Also called: Navy BM rating, Coast Guard BM / Coxswain
Deck sailor who handles lines, anchors, small boats, and cargo, and keeps the ship's exterior in shape.
BMs drive small boats, rig lines for refueling at sea, and supervise deck crews. In the Coast Guard, BMs pilot rescue and law enforcement boats. Civilian paths include tugboat and ferry crew, harbor pilot, and marine operations.
Regular military compensation (RMC = base pay + housing and food allowances + their tax advantage) for typical E-1 to E-6 ranks, 2026 estimate. Cash in hand is lower early on because junior troops often live in free barracks and eat in dining halls. Enlistment bonuses can add thousands.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0.3 years after high school. High school diploma, then boot camp and A-School or on-the-job training. Free-college benefits: Tuition Assistance (up to $4,500/yr) while serving, the Post-9/11 GI Bill (36 months of tuition + housing stipend) afterward, and SkillBridge internships before separating.
Ways in: Military, On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Marine Transportation, Maritime Studies.
Growing about average. Military specialties are not in BLS projections. The services recruit for this job every year and openings track force size and retention rather than market growth.
Low risk for 10 years. Handling lines, anchors and small boats on deck stays hands-on.
Classes: PE / strength training, PE / swimming.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.