Can I make the same salary?
When it comes down to it, one of the most important aspects of the military vs. civilian decision is what kind of money you can make in each place. If you have to support a family, then you’ll want a salary that can ensure that. If you only have to support yourself, it’s still nice to put some money in the bank (maybe fore when you start that family, huh?).
But what kind of salary can you expect when you leave the military?
That depends on a number of things, including location, seniority, experience, networking, and…well…luck! However, here are some national statistics that you might find interesting:
June 2005 National Average Hourly Wages, By Career
- All Careers $18.62
- All White Collar 22.96
- Engineers, Architects, Surveyors 36.38
- Mathematical/Computer Scientists 35.30
- Natural Scientists 29.80
- Health-Related 32.18
- College/University Teachers 42.98
- Other Teachers 31.51
- Social Scientists/Urban Planners 31.02
- Social/Religious Workers 18.62
- Lawyers and Judges 51.20
- Professionals in Arts/Athletics 24.46
- Technical 22.28
- Executives/Managers 38.20
- Management-Related 27.04
- Sales 15.32
- Administrative Support/Clerical 14.53
- All Blue Collar 15.87
- Precision Production/Craft/Repair 19.95
- Machine Operators/Inspectors 14.19
- Transportation/Material Moving 15.28
- Handlers/Cleaners/Helpers/Laborers 11.63
- Protective Service 17.74
- Food Service 7.90
- Health Service 11.13
- Building Maintenance/Service 11.11
Source: National Compensation Survey: Occupational Wages in the United States Report from the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ten States with the Highest Median Income, 2002 to 2005
- New Jersey $82,406
- Connecticut $81,891
- Massachusetts $78,312
- Maryland $77,938
- New Hampshire $72,369
- Alaska $69,868
- Delaware $69,469
- Illinois $69,168
- Colorado $68,089
- Michigan $67,995
Source: U.S. Census Bureau