Explore Careers

Professors and Instructors

Explore Careers

Professors and Instructors

Education & Training
Officer Role

Service Branches with this Role

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

What do Professors and Instructors do in the Military?

The work of a professor and instructor is multi-faceted.

Where do Professors and Instructors work?

Professors and instructors usually work in classrooms and lecture halls.

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.

$113,088

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.

$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.

What training do Professors and Instructors 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. Professors and instructors are subject matter experts in their field. Job training for professors and instructors primarily consists of on-the-job learning in various training environments, and through receiving advanced civilian/industry certifications and licenses (credentials), which may require additional education, training, or experience. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.

Military Training for Officers

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree. All officers complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.

What skills help Professors and Instructors succeed?

  • Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely
  • Interest in teaching
  • Preference for working closely with people

What are possible career paths after the Military?

  • Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary
  • Instructional Coordinators
  • Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education and English as a Second Language Instructors
  • Adapted Physical Education Specialists
  • Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School
  • Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
  • Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

Interested? Take Your Next Step!