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Registered Nurses
What do Registered Nurses do in the Military?
Where do Registered Nurses work?
Registered nurses work in hospitals and clinics. Some work in sick bays aboard ships or in mobile field hospitals. Others work in airplanes that transfer patients to medical centers.
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.
$83,519
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.
$24,244 - $356,274
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 Registered Nurses 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 registered nurses primarily consists of classroom instruction, conferences, demonstrations, and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Training length varies depending on specialty. 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:
- Practices and principles of military nursing
- Care of emotionally-disturbed patients
- Healthcare for children
- Nursing techniques
- Anesthesia, respiratory therapy, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
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 Registered Nurses succeed?
- Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely
- Desire to help others
- Self-confidence and the ability to remain calm under pressure
What are possible career paths after the Military?
- Nursing Assistants
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
- Nurse Practitioners
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Critical Care Nurses
- Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
- Acute Care Nurses
- Physician Assistants








