10 of the Navy’s best jobs

Jessica Evans
Updated onNov 22, 2022 6:41 AM PST
3 minute read
Chief Navy Diver Joshua Baker, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2, poses for a portrait while wearing a KM-37 dive helmet. EODGRU 2, headquartered at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, oversees all East Coast-based Navy EOD mobile units, including one forward deployed mobile unit in Spain, as well as EOD Expeditionary Support Unit (EODESU) 2, EOD Training and Evaluation Unit (EODTEU) 2, and the only East Coast-based mobile diving and salvage unit, MDSU 2. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Charles Oki/Released)

Chief Navy Diver Joshua Baker, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2, poses for a portrait while wearing a KM-37 dive helmet. EODGRU 2, headquartered at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, oversees all East Coast-based Navy EOD mobile units, including one forward deployed mobile unit in Spain, as well as EOD Expeditionary Support Unit (EODESU) 2, EOD Training and Evaluation Unit (EODTEU) 2, and the only East Coast-based mobile diving and salvage unit, MDSU 2. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Charles Oki/Released)

SUMMARY

Trying to decide what career path to take in the Navy? Like the rest of the military, there are plenty…

Trying to decide what career path to take in the Navy? Like the rest of the military, there are plenty of jobs for everyone. And there's a job to fit your interest! So, if you're into flying or public affairs, the Navy has you covered for the best jobs possible.

Here's a list of the Navy's best jobs you might want to check out!

1. Navy intelligence specialist

An intelligence specialist (IS) is in the business of knowing things. If you have an intel job, you'll work to collect and process info. You might also analyze it and then disseminate it as needed. Intelligence specialists then make military strategy recommendations. In the event that the Navy needs some dirt on a country, they call on their IS.

2. Naval Aviator

Pilots for the U.S. Navy operate aircraft from air bases. Helicopter pilots transport sailors and supplies, support search-and-rescue missions, and more. Did you know that fixed-wing aircraft pilots even make deliveries? Hello, remote installations! Being a pilot isn't just about fighter jets. Of course, fighter pilots provide firepower and defense during wartime. They also conduct surveillance and collect intelligence.

Pilots from Strike Fighter Squadron 32 greet friends and family members during a homecoming ceremony at Naval Air Station Oceana. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Indra Bosko)

3. Navy diver

Navy divers carry out inspections for seaworthiness. So in order for a vessel to be fit for sea, a diver needs to sign off. Not to mention that, they also can repair pier-side ships and submarines. In case rescue is needed, divers go on salvage and search-and-rescue missions. Even more exciting, they can retrieve astronauts from space capsules, assist in natural disaster recovery, and more.

4. Air traffic controller

Air traffic controllers work in air traffic control towers on bases or Navy ships. ATCs can chart flight paths and communicate important info to pilots. Their job is to direct pilots so they can fulfill their missions. ATCs need to know how to reach complex tracking charts. They're also skilled in using state-of-the-art nav equipment and making sure everyone knows what's what. If you like aircraft but don't want to be a pilot, ATC jobs are an excellent choice.

5. Mass communications specialist

Mass communications specialists translate what's happening in the Navy for civilians. That means they need to know how to take complex military topics and make them easy to understand. But that's not all! As a matter of fact, their role can vary so widely because the comms needs of the Navy are so great. For example, they can be broadcasters for AFN or write for Navy publications. They can even do social media outreach and anything in between. A great choice for people who like writing, communication, and interacting with lots of different people.

6. Electronics technician

Electronics technicians (ETs) diagnose and fix electrical issues found on aircraft or ships. Like civilian electricians, they're always in demand. In fact, there are even three sub-specialties so you can fine-tune your training. These include electronics technician navigation, communications and nuclear technicians. Hello, easy-to-land job after you're out of the military!

Electronics Technician 1st Class Marcus Kruse uses a multimeter to check voltage output in the Ground Electronics Maintenance Department at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Wood/Released)

7. Construction mechanic

Construction mechanics repair and maintain heavy Naval equipment. In addition, just like other construction workers in the civilian sector, CMs keep detailed maintenance records and troubleshoot equipment failures. Often, they perform their duties in disaster and humanitarian operations.

8. Master-at-arms

A master-at-arms is a security specialist in anti-terrorism, physical security, law enforcement and force protection on land and at sea. Because of this focus, their duties include things like investigation direction and US Customs inspections. If you're thinking about a future career in law enforcement, this is the way to go.

9. Legalman

Legalman for the U.S. Navy must have extensive knowledge of military and civilian law. Uniquely, they support active duty service members, whereas their civilian counterparts might not. In fact, they also assist lawyers directly in preparing legal documents for both active duty and veterans. Not to mention family members! This has easy cross-over in the non-military world with work as a paralegal.

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman Gerald Dugger, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Personal Security Detail, Task Force Mameluke, Multi National Force West (MNF-W) Ground Combat Element, provides aide to an Iraqi child. (U.S. Marine Corps photo/Sgt. Jason W. Fudge)

10. Hospital corpsman

Hospital corpsmen treat illnesses and injuries to active duty military, their dependents and veterans. Together with other medical practitioners, they serve the medical needs of a community. Their role can include medical testing, assistance to medical professionals, and assistance in pharmacies on base, ships, submarines, and battlefields.

Looking for more career advice? Check out this list of little-known jobs the military offers!

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Sign up for We Are The Mighty's newsletter and receive the mighty updates!

By signing up you agree to our We Are The Mighty's Terms of Use and We Are The Mighty's Privacy Policy.

SHARE