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Military Programmers and Developers

Military Career

General Information

Description

Computer programmers and developers write, analyze, design, and develop programs that are critical to war-fighting capabilities and allow computer applications and software programs to function properly. From maintenance tracking programs to programs that organize and display intelligence data, they ensure that the Military has the software and programs needed to complete missions efficiently and effectively.

Explore this career outside the Military

Work Environment

Programmers and developers in the military work in offices or at computer sites on military bases or aboard ships.

Comparable Industries

  • Information Technology

Related Military Careers

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Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Officer
    • Managerial/professional
    • College degree required

Military Workforce

Programmers and Developers in the Military

27,477

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Salary

Salary Information

Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

$68,279

Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.

$22,938 - $294,189

What makes up a Military salary?

Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.

They also offer:

  • Housing allowances
  • Subsistence allowances
  • Special and incentive pays
  • Cost-of-living allowances
  • Hazardous-duty pay
  • Bonuses

Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator

Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits

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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Bachelor's degree 88%
  • Associate's degree 8%
  • Some college 2%
  • High school 0%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%
  • Post-secondary certificate 0%

Military training

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Job training for programmers and developers primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include: Fiscal and contract managementAssessment of computer equipment needsComputer systems development and project management

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Military training

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Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Job training for programmers and developers primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include:

  • Fiscal and contract management
  • Assessment of computer equipment needs
  • Computer systems development and project management

Knowledge

  • Computers and Electronics
  • Mathematics
  • Engineering and Technology
  • English Language
  • Geography

Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.