Military Technology
What Military Technology Graduates Do
You'll begin your career with your hands on the complex electronic and mechanical systems that are the backbone of modern military and aerospace technology. On a typical day, you might be in a maintenance bay or a clean-room lab, using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and diagnostic software to test, calibrate, and repair a fighter jet’s avionics or a naval vessel's radar system. This is intricate, hands-on problem-solving that can’t be automated or done from a remote office.
Initially, you’ll work as part of a team, but with experience, you’ll become the independent expert trusted to troubleshoot the most challenging failures. The aerospace field is growing especially fast, creating strong demand for technicians who work on next-generation aircraft and satellites. As you advance, you can become a senior specialist in a high-demand area like unmanned aerial systems or secure communications, leading a maintenance team. Your starting salary is solid, but senior specialists with deep expertise can command significantly higher earnings as their skills become more critical.
Registered Apprenticeship Pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 17 registered apprenticeship occupations related to Military Technology. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn — most have zero tuition costs and pay wages from day one.
| Apprenticeship | Training Hours | Type | Salary RangeSalary | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Additive 3D Printing Technician
RAPIDS 2078HY |
2000-4000 hrs | Hybrid | $60K – $77,390 – $98K | 1.5% |
|
Aircraft Armament Mechanic
RAPIDS 863 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | — | — |
|
Command Post Specialty (Military Only)
RAPIDS 1065CB |
Competency | Competency | — | — |
|
Fire-Control Mechanic
RAPIDS 193 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | — | — |
|
Industrial Manufacturing Technician
RAPIDS 2031HY |
2736-3000 hrs | Hybrid | $60K – $77,390 – $98K | 1.5% |
|
Industrial Manufacturing Technician (Alternate Title: Manafacturing Production Techician)
RAPIDS 2031CB |
Competency | Competency | $60K – $77,390 – $98K | 1.5% |
|
Laboratory Asst, Metallurgical
RAPIDS 621 |
4000 hrs
~2.0 yrs |
Time | $60K – $77,390 – $98K | 1.5% |
|
Non-Destructive Tester
RAPIDS 1010 |
2000 hrs
~1.0 yrs |
Time | $60K – $77,390 – $98K | 1.5% |
|
Non-Destructive Tester
RAPIDS 1010CL |
Competency | Competency | $60K – $77,390 – $98K | 1.5% |
|
Nondestructive Testing (Ndt) (Existing Title: Non-Destructive Tester) (Military Only)
RAPIDS 1010R |
5920 hrs
~3.0 yrs |
Time | $60K – $77,390 – $98K | 1.5% |
|
Operations Intelligence (Military Only)
RAPIDS 1066CB |
Competency | Competency | — | — |
|
Optics Manufacturing Technician
RAPIDS 2045CB |
Competency | Competency | $60K – $77,390 – $98K | 1.5% |
|
Ordnance Artificer (Gov Ser)
RAPIDS 372 |
6000 hrs
~3.0 yrs |
Time | — | — |
|
Research Mechanic (Aircraft)
RAPIDS 788 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $65K – $79,830 – $102K | 8.1% |
|
Test Equipment Mechanic
RAPIDS 190 |
10000 hrs
~5.0 yrs |
Time | $65K – $79,830 – $102K | 8.1% |
|
Welding Technician
RAPIDS 498 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $60K – $77,390 – $98K | 1.5% |
|
Wind Tunnel Mechanic
RAPIDS 499 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $65K – $79,830 – $102K | 8.1% |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database (RAPIDS). Wages and job growth from Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034 projections.
Best Schools for Military Technology
1 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and AI-proof analysis.
| # | School | Score | EarningsEarn | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cochise County Community College District Sierra Vista, AZ |
60 56–60 |
$39,428/yr | 87.3x |
Highest Earning Military Technology Programs
Schools where Military Technology graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Cochise County Community College District | $39,428/yr | 60 |
Best ROI for Military Technology
Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for Military Technology.
| School | ROI Multiple | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cochise County Community College District | 87.3x | $39,428/yr | 60 |
Related Majors
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Considering a 4-Year Degree?
Compare the trade route with a bachelor's degree. See how Military Technology degree programs stack up on earnings, AI disruption risk, and ROI.