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For Educators: Military Resources

Discover pathways into and through the Military, and how they can align with your personal and professional goals.

Explore resources to help you further your education, from choosing the right school to navigating financial aid.

Learn about the steps toward military service — and the benefits, opportunities and requirements you can expect.

Get information to help you advance your career — including advice on writing resumes and acing interviews.

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For Educators: Military Resources
Occupation Finder

Military Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialists

Median Salary
77,041
Workforce Count
137,498

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?

137,498

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.
Learn More About Military Benefits

What is the typical salary range?

Salary by Years of Service

$48,790

2 Years

$83,650

6 Years

$111,433

10+ Years
Median Salary
77,041

Military Details

What Service Branches offer this role?

Learn More About Service Branches

Is this a staff or leadership role?

Enlisted
Officer
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 Paths

What 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?

No data available for this section.

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Aerospace Ground Equipment Technology

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 College

Skills and Interests

What skills will set you up for success?

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?

No data available for this section.

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

No data available for this section.

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.

Curious about this career? Get the answers you need.

There’s only so much a page can tell you. If you want the full picture, the best way to find out is talking with a military recruiter—someone who can walk you through exactly what to expect.

How to Reach a Recruiter

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