For Educators: Military Resources
Military Field / Combat Medics
Median Salary
80,431
Workforce Count
3,282
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Field/combat medics are trained to provide medical care in an operational or combat environment. They provide frontline trauma and medical care to deployed personnel. They care for those suffering from disease as well as those injured in combat. In addition to being prepared to work in combat, these health professionals are often trained in health concerns related to specific conditions, such as those encountered during diving or flight operations.
What is the work environment like?
Field/combat medics usually work in hospitals and clinics on land or aboard ships. Medical emergency technicians may give emergency medical treatment in the field.
How many people have this role in the Military?
3,282
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
$72,095
2 Years
$86,514
6 Years
$113,400
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. Job training for field/combat medics consists of classroom and on-the job instruction, including practice in providing patient care. Training content varies depending on specialty and may include:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Basic patient care
- Anatomy and physiology
- Minor surgical procedures
- Clinical laboratory procedures
- Methods for diagnosing diseases
- Plaster-casting techniques
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?
- Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
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?
No data available for this section.
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
Social
You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.
Realistic
You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.
Investigative
You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.
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