For Educators: Military Resources
Military Career Counseling / Retention Specialists
Median Salary
84,424
Workforce Count
15,467
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Career counseling/retention specialists provide military personnel with consultation and guidance on career exploration by reviewing their interests, education, strengths, and abilities. They support the development and implementation of career information programs and they are responsible for collecting and analyzing retention and attrition data. They provide service members with guidance and motivation in maximizing their career potential, and they provide counseling to transitioning or retiring personnel.
What is the work environment like?
Career counseling/retention specialists work in local recruiting offices, on high school campuses and career centers, and in local communities.
How many people have this role in the Military?
15,467
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
$62,655
2 Years
$80,819
6 Years
$103,150
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
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. Career counseling/retention specialists in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training may include:
- Interviewing techniques
- Community relations
- Social networking/marketing
- Counseling techniques
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
- School Psychology
- College Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services, Other
- Executive/Career Coaching
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 Interests
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Administrative
- Therapy and Counseling
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
Social
You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.
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 TestData 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.