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NavyRating: QM
Quartermaster
The civilian and federal jobs that hire Navy Quartermasters — with real salaries and the resume that gets callbacks.
Every QM has more options than a Google search will tell you. Below: career paths, BLS salary data, federal GS series, certifications by target career, and how to translate your experience without losing what made you valuable to the Navy in the first place.
Free · No credit card · Tailored resume in under 5 minutes
$48K–$145K
Salary Range
BLS-verified median salaries
16
Career Paths
12
Companies Hiring
8
Resume Examples
2
Federal GS Series
7
Certification Paths
10
FAQs Answered
BT
Brad Tachi
Navy Diver · BMR Founder
After the Navy I got hired into 6 federal career fields and tech sales, and sat on federal hiring panels along the way. I spent the last 2 years rebuilding everything I learned into BMR, tuned for how AI actually screens resumes today. This is the system I wish I'd had on day one.
60,000+ resumes built·Success stories every week
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Military Role Overview
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
Security ClearanceTypically none required (Secret possible on some billets)
ASVAB RequirementVE+AR=100
TrainingQM A-School at Great Lakes, IL (~13 weeks). Covers celestial navigation, electronic navigation (ECDIS/GPS), chart corrections, weather observation, bridge watchstanding, and voyage planning. Advanced training includes METOC and navigation instructor courses.
Certs Earned in ServiceHelmsman/Lee Helmsman qualified, Quartermaster of the Watch (QMOW), Navigation Electronics Technician (advanced billets), ECDIS operator, Weather observer (METOC), First Aid/CPR/AED
Pay Reality Check
The number that matters when you're deciding what's next: how does civilian pay compare to what you make now?
Navy mid-career
$58K–$82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp (base + BAH + BAS + tax advantage)
Civilian Quartermaster
$48K–$101K
BLS median across direct-match civilian roles
Federal (GS-9 to GS-13)
$58K–$120K
2 matching GS series + locality pay + step increases
Comparable on average
Civilian pay for Quartermasters lands within the same range as mid-career enlisted total comp.
Military comp is approximate (varies by location/dependents). Civilian is BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. Your real number depends on duty station, family status, GS step, and overtime.
Private Sector Career Paths
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 Translations
| Civilian Job Title | Industry | BLS Median Salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Captain, Mate, or Pilot of Water Vessels O*NET: 53-5021.00 | Maritime / Transportation | $98,310 | About as fast as average (3%) | strong |
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager O*NET: 11-3071.00 | Logistics / Supply Chain | $99,200 | Faster than average (8%) | strong |
Cartographer / Photogrammetrist O*NET: 17-1021.00 | GIS / Government / Tech | $76,410 | Faster than average (5%) | strong |
Surveyor O*NET: 17-1022.01 | Construction / Engineering / Government | $66,120 | About as fast as average (2%) | moderate |
Surveying and Mapping Technician O*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 |
Logistician O*NET: 13-1081.00 | Government / Manufacturing / Transportation | $80,880 | Much faster than average (17%) | moderate |
Logistics Coordinator O*NET: 43-5011.00 | Transportation / Warehousing | $49,070 | About as fast as average (4%) | moderate |
Ship Engineer O*NET: 53-5031.00 | Maritime / Transportation | $101,320 | About as fast as average | moderate |
GIS Specialist / Technician O*NET: 15-1299.02 | Technology / Government | $57,000 | Faster than average (5%) | strong |
Captain, Mate, or Pilot of Water Vessels
Maritime / Transportation
$98,310median
About as fast as average (3%)
O*NET: 53-5021.00
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager
Logistics / Supply Chain
$99,200median
Faster than average (8%)
O*NET: 11-3071.00
Cartographer / Photogrammetrist
GIS / Government / Tech
$76,410median
Faster than average (5%)
O*NET: 17-1021.00
Surveyor
Construction / Engineering / Government
$66,120median
About as fast as average (2%)
O*NET: 17-1022.01
Surveying and Mapping Technician
Construction / Engineering
$50,230median
Slower than average (-2%)
O*NET: 17-3031.00
Dispatcher (Transportation/Vessel Traffic)
Transportation / Maritime
$47,640median
About as fast as average (3%)
O*NET: 43-5032.00
Logistician
Government / Manufacturing / Transportation
$80,880median
Much faster than average (17%)
O*NET: 13-1081.00
Logistics Coordinator
Transportation / Warehousing
$49,070median
About as fast as average (4%)
O*NET: 43-5011.00
Ship Engineer
Maritime / Transportation
$101,320median
About as fast as average
O*NET: 53-5031.00
GIS Specialist / Technician
Technology / Government
$57,000median
Faster than average (5%)
O*NET: 15-1299.02
Companies That Hire This Background
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.
See a salary you want? Build a resume targeting it.
BMR rewrites your QM experience for any of the civilian roles above — keywords, achievements, and language hiring managers actually scan for.
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Real Navy success story
“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
→ AviationFederal Career Paths
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:
- GS-2150 Transportation Operations at MARAD, Coast Guard, and Army Corps
- GS-0343 Management/Program Analyst at any federal agency (uses your planning and analysis skills)
- GS-0301 Miscellaneous Administration (broad series, many agencies)
- GS-1670 Equipment Specialist for navigation equipment at Navy shore activities
- GS-0025 Park Ranger at NOAA, NPS, or USACE (marine law enforcement and resource management)
- GS-1311 Physical Science Technician at NOAA for weather and oceanography
- GS-0018 Safety Management for bridge safety and vessel operations oversight
- GS-0080 Security Administration at port facilities and military installations
- GS-0340 Program Management (leverages your planning and coordination experience)
- GS-2181 Aircraft Operation at FAA or DOD for traffic management roles
- GS-1372 Geodesy at NOAA and NGA for precision positioning work
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.
GS Series & Position Matches
| GS Series | Federal Job Title | Typical Grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-2101 | Transportation Specialist | GS-5, GS-7, GS-9 | View Details → | |
| GS-1370 | Cartography | GS-5, GS-7, GS-9 | View Details → |
Federal resumes follow different rules. We know them.
Federal hiring uses keyword-matching and structured experience. BMR builds federal-format resumes (USAJobs-ready) with the right keywords, hours/week, and supervisor info — for any GS series above.
Free · No credit card · Federal + civilian resume formats included
Want to Change Careers Entirely?
Not everyone wants to stay in a related field. These career paths leverage your transferable skills — leadership, risk management, logistics, project planning — in completely different industries.
Air Traffic Controller
$144,580
Aviation(O*NET: 53-2021.00)BLS OEWS May 20243% (Average)
Tracking moving traffic in three dimensionsContinuous situational awareness on watchReading instruments and position dataCalm, precise decisions under time pressure
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.
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.
Atmospheric Scientist, Including Meteorologist
$97,450
Weather and Atmospheric Science(O*NET: 19-2021.00)BLS OEWS May 20247% (Faster than average)
Weather observation and interpretationReading atmospheric and oceanographic dataForecasting impact on operationsBriefing decision-makers on conditions
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.
How to get there: A bachelor's degree in meteorology or atmospheric science is the standard requirement. Prior weather-observation experience strengthens entry.
Commercial Pilot
$122,670
Aviation(O*NET: 53-2012.00)BLS OEWS May 20245% (Average)
Route planning and dead-reckoning navigationReading instruments and electronic positioningPre-mission weather and hazard assessmentPrecise course corrections en route
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.
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.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
$122,610
Energy and Utilities(O*NET: 51-8011.00)BLS OEWS May 2024-2% (Declining)
Continuous instrument monitoring on watchStrict procedural disciplineLogging and trend analysisCalm response to abnormal indications
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.
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.
Airfield Operations Specialist
$56,750
Aviation(O*NET: 53-2022.00)BLS OEWS May 20243% (Average)
Coordinating traffic and movementMonitoring conditions and hazardsCommunicating positions and clearancesSpatial awareness across a busy operating area
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.
How to get there: A bachelor's degree or relevant operations experience; many specialists come directly from military air or maritime traffic backgrounds.
Avionics Technician
$81,390
Aerospace(O*NET: 49-2091.00)BLS OEWS May 20245% (Average)
Working with electronic navigation systemsCalibrating precision instrumentsSystematic fault diagnosisDocumentation to exacting standards
Quartermasters operate and troubleshoot electronic navigation and positioning gear. Avionics work applies that same electronic-navigation-systems knowledge to aircraft instrumentation.
How to get there: Complete an FAA-approved avionics program or transfer military electronics experience, then earn the FCC license and relevant FAA certifications.
Pivoting industries? You don't need to start from scratch.
The skills that made you a good Marine, Sailor, Airman, or Soldier transfer further than you think. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the pivot careers above — without making you sound like you've never done the work.
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Skills Translation Guide
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.
Resume Bullet Examples
Before (Military)
Stood QMOW for 200+ watches during WESTPAC deployment, maintaining continuous position tracking and recommending course corrections to the OOD
After (Civilian)
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 (Military)
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 (Civilian)
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 (Military)
Managed a portfolio of 450+ nautical charts, applying weekly Notice to Mariners corrections and verifying accuracy against ECDIS database updates
After (Civilian)
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 (Military)
Operated and maintained ECDIS and GPS systems for all navigation operations, troubleshooting system errors and performing database updates
After (Civilian)
Administered enterprise geospatial technology platforms, troubleshooting system issues, performing database updates, and training 12 users on system operations and best practices
Before (Military)
Supervised bridge watch teams of 4-6 personnel during restricted maneuvering, coordinating helm, lee helm, and lookout stations
After (Civilian)
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 (Military)
Recorded weather observations every 4 hours and submitted reports to Fleet Weather Center, tracking conditions that affected flight operations and underway replenishment
After (Civilian)
Collected and analyzed environmental data on a fixed schedule, generating reports for leadership that directly informed operational decisions and resource scheduling
Before (Military)
Served as Navigation Department LPO, managing 8 personnel, coordinating qualification training, and maintaining $1.2M in navigation equipment
After (Civilian)
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 (Military)
Provided real-time navigation support during 30+ sea and anchor details in congested ports including Yokosuka, Pearl Harbor, and San Diego
After (Civilian)
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
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BMR turns your QM duties and accomplishments into civilian bullets that match the job you're applying for — no manual translation, no rewriting.
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Certifications by Career Path
Which certifications you need depends on where you're headed. Find your target career path below.
Emergency Management
CEM (Certified Emergency Manager)
RecommendedIAEM
Cost: $250 - $375 examTime: 3-6 months study
Federal Employment
Federal Resume + USAJobs Profile
RequiredN/A
Cost: Free (build at bestmilitaryresume.com)Time: 1-2 hours
GIS & Geospatial
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
RequiredNCEES
Cost: $175 - $350 (exam fee)Time: 3-6 months study
APICS CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional)
RecommendedASCM (formerly APICS)
Cost: $1,500 - $2,500Time: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Esri ArcGIS Certification
RecommendedEsri
Cost: $250 - $500 (exam)Time: 3-6 months self-studyGI Bill Eligible
Professional Land Surveyor (PLS)
RequiredState licensing boards
Cost: $200 - $500Time: 4+ years experience required
GIS Certificate Program
RecommendedCommunity colleges / universities
Cost: $3,000 - $8,000Time: 6-12 monthsGI Bill Eligible
Maritime Operations
Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
RequiredU.S. Coast Guard / National Maritime Center
Cost: $100 - $300 (application fees)Time: 2-6 months processingGI Bill Eligible
ECDIS Type-Specific Training
RequiredIMO-certified training providers
Cost: $500 - $1,500Time: 1 weekGI Bill Eligible
Operations Management
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
RecommendedASQ or IASSC
Cost: $300 - $500Time: 2-4 monthsGI Bill Eligible
Project Management
PMP (Project Management Professional)
RecommendedPMI
Cost: $555 (PMI member)Time: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Safety & EHS
OSHA 30-Hour General Industry
RecommendedOSHA
Cost: $150 - $300Time: 4 days (available online)
CSP (Certified Safety Professional)
RecommendedBCSP
Cost: $300 - $500 examTime: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Got a cert? Don't bury it. List it the right way.
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Transition Resources
For Staying in the Maritime Industry
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.
For Careers Outside of Maritime
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.
Related Career Pages
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.
BMR Career Resources
Navy Resume Guide: Rating Translation | Complete Military Resume Guide | Jobs for Veterans by MOS | Build Your Resume Free | Military Resume Builder
Your 30 / 60 / 90-Day Transition Plan
Most veterans do this backwards — they wait until terminal leave to start, then panic. Here's the actual sequence that works.
1Days 0–30
Set the foundation
- Pull your DD-214 (request from Milconnect if separated)
- List your top 3 civilian roles AND top 3 GS series
- Build your tailored QM resume — BMR does it free
- Write 1 strong LinkedIn headline (not "veteran seeking opportunities")
- Pull together your evals/performance reports for accomplishments
2Days 30–60
Apply with intent
- Apply to 5–10 jobs/week — quality over quantity
- Tailor every resume to the job description (BMR auto-tailors)
- Connect with 5 people/week on LinkedIn (not a spray)
- Set up a USAJobs profile and a saved-search alert for your GS series
- Practice translating your military bullets out loud — explain to a civilian friend
3Days 60–90
Close the offer
- Track every application — date, status, contact, notes
- Follow up 7–10 days after each application
- Prep for behavioral interviews using the STAR method
- Negotiate salary — don't take the first offer (BLS median is your floor)
- Stay applying even after one offer — leverage = options
Print this. Tape it to your monitor. Veterans who treat the transition like a 90-day op get hired faster than the ones who treat it like an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What civilian jobs can a Navy Quartermaster get?
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.
How much do former Navy Quartermasters earn as civilians?
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.
Does my Navy sea time count toward a Merchant Mariner Credential?
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.
What federal jobs should a Navy QM apply for?
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.
Do I need a degree to work in GIS after the Navy?
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.
How do I explain my QM experience to a civilian employer?
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.
Is ECDIS training valuable in the civilian world?
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.
How does Veterans Preference work for federal jobs?
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.
What certifications should I get before separating?
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.
Can I start my civilian job search while still on active duty?
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 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
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