.
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Military Veterinarians
Veterinarians play a vital role in rebuilding and improving animal care systems in underdeveloped and war-damaged countries. They also provide veterinary public health services through veterinary medical and surgical care, food safety and defense, and biomedical research and development. Many veterinarians also provide care to Military Working Dogs, ceremonial horses, working animals of many Department of Homeland Security organizations, and pets owned by service members. Officers with special education in laboratory animal medicine, pathology, microbiology, or related disciplines conduct research in military and other governmental agencies.
- Median Salary:$150,285
- Most Common Education: Doctoral degree
Military Data Analysts
Military data analysts conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses to support a wide variety of military activities, including acquisition, combat operations, system development, logistics, and force design. They use scientific and mathematical methods to collect, record, store, and analyze data. Data analysts may utilize artificial intelligence methods and/or apply algorithms to solve complex problems, conduct risk analyses, and run combat simulations.
- Median Salary:$136,710
- Most Common Education: Not available
Military All-Source Intelligence Specialists
All-source intelligence specialists are specifically trained in the planning, collection, and implementation of all intelligence disciplines across the full spectrum of operations. All-source intelligence specialists consolidate imagery, signals, measurements, human, and open-source data into information to support national defense.
- Median Salary:$134,685
- Most Common Education: Bachelor's degree
Military Surgeons
Surgeons examine, diagnose, and treat disease and injuries by applying non-invasive, minimally invasive, and invasive surgical methods. They determine and direct procedures for preoperative and postoperative care, including medication, diet restrictions, and wound care. They coordinate care with anesthesiologists before, during, and after surgical procedures. Additionally, surgeons in the Military may perform operations and other emergency procedures in combat situations.
- Median Salary:$134,481
- Most Common Education: Not available
Military Internists
Internists in the Military examine patients, perform and direct diagnostic testing, interpret test results, and prescribe treatment, including medication, therapy, and dietary regimens. They also coordinate medical care with other specialties.
- Median Salary:$133,955
- Most Common Education: Post-doctoral training
Military All-Source Intelligence Officers
All-source intelligence officers ensure the fusion of information of all sources and intelligence disciplines into finished analytical products. They supervise and coordinate the planning, collection, evaluation, analysis, fusion, production, and dissemination of imagery, signals, measurements, human, and open-source intelligence data into cohesive products to support national defense.
- Median Salary:$133,818
- Most Common Education: Bachelor's degree
Military Physicians and Surgeons
Physicians and surgeons in the Military provide comprehensive medical care to military personnel and their families. They examine patients, diagnose and treat diseases, provide medication, and perform surgery. Some military physicians and surgeons work in the field, providing support to deployed personnel. Others specialize in a specific type of medicine.
- Median Salary:$132,609
- Most Common Education: Post-doctoral training
Military Dentists
Military dentists take care of the dental needs of service members and their families. They are typically responsible for educating patients on oral hygiene, examining teeth and diagnosing patients' dental conditions by using tools such as x-rays. They also assess treatment options and agree on treatment plans with patients. They may practice general dentistry or work in one of several specialties.
- Median Salary:$132,270
- Most Common Education: Doctoral degree
Military Inspectors General
Inspectors General (IG) oversee all inspection functions and analyze related methods and procedures to promote the effectiveness of programs and reduce waste, fraud, and mismanagement. They direct, train, and evaluate personnel and provide policy guidance concerning IG inspection programs. They perform inspections and provide reports and recommendations.
- Median Salary:$131,932
- Most Common Education: Not Available
Military Family / General Practitioners
Family/general practitioners have a variety of responsibilities, including diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries, prescribing and administering treatments including medication, and requesting and evaluating tests. When needed, these general practitioners may refer a patient to a specialist.
- Median Salary:$131,921
- Most Common Education: Doctoral degree