Also called: Aviation Survival Technician (AST)
Jumps out of helicopters into raging seas to save people.
Rescue swimmers drop into the ocean, swim to survivors, and get them into a rescue basket while the helicopter hovers overhead. Training is among the toughest in the military, and many candidates wash out.
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.
High school diploma, about 1 year after high school. Coast Guard enlistment plus rescue swimmer school and EMT training.
Ways in: Military. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Growing about average. Military hiring follows recruiting goals rather than BLS projections.
Low risk for 10 years. Drones drop flotation, but jumping into storm seas and hauling survivors to the basket stays human.
Classes: Physical education and swimming, Health, Biology.
Official data: O*NET occupation 55-3019.
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.