It is no secret that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic immediately impacted everyone’s lives as we watched it unfold in 2020. What seems to be even more revealing is its lasting impact on many facets of our day-to-day experiences, industrial output, government initiatives, and military strength. The impact was felt on the supply chain for construction companies. Car manufacturing fell behind as workers chose to stay home. Military recruitment took a hit as some chose to delay their start, and some were sent home because they refused to take the vaccine once it was provided.
As the country churned in the throes of the pandemic, recruitment numbers fell and have had a tough time recovering. According to a December 2023 article on Stars and Stripes, politicians have accused the Army Secretary of moving the target to make their numbers look better. But, the harsh reality is that they have had to drop their goals to make them even remotely attainable.
The military is home to all types and levels of jobs. They aim to recruit the best to defend our borders at home and on foreign soil. As with any industry, when you need to increase your ranks, sometimes there is a need for incentives. Incentives come in many forms, from healthcare, paid leave, flexible time, and bonus structures. In 2021, the military realized incentives were necessary to compensate for their 15,000 recruit deficit. The good news, according to the U.S. Department of Defense’s website, “the situation is looking up.”
Enlistment bonuses can reach $50,000, while reserve enlistment bonuses can reach up to $20,000. To recruit people fast, the quick ship bonus for those willing to start basic training ahead of a certain date can reach $40,000. As enticing as these bonuses are, the Army is willing to pay even higher signing bonuses for certain professionals. There are 12 jobs on the list for which the U.S. Army will award a signing bonus of six figures. The top dollar is going to anesthesiologists ($600,000), psychiatrists ($500,000), and comprehensive dentists ($400,000). Most of the big payday offerings go toward those in the healthcare field.
To find the professions or jobs that the Army gives the biggest enlistment or signing bonuses, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the U.S. Army site about Careers and Jobs in the U.S. Army. Jobs are ranked by their maximum bonus amount. Only one profession per bonus is headlined, with the rest (if any others were listed) listed under “other professions.” This list is not comprehensive, and the Army can change the amount at any time depending on needs. It is important to note that these are the maximum bonuses, and the Army has its considerations when deciding on the actual bonus amount.
Why Are We Writing About Military Bonuses?
In 2023, the United States government spent 13.3% of its budget on its military, spending more on defense than any other country in the G7. At first glance, 13.3% may not seem large, but that number is $820.3 billion in dollars. The Department of Defense has requested $842.0 billion for 2024. Government budgets mean government contracts to get things done. And getting things done means money is filtered into our economy through industry in the private sector. Keeping our military healthy through incentives is just one way our country remains where they are on the world stage.
These are the 22 army jobs with the biggest signing bonuses.
22. Signals Collection Analyst
A bonus for a signals collection analyst runs up to $5,000.
21-tied. Air Defense Battle Management System Operator
A bonus for an Air Defense Battle Management System Operation maxes out at $10,000. There are other professions with the same maximum bonuses. Look for these jobs: Multiple Launch Rocket System Repairer, Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS/HIMARS) Crewmember, Military Intelligence (MI) Systems Maintainer / Integrator, Joint Fire Support Specialist, Intelligence Analyst, Electronic Warfare Specialist, Cyber Operations Specialist, Cavalry scout, Cavalry Scout, Cannon Crewmember, and Air Defense Battle Management System Operator.
21-tied. Animal Care Specialist
If you want to become an Animal Care Specialist with the military, that job’s bonus maxes out at $10,000. Other positions with the same bonus are Petroleum Supply Specialist, Medical Laboratory Specialist, Culinary Specialist, and Corrections/Detention Specialist.
20-tied. Bradley Fighting Vehicle System Maintainer
Do you like to work on big machines? You can become a Bradley Fighting Vehicle System Maintainer and earn up to $17,500 in bonuses. Other professions with the same bonus are Radar Repairer, Parachute Rigger, and Diver.
20-tied. Geospatial Engineer
Geospatial engineers can earn up to $17,500 in bonuses.
19-tied. Reserve Enlistment
Joining the Army Reserve will bring you $20,000 in bonuses.
19-tied. Army Veterinarian Officer
If you enjoy working with animals enough to become a Veterinarian, why not become an Army Veterinarian Officer and earn up to $20,000 in bonuses?
18-tied. Air and Missile Defense Crewmembers
A crewmember with Air and Missile and Defense can earn up to $30,000 in bonuses. If that position doesn’t sound like your style, you can also try Fire Control Specialist, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist to earn the same bonus.
18-tied. Dietitian
A dietician with the Army can earn up to $30,000. So can a Social Worker, Practical Nursing Specialist, Physical Therapist, Pharmacist, Occupational Therapy Specialist, or Occupational Therapist.
17-tied. Civilian Acquired Skill Bonus (enlistment)
A Civilian Acquired Skill Enlistment bonus can give you a max of $40,000 in bonuses. A quick-ship bonus runs at the same rate.
17-tied. OB/GYN Nurse
An OB/GYN in the military can earn up to $40,000 in bonuses.
16-tied. Human Intelligence Collector
If you want to live the spy lifestyle with the military, a Human Intelligence Collector might be right up your alley and earn you up to $50,000 in bonuses. If that specific job doesn’t interest you but the bonus does, try being a Special Forces Candidate, Signals Intelligence Voice Interceptor, M1 Armor Crewman, or certain Infantry jobs.
16-tied. Psychological Operations Specialist
A Psychological Operations Specialist can earn up to $50,000 in bonuses.
15. Enlistment Bonus
Enlist with the military and earn up to $50,000 in bonuses.14. Physician Assistant Officer
Become a Physician Assistant in the military and earn up to $60,000 in bonuses.
13. Clinical Psychologist
Becoming a Clinical Psychologist with the U.S. Military can earn you up to $65,000 in bonuses.
12. Critical Care Nurse
A Critical Care Nurse or a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the military can earn up to $100,000 in bonuses.
11. General Dentist
A General Dentist in the military can earn up to $150,000 in bonuses.
10. Flight Surgeon
If you enjoy the excitement of being a Flight Surgeon or an Infectious Disease Officer, then join the military and earn a bonus of up to $200,000.
9. Ophthalmologist
If ophthalmology is your calling, you can earn up to $225,000 by joining the military.8. Internal Medicine Physician
An internal medicine physician or a nurse anesthetist can earn up to $250,000 in the military.
7. Family Medicine Physician
Do you want to work as a family medicine physician on base and care for military families? You can earn up to $275,000 in bonuses if you do.
6. Preventive Medicine Officer
A preventive medicine officer can earn up to $300,000 in bonuses with the military. If that isn’t your calling, you can also try a urologist or prosthodontist.
5. Cardiologist
A cardiologist earns up to $325,000 in bonuses with the military.
4. Diagnostic Radiologist
You can earn up to $375,000 in bonuses by taking your diagnostic radiologist skills to the military.3. Comprehensive Dentist
A Comprehensive Dentist, Pulmonary Disease/Critical Care Officer, and Emergency Physician all earn up to $400,000 in bonuses by taking these skills to the military.
2. Psychiatrist
A Psychiatrist in the military can earn up to $500,000 in bonuses.
1. Anesthesiologist
An Anesthesiologist, Peripheral Vascular Surgeon, Orthopedic Surgeon, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Neurosurgeon, and General Surgeon can earn a maximum bonus of up to $600,000 by joining the military.
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