For Educators: Military Resources
Military Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialists
Median Salary
63,742
Workforce Count
10,211
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
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.
What is the work environment like?
Aircraft launch and recovery specialists work outdoors aboard ships while operating and maintaining launch and recovery equipment or holding visual landing aids for incoming aircraft. They are exposed to noise and fumes from jet and helicopter engines.
How many people have this role in the Military?
10,211
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$91,331
2 Years
$69,065
6 Years
$91,331
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Enlisted service members execute vital tasks, support operations alongside officers and develop role-specific skills to achieve mission success.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Aircraft launch and recovery specialists gain skills through classes and on-the-job experience. Training content may include:
- Operating and maintaining launch and recovery equipment
- Installing crash barriers and barricades
- Use of landing aids, arresting gear, and anchoring devices
- Care of airfield surfaces
- Operation of communication systems
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Air Traffic Controller
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- Transportation
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administrative
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
Conventional
You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.
Realistic
You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.
Enterprising
You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.
RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.
Take the RIASEC Test