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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Military Cargo Specialists

Median Salary
60,931
Workforce Count
23,803

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Cargo specialists ensure the safe and efficient transfer of supplies needed by service members worldwide. They are responsible for transferring or supervising the transfer of cargo to and from air, land, and water vehicles by manual and mechanical methods. They also plan and organize loading schedules.

What is the work environment like?

Cargo specialists work outdoors on loading docks and indoors in warehouses.

How many people have this role in the Military?

23,803

Compensation

Understanding 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.

  • Always fixed based on rank and service time.
  • Distributed monthly.
Learn More About Military Benefits

What is the typical salary range?

Salary by Years of Service

$102,630

2 Years

$70,973

6 Years

$102,630

10+ Years
Median Salary
60,931

Military Details

What Service Branches offer this role?

Learn More About Service Branches

Is this a staff or leadership role?

Enlisted
Officer
Enlisted service members execute vital tasks, support operations alongside officers and develop role-specific skills to achieve mission success.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer Paths

What does the training for this role entail?

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. Job training for cargo specialists consists of classroom and on-the-job instruction, including practice in cargo operations. Training content may include:

  • Techniques for loading and storing cargo
  • Techniques for planning and scheduling cargo shipments
  • Methods for identifying, packing, storing, and transporting hazardous material
  • Receipt, identification, classification, and inventory of stock
  • Packaging methods and procedures
  • Operation and care of forklifts, power winches, and cranes

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    30%

  • Some college

    19%

  • Associate's degree

    18%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    18%

  • High school

    12%

  • Less than high school

    1%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • General Office Occupations and Clerical Services
  • Traffic, Customs, and Transportation Clerk/Technician

Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree

The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For College

Skills and Interest

What skills will set you up for success?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?

  • Transportation
  • Geography
  • Administration and Management
  • Administrative
  • Public Safety and Security

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Enterprising

You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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