Military Job Salaries in Cyber Operations

Does anyone have specifics on the salary range for military jobs in cyber operations? I'm considering this path and want to know how it compares to civilian tech jobs.

It's important to note that military compensation includes more than just a basic salary. In addition to base pay, military personnel also receive allowances for housing and subsistence, healthcare, tuition assistance for further education, and retirement benefits, among other things, which can make the total compensation quite competitive.

The base pay for enlisted military personnel starts around $20,000 per year and can increase up to about $40,000 after several years of service. For officers, the base pay starts at around $37,000 and can increase up to around $120,000 per year with time and promotions. However, these numbers can vary widely depending on your rank and years of service.

Cyber operations specialists (like an Army Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector/Analyst, Navy Cryptologic Technician, or Air Force Cyber Operations Officer) typically start at lower-ranking officer or high-ranking enlisted positions, as these roles often require advanced technical skills and security clearance. So you could be earning more than a typical starting officer or enlisted soldier.

In comparison, civilian tech jobs can have a wide range of salaries, depending on the role, your skills, and the industry. For instance, a starting salary for a software engineer can range from around $60,000 to over $100,000 per year, depending on the location and the company. Higher-level roles like security architect or data scientist can garner salaries over $120,000 annually.

But remember, it's a good idea to consider other factors beyond salary. The military can offer unique experiences like travel, leadership opportunities, and job security. It also offers unparalleled training and the chance to operate with cutting-edge technology. Plus, some military personnel transition to civilian tech roles later on, which can be quite lucrative with their unique skill set and security clearances. Consider your long-term career goals and personal interests as well when deciding on your path.