Explore Careers

Career Counseling/Retention Specialists

Explore Careers

Career Counseling/Retention Specialists

Business Management & Administration
Enlisted Role

Service Branches with this Role

  • Army logo
  • Marines logo
  • Navy logo
  • Air Force logo

What do Career Counseling/Retention Specialists do in the Military?

Career counseling/retention specialists provide military personnel with consultation and guidance on career exploration by reviewing their interests, education, strengths, and abilities.

Where do Career Counseling/Retention Specialists work?

Career counseling/retention specialists work in local recruiting offices, on high school campuses and career centers, and in local communities.

How much do they make?

Median Military Salary

This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.


Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.

$87,921

Military Salary Range

This is the range based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.


Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.

$27,931 - $320,867

How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary

Base pay is the standard income you'll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.

  • Set based on rank and years of service.
  • Paid every month.

Allowances are additional payments to help cover living expenses like housing and food.

  • Tax-free payments.
  • Varies by location and family status.

Special pay provides extra compensation for unique skills, hazardous duties, or challenging assignments.

  • Based on specialized roles.
  • Varies by position and duty.

What training do Career Counseling/Retention Specialists gain in the Military?

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training.  Career counseling/retention specialists in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training content may include:

  • Interviewing techniques
  • Community relations
  • Social networking/marketing
  • Counseling techniques

Military Training for Enlisted Service members

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training.

What skills help Career Counseling/Retention Specialists succeed?

  • Ability to speak before groups
  • Ability to work independently
  • Interest in working with youths
  • Listening and communication skills

What are possible career paths after the Military?

  • Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
  • Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan
  • Instructional Coordinators
  • Educational, Guidance and Career Counselors and Advisors
  • Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
  • Training and Development Specialists
  • Human Resources Specialists
  • Training and Development Managers

Interested? Take Your Next Step!