Home / Military to civilian jobs / Navy / QM
That is Navy Rating QM. Civilian jobs, federal paths, and how the work reads on a resume.
What is in this guide
What the translation looks like
How it reads in service
Stood QMOW for 200+ watches during WESTPAC deployment, maintaining continuous position tracking and recommending course corrections to the OOD
How a hiring manager reads it
Monitored real-time operational data during 200+ shifts, providing decision support to senior leadership and recommending corrective actions to maintain safety and schedule compliance
Roles this background maps to
Median pay, BLS OEWS May 2024
Build a resume for a real jobYou pick the job. We write it from your QM experience. Free to start.
Brad TachiNavy Diver · BMR founder
After the Navy he was hired into six federal career fields and tech sales, and sat on federal hiring panels along the way. The last two years went into rebuilding all of it into BMR, tuned for how resumes get screened today. 71,892 resumes built so far.
One page, built in our template, with the military experience translated into the civilian terms hiring managers and screening software read. Use it as a reference for your own. Leave an email and the download link comes to you.
Free. Occasional job-search tips come with it. Unsubscribe anytime.
Navy Quartermasters (QM) are the fleet's navigation specialists. They plot ship positions, maintain nautical charts, stand bridge watches, and guide vessels safely from port to port. Every Navy ship that gets underway depends on a QM to know exactly where it is and where it needs to go.
The QM rating builds strong technical skills that many civilian employers want. You learn electronic charting systems (ECDIS), GPS operations, celestial navigation, weather observation, and voyage planning. You also gain leadership experience fast. A junior QM stands watch as Quartermaster of the Watch (QMOW), responsible for navigation safety during an entire watch section. Senior QMs manage the entire navigation department and train new sailors.
What makes QMs valuable to civilian employers is the mix of technical precision and calm decision-making. You have planned routes through busy shipping lanes, tracked weather patterns, and made real-time corrections to keep a multi-billion dollar warship safe. That level of responsibility translates well to careers in maritime operations, transportation management, GIS, surveying, and federal service.
QMs also develop skills that transfer beyond the maritime world. Data analysis, attention to detail, team coordination, and communication under pressure are valued in logistics, dispatch operations, and project management roles.
Navy QMs bring navigation and watchstation experience that translates to commercial maritime roles, federal Coast Guard civilian positions, and FAA aviation operations. The cross-training in chart work, electronic navigation, and bridge operations gives QMs more options than the rate suggests. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder
The number that decides most of this: how does civilian pay compare to what the paycheck looks like now?
Navy mid-career
$58K to $82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp: base plus BAH, BAS and the tax advantage.
Civilian Quartermaster
$48K to $101K
BLS median across the direct-match civilian roles on this page.
Federal, GS-9 to GS-13
$58K to $120K
2 matching GS series, plus locality pay and step increases.
Comparable on average
Civilian pay for Quartermasters lands in the same range as mid-career enlisted total comp.
Military comp is approximate and moves with location and dependents. Civilian is the BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. The real number depends on duty station, family status, GS step and overtime.
Navy Quartermasters have several strong paths in the private sector. The most direct is the commercial maritime industry. Merchant marine officers, ship pilots, and vessel traffic controllers all use navigation skills that QMs already have.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels earn a median annual wage of $98,310 (O*NET 53-5021.00). This is one of the highest-paying paths for former QMs, though it requires additional licensing through the U.S. Coast Guard. Your Navy sea time counts toward the requirements for a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
The growing field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is another strong match. Cartographers and photogrammetrists earn a median of $76,410 (O*NET 17-1021.00), with faster-than-average growth. Your chart work, electronic navigation, and spatial awareness give you a head start in this field. Many GIS roles accept military experience plus a certificate program instead of a full degree.
Transportation, storage, and distribution managers earn a median of $99,200 (O*NET 11-3071.00). QMs with supervisory experience and a track record of planning complex operations fit well here. Logistics coordinators earn a median of $49,070 (O*NET 43-5011.00) and are a solid entry point.
Surveying and mapping technicians earn a median of $50,230 (O*NET 17-3031.00), and surveyors earn $66,120 (O*NET 17-1022.01). Both fields value precision measurement and equipment operation, which are core QM skills.
Dispatchers, including those for transportation services, earn a median of $47,640 (O*NET 43-5032.00). This is a quick entry-level path if you want to start working right away. Your watch standing experience and ability to track multiple contacts at once make this a natural fit.
If you want to stay close to the water, marine surveyor roles at insurance companies and classification societies hire people who understand ship operations. These jobs combine your navigation knowledge with inspection and reporting skills.
| Civilian job title | Industry | BLS median salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Captain, Mate, or Pilot of Water VesselsO*NET 53-5021.00 | Maritime / Transportation | $98,310 | About as fast as average (3%) | strong |
| Transportation, Storage, and Distribution ManagerO*NET 11-3071.00 | Logistics / Supply Chain | $99,200 | Faster than average (8%) | strong |
| Cartographer / PhotogrammetristO*NET 17-1021.00 | GIS / Government / Tech | $76,410 | Faster than average (5%) | strong |
| SurveyorO*NET 17-1022.01 | Construction / Engineering / Government | $66,120 | About as fast as average (2%) | moderate |
| Surveying and Mapping TechnicianO*NET 17-3031.00 | Construction / Engineering | $50,230 | Slower than average (-2%) | moderate |
| Dispatcher (Transportation/Vessel Traffic)O*NET 43-5032.00 | Transportation / Maritime | $47,640 | About as fast as average (3%) | strong |
| LogisticianO*NET 13-1081.00 | Government / Manufacturing / Transportation | $80,880 | Much faster than average (17%) | moderate |
| Logistics CoordinatorO*NET 43-5011.00 | Transportation / Warehousing | $49,070 | About as fast as average (4%) | moderate |
| Ship EngineerO*NET 53-5031.00 | Maritime / Transportation | $101,320 | About as fast as average | moderate |
| GIS Specialist / TechnicianO*NET 15-1299.02 | Technology / Government | $57,000 | Faster than average (5%) | strong |
Major U.S. shipping and logistics company. Hires licensed mariners, vessel traffic specialists, and logistics professionals. Strong veteran hiring program.
Global shipping leader with U.S. operations. Navigation officers, port operations, and logistics management roles.
Hydrographic surveys, nautical charting, weather observation, and marine science. One of the best federal fits for QMs.
Federal agency overseeing the U.S. merchant marine and maritime transportation. Transportation specialist and program analyst roles.
Waterway management, navigation projects, and lock operations. Transportation specialist and engineering technician positions.
The leading GIS software company. Technical support, GIS analyst, and solutions engineer roles. Values people who understand real-world geospatial operations.
Maker of GPS and surveying equipment. Field engineer, technical support, and product specialist roles.
Largest military shipbuilder in the U.S. Project management, quality assurance, and ship test roles for people who understand naval vessel operations.
Ship repair yards in Norfolk, San Diego, Jacksonville, and Hawaii. Planning, project management, and waterfront operations.
Global leader in marine surveys and geoscience data. Hydrographic surveyors, GIS analysts, and offshore positioning specialists.
Maker of ECDIS and navigation systems used by the Navy. Technical support, sales engineer, and system integration roles.
Marine division building engines and systems for vessels. Operations, logistics, and technical sales roles.
BMR rewrites your QM experience for any of the roles above, in the language the people reading actually scan for.
Free to start. 2 tailored resumes included.
Upload it and get a number in about a minute, plus the QM lines a civilian hiring manager will not follow and what to write instead. No account.
Free. Your file is never stored.
“I am wrapping up a 21 year Naval career, all of which was working on fighters. I had picked up a job as a contractor for a company on the same base I’ve been at for the last ten years. I submitted that resume while on deployment and it worked great. Thanks again Brad. Dave ”
David · Chief Petty Officer (E-7) · Navy · Aviation
Federal service is a strong path for Navy QMs. Veterans' preference gives you a real advantage, and several agencies hire people with your exact skill set.
The most direct federal match is GS-2101 Transportation Specialist. These positions handle vessel traffic, transportation planning, and maritime logistics at agencies like MARAD (Maritime Administration), the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Coast Guard's civilian workforce. Your navigation and voyage planning experience maps directly to this series. Typical entry grades are GS-5 through GS-9.
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) hires former QMs for hydrographic survey technician and nautical charting positions. If you want to stay in the navigation world, NOAA is one of the best employers. Look for GS-1301 Physical Science and GS-1370 Cartography positions. Some require a degree, but many technician-level roles accept military experience.
The GS-0856 Electronics Technician series covers navigation systems maintenance and operations at NAVSEA, SPAWAR (now NAVWAR), and other Navy shore commands. QMs who worked closely with navigation electronics fit well here.
Other federal series worth targeting include:
Federal resumes are 2 pages max. They need more detail than a civilian resume. Include your hours per week, supervisor info, and specific duties for each position. Build your federal resume here to get the format right.
Start applying on USAJobs at least 6 months before you separate. Federal hiring is slow. Apply to positions at GS-5 through GS-9 first. Veterans' preference is strongest at these levels.
| Series | Federal job title | Typical grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-2101 | Transportation Specialist | GS-5, GS-7, GS-9 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1370 | Cartography | GS-5, GS-7, GS-9 | 3 of 5 | View details |
Federal raters match your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement. BMR writes the federal format for any GS series above, with the hours per week and supervisor detail a rater looks for.
Free to start. Federal and private sector formats included.
Not everyone stays in a related field. These paths run on the transferable half of the job: leadership, risk, logistics, planning.
A Quartermaster stands bridge watch, tracks contacts, and keeps a moving ship safely positioned. Controlling air traffic is that same spatial-tracking and watch-standing discipline in the sky.
Transfers: Tracking moving traffic in three dimensions, Continuous situational awareness on watch, Reading instruments and position data, Calm, precise decisions under time pressure.
How to get there: Complete an FAA-approved AT-CTI program or qualify via military controller experience, then pass the AT-SAT and FAA Academy training. Age and medical requirements apply.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 3% (Average)
QMs observe, log, and interpret weather to plan safe routes and brief the bridge. Meteorology is that observation-and-forecasting skill built into a full civilian career.
Transfers: Weather observation and interpretation, Reading atmospheric and oceanographic data, Forecasting impact on operations, Briefing decision-makers on conditions.
How to get there: A bachelor's degree in meteorology or atmospheric science is the standard requirement. Prior weather-observation experience strengthens entry.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 7% (Faster than average)
Plotting a course, navigating by instruments, and adjusting for weather is the core of QM work. A pilot does the same planning-and-navigation job at altitude instead of at sea.
Transfers: Route planning and dead-reckoning navigation, Reading instruments and electronic positioning, Pre-mission weather and hazard assessment, Precise course corrections en route.
How to get there: Earn FAA pilot certificates (private, instrument, commercial) and build flight hours, often through a flight school or aviation program. The GI Bill can fund flight training.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 5% (Average)
Standing a navigation watch means reading instruments continuously and reacting precisely to any change. A reactor control room runs on that exact watch-standing and procedural rigor.
Transfers: Continuous instrument monitoring on watch, Strict procedural discipline, Logging and trend analysis, Calm response to abnormal indications.
How to get there: Most operators hold an associate degree or equivalent and complete extensive on-site training and NRC licensing. Military watch-standing experience is highly valued.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · -2% (Declining)
QMs coordinate ship movement, signal traffic, and track everything in the operating area. Airfield operations is that same traffic-coordination and spatial-monitoring role on the ground.
Transfers: Coordinating traffic and movement, Monitoring conditions and hazards, Communicating positions and clearances, Spatial awareness across a busy operating area.
How to get there: A bachelor's degree or relevant operations experience; many specialists come directly from military air or maritime traffic backgrounds.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 3% (Average)
Quartermasters operate and troubleshoot electronic navigation and positioning gear. Avionics work applies that same electronic-navigation-systems knowledge to aircraft instrumentation.
Transfers: Working with electronic navigation systems, Calibrating precision instruments, Systematic fault diagnosis, Documentation to exacting standards.
How to get there: Complete an FAA-approved avionics program or transfer military electronics experience, then earn the FCC license and relevant FAA certifications.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 5% (Average)
The skills behind the specialty carry further than the specialty. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the paths above without making it sound like you have never done the work.
Free to start. Try as many angles as you want.
If you are applying to a maritime company or a vessel traffic service, you probably do not need this section. They know what a QMOW is. They understand bridge watches and chart corrections.
But if you are applying outside of maritime operations, the hiring manager has never heard of ECDIS or QMOW. Below are translations that reframe your QM experience for non-maritime industries. These are not just word swaps. They show how to explain what you did in a way that makes sense to a logistics manager, a GIS director, or a transportation company.
Before, in service
Stood QMOW for 200+ watches during WESTPAC deployment, maintaining continuous position tracking and recommending course corrections to the OOD
After, on the resume
Monitored real-time operational data during 200+ shifts, providing decision support to senior leadership and recommending corrective actions to maintain safety and schedule compliance
Before, in service
Planned and briefed 15 voyages across the Western Pacific, calculating optimal routes based on weather, traffic, and fuel consumption for a 9,800-ton destroyer
After, on the resume
Developed and presented 15 route optimization plans to executive leadership, analyzing weather data, traffic patterns, and fuel efficiency to reduce transit costs and improve schedule reliability
Before, in service
Managed a portfolio of 450+ nautical charts, applying weekly Notice to Mariners corrections and verifying accuracy against ECDIS database updates
After, on the resume
Maintained a geospatial database of 450+ records, performing weekly quality assurance updates from authoritative data sources and verifying accuracy across digital and physical reference systems
Before, in service
Operated and maintained ECDIS and GPS systems for all navigation operations, troubleshooting system errors and performing database updates
After, on the resume
Administered enterprise geospatial technology platforms, troubleshooting system issues, performing database updates, and training 12 users on system operations and best practices
Before, in service
Supervised bridge watch teams of 4-6 personnel during restricted maneuvering, coordinating helm, lee helm, and lookout stations
After, on the resume
Supervised shift operations teams of 4-6 personnel during critical operational periods, coordinating station assignments, maintaining clear communication protocols, and ensuring real-time compliance with safety procedures
Before, in service
Recorded weather observations every 4 hours and submitted reports to Fleet Weather Center, tracking conditions that affected flight operations and underway replenishment
After, on the resume
Collected and analyzed environmental data on a fixed schedule, generating reports for leadership that directly informed operational decisions and resource scheduling
Before, in service
Served as Navigation Department LPO, managing 8 personnel, coordinating qualification training, and maintaining $1.2M in navigation equipment
After, on the resume
Supervised a technical department of 8 employees, developing individual training plans, maintaining $1.2M in specialized equipment, and achieving 100% on-time qualification completion for all team members
Before, in service
Provided real-time navigation support during 30+ sea and anchor details in congested ports including Yokosuka, Pearl Harbor, and San Diego
After, on the resume
Provided precision data support during 30+ high-risk operational events, delivering real-time information to senior leadership and coordinating with external partners to ensure safe and successful outcomes
BMR turns your QM duties and accomplishments into civilian bullets aimed at the job you are applying for. No manual translation.
Free to start. Tailored to each posting.
Which ones you need depends on where you are headed.
RecommendedCost $250 - $375 examTime 3-6 months study
RequiredCost Free (build at bestmilitaryresume.com)Time 1-2 hours
RequiredCost $175 - $350 (exam fee)Time 3-6 months study
RecommendedCost $1,500 - $2,500Time 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligible
RecommendedCost $250 - $500 (exam)Time 3-6 months self-studyGI Bill eligible
RequiredCost $200 - $500Time 4+ years experience required
RecommendedCost $3,000 - $8,000Time 6-12 monthsGI Bill eligible
RequiredCost $100 - $300 (application fees)Time 2-6 months processingGI Bill eligible
RequiredCost $500 - $1,500Time 1 weekGI Bill eligible
RecommendedCost $300 - $500Time 2-4 monthsGI Bill eligible
RecommendedCost $555 (PMI member)Time 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligible
RecommendedCost $150 - $300Time 4 days (available online)
RecommendedCost $300 - $500 examTime 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligible
Placement decides whether a screener ever sees it. BMR knows where each one ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it.
Free to start. Built around your real certs and clearance.
Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC): Your Navy sea time counts toward U.S. Coast Guard licensing requirements. Contact the National Maritime Center with your service records to see what credentials you qualify for. Many QMs can test for Able Seaman or Third Mate with their documented sea time.
Maritime Academies (GI Bill Approved): State maritime academies in New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Texas, California, and Great Lakes offer degree programs that lead to USCG licenses. Your GI Bill covers tuition. Check the GI Bill Comparison Tool for current approval status.
SkillBridge Programs: Some maritime companies and port authorities participate in DOD SkillBridge. Search the SkillBridge database for maritime openings. Start this conversation with your command 6+ months before separation.
Industry Associations: Join the Nautical Institute and the Council of American Master Mariners. These organizations connect you with working professionals in the merchant marine.
GIS Certificate Programs: Many community colleges and universities offer GIS certificate programs (6-12 months). Esri, the maker of ArcGIS, also offers online training and certifications. Your chart work and spatial analysis background gives you a head start. GI Bill covers many of these programs.
Project Management (PMP): The PMP certification from PMI is valuable for QMs targeting transportation management or operations roles. Cost is about $555 for PMI members. Your voyage planning and watch coordination hours likely count toward the experience requirement.
Surveying License: Each state has its own requirements, but many accept a combination of military experience and additional coursework. The National Society of Professional Surveyors has state-by-state licensing info.
Federal Employment (USAJobs): Create your USAJobs profile immediately. Use the "Veterans" filter. Key agencies for QMs: NOAA, MARAD, Coast Guard civilian, Army Corps of Engineers, NAVSEA, and FAA. Federal resumes follow different rules than private sector resumes. Build yours here.
Veteran Networking: American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides free mentorship from executives in your target industry. It is legitimate and completely free for veterans.
Education Benefits: Your GI Bill covers certification exam fees and prep courses. Check with your local VA education office or use the GI Bill Comparison Tool before enrolling anywhere.
Read our SkillBridge guide to learn how to land a civilian job before you separate.
Navy BM (Boatswain's Mate) | Navy OS (Operations Specialist) | Coast Guard BM | Coast Guard OS
Transition Resources: Use the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to access career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. Start at least 12 months before your EAOS.
Navy Resume Guide: Rating Translation | Complete Military Resume Guide | Jobs for Veterans by MOS | Build Your Resume Free | Military Resume Builder
Most people do this backwards: wait for terminal leave, then panic. This is the sequence that works. Already out? Same plan, day one is today.
Days 0 to 30
Days 30 to 60
Days 60 to 90
The most direct paths are merchant marine officer, ship pilot, vessel traffic controller, and marine surveyor. QMs also do well in GIS and cartography, transportation management, logistics coordination, surveying, and dispatch operations. Federal agencies like NOAA, MARAD, and the Coast Guard hire QMs for navigation and transportation roles.
It depends on the career path. Ship pilots and captains earn a median of $98,310 per year (BLS May 2024). Transportation managers earn $99,200. GIS specialists and cartographers earn around $76,410. Surveyors earn $66,120. Dispatchers start around $47,640. Your earning potential depends on which path you choose and whether you get additional licenses or certifications.
Yes. Your documented sea time counts toward U.S. Coast Guard licensing requirements. Contact the National Maritime Center with your service records. Many QMs qualify to test for Able Seaman or Third Mate based on their Navy time. The more sea time you have logged, the higher the credential you can pursue.
Start with GS-2101 Transportation Specialist and GS-2150 Transportation Operations at MARAD, Coast Guard, or Army Corps of Engineers. NOAA hires for GS-1370 Cartography and GS-1301 Physical Science positions. Other good fits include GS-0856 Electronics Technician, GS-0343 Management Analyst, and GS-0301 Administrative roles. Apply on USAJobs at least 6 months before separation.
Not always. Many GIS technician roles accept military experience plus a certificate program. Esri offers online ArcGIS training that many employers recognize. A full GIS certificate program takes 6 to 12 months at a community college. For senior GIS analyst or cartographer positions, a bachelor degree is often preferred but not always required.
Focus on what the skills mean, not what they were called. Bridge watchstanding becomes real-time monitoring and decision-making for asset protection. Chart corrections become geospatial data management and quality assurance. Voyage planning becomes route optimization and logistics coordination. Quantify everything with numbers: hours of watch time, number of safe transits, chart portfolio size.
Yes. ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) is required on most commercial vessels under international maritime rules. Your Navy ECDIS training transfers directly. Having ECDIS experience on your resume is a plus for any maritime employer. Some companies may want you to complete a short IMO-certified ECDIS course to meet specific regulatory requirements.
You get 5 or 10 extra points on federal hiring assessments depending on your status. Disabled veterans get 10 points. You need your DD-214 (Member 4 copy) and SF-15 form. Veterans preference is strongest for positions at GS-11 and below. Some agencies also use Direct Hire Authority for veterans, which can speed up the process.
It depends on your target career. For merchant marine: start your MMC application with the National Maritime Center. For GIS: begin an Esri ArcGIS certification or community college GIS certificate. For transportation management: PMP certification. For surveying: check your state licensing requirements. For any federal job: build your federal resume at bestmilitaryresume.com before you start applying.
Yes, and you should. Start 12 months before your EAOS. At 180 days out you may qualify for DOD SkillBridge to work at a civilian company while still receiving military pay. Have your resume ready 6 months out. Start networking on LinkedIn 6 months out. Apply to federal positions 6 months out because federal hiring is slow. Use terminal leave as your transition runway.
Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
Stop rewriting from scratch every time you apply. BMR turns your military experience into civilian and federal resumes, tailored to each job.
Tailored resumes
Rewritten for each job posting
Cover letters
Matched to the role
LinkedIn optimization
Profile rewrite for civilian recruiters
Elevator pitch generator
For interviews and networking
Company research reports
Know who you are applying to
Job tracker
Every application in one place