Also called: Coast Guard Aviator
Flies helicopters out over stormy seas to rescue people from sinking boats.
Coast Guard pilots stand duty ready to launch within 30 minutes, then hover over 20-foot waves in the dark while a rescue swimmer is lowered to survivors.
Figures approximate total military compensation (base pay plus tax-free housing and food allowances) from new to senior ranks; benefits include free healthcare, college money (GI Bill), and pensions after 20 years. Experienced pilots can later fly for airlines or offshore companies.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 6 years after high school. Bachelor's degree via the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (New London, CT), U.S. Naval Academy, NROTC, a maritime academy like Kings Point, or Officer Candidate School followed by about 2 years of flight training.
Ways in: 4-year college, Military. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Aviation, Engineering, any major.
Growing about average. Military hiring follows recruiting goals rather than BLS projections.
Low risk for 10 years. Autopilots help hover, but flying rescues over 20-foot seas at night stays human skill and judgment.
Classes: Physics, Trigonometry, Physical education.
Official data: O*NET occupation 55-1012.
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.