Explore Careers
Field Physicians and Surgeons
Explore Careers
Field Physicians and Surgeons
Health ScienceService Branches with this Role
What do Field Physicians and Surgeons do in the Military?
Where do Field Physicians and Surgeons work?
Field physicians and surgeons work in hospitals and clinics on land and aboard ships, as well as in the field.
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.
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.
$111,036
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.
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.
$23,672 - $358,842
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.
Interested in the medical field?
Lt. Col. Julie Fung-Hayes, an emergency physician and flight surgeon, shares why she loves serving in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Transcription
Just when I think that, "oh my gosh this is the most fun wonderful thing that I've done. I do something else and I learned more of myself. I meet more amazing people and I become a richer person in terms of what I appreciate and why. I am Julie from haze I am an emergency physician serving in the Army Reserve and proud to do so.
Interested in the medical field?
What training do Field Physicians and Surgeons gain in the Military?
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Job training for field physicians and surgeons primarily consists of on-the-job learning in various training environments. Scholarships for advanced medical training are available in return for an obligated period of military service. Qualifying students benefit through unique training experiences and get to attend certain military short courses designed to develop tactical, technical and operational skills unique to the military environment. Like other officers working in healthcare, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, orientation to military structure, healthcare and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include:
- Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety/TeamSTEPPS® Essentials and Fundamentals
- Aviation/Field Medicine
- Mishap Investigation and Prevention
- Operational Aeromedical Problems
- Senior Leadership
- Joint Operations Medical Management
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 Field Physicians and Surgeons succeed?
- Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely
- Desire to help others
- Professionalism
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Curiosity
- Decision-making and integration skills
- Interest in work requiring accuracy and attention to detail