--- title: "The 7 enlisted jobs with awesome entry-level salaries" date: "2020-06-08" modified: "2020-10-30" authors: - name: "Logan Nye" job_title: "Senior Contributor, Army Veteran" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/logan-nye/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/7-highest-paying-enlisted-military-jobs/" categories: - "Careers" - "Join the Military" --- # The 7 enlisted jobs with awesome entry-level salaries ![]() Serving in the military can be very rewarding personally and professionally, but a lot of potential recruits want to know which jobs make the most cash. The military pay tables are [here](), but in the meantime, here are seven of the most lucrative military jobs for new enlistees: --- ### 1. Army Military Working Dog Handler ![]() *Photo by Pierre Courtejoie* [Military working dog handlers]() train and work with dogs that specialize in finding explosives, drugs, or other potential threats to military personnel or law and order. They train for 18 weeks after the Army's 10-week basic combat training. Starting annual salary: $18,561.96 plus benefits. ### 2. Air Force Histopathology Specialist ![]() *Photo: US Air Force Master Sgt. David Miller* [Histopathology specialists]() in the U.S. Air Force prepare diseased tissue samples for microscopic examination, aiding doctors in the diagnosis of dangerous diseases. Starting annual salary: $18,561.96 plus benefits ### 3. Marine Corps Engineer ![]() *Photo: US Marine Corps Cpl. John McCall* [Engineering Marines]() build and repair buildings, roads, and power supplies and assist the infantry by breaching enemy obstacles. There are different schools for different engineering specialties including Basic Combat Engineer Course, the Engineer Equipment Operator Course, and the Basic Metal Workers Course. Starting annual salary: $18,561.96 plus benefits ### 4. Navy Mass Communications Specialist ![]() *Photo: US Air Force Senior Airman Kamaile Chan* [Mass Communications Specialists]() tell the Navy story through photography, writing, illustration, and graphic design. They educate the public and document the Navy's achievements. Starting annual salary: $18,561.96 plus benefits ### 5. Army Paralegal Specialist ![]() *Photo: US Army Sgt. Darryl L. Montgomery* [Paralegal Specialists]() assist lawyers and unit command teams by advising on criminal law, international law, civil/administrative law, contract law, and fiscal law. The are experts in legal terminology, the preparation of legal documents, and the judicial process. Starting annual salary: $18,561.96 plus benefits ### 6. Air Force Firefighter ![]() *Photo: US Air Force Airman 1st Class Kathrine McDowell* [Firefighters]() in the Air Force have to combat everything from building fires to burning jets to forest fires. They operate primarily on Air Force bases but may also be stationed at other branches installations or be called on to assist civilian fire departments. Starting annual salary: $18,561.96 plus benefits ### 7. Marine Corps Light Armored Vehicle Crewman ![]() *Photo: US Navy Geoffrey Patrick* Light armored vehicles support the Marine Corps mission by carrying communications equipment, Marines, and mobile electronic warfare platforms. The heart of the LAV mission is the [LAV crewman](), who drives, maintains, and operates these awesome vehicles. Starting annual salary: $18,561.96 plus benefits ## Author Logan was an Army journalist and paratrooper in the 82nd. Now, he's a freelance writer covering military history, culture, and technology. He has two upcoming podcasts and a Twitch channel focused on basic military literacy. ### Author social links [Twitter]() [Facebook]()