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Suggest a Feature →Phase 03 — Budget by MOS
What does it cost to make a soldier?
Training pipeline, equipment burden, and full 4-year DoD investment by job code. Not what they earn — what they cost. From the day of enlistment through the first contract.
Most Expensive (4yr)
$1.1M
SW — Special Warfare Operator (SEAL)
Average (4yr)
$370K
Across 101 tracked MOS codes
Lowest Training Cost
$18K
92Y — Unit Supply Specialist
4-Year Cost Range — All 101 Tracked MOS Codes
SW
$1.1M
18X
$1.1M
153A
$825K
EOD-N
$722K
89D
$617K
11A
$613K
19K
$605K
NF
$583K
1N3X1
$507K
CTI
$498K
1C4X1
$498K
1A8X1
$481K
17C
$472K
3D0X4
$461K
35N
$453K
13M
$440K
0811
$434K
79R
$430K
13B
$427K
35L
$390K
15W
$385K
68W
$376K
35M
$372K
GM-CG
$371K
1C6X1-SF
$369K
0352
$365K
68K
$362K
68D
$361K
68P
$360K
1C6X1
$355K
1C8X1
$349K
1371
$342K
91M
$341K
92F
$339K
AV
$338K
12C
$334K
0341
$334K
0844
$334K
BM-CG
$334K
0331
$333K
88K
$332K
6072
$332K
13F
$331K
12B
$330K
3531
$328K
11C
$326K
19D
$326K
13J
$323K
74D
$322K
5811
$322K
11B
$321K
0311
$318K
15T
$318K
0231
$318K
31B
$316K
1N1X1
$316K
0621
$316K
ME
$316K
92R
$315K
88M
$312K
25U
$312K
2W1X1
$310K
91A
$309K
35F
$309K
91C
$309K
91B
$307K
MA
$307K
MM
$306K
HS-CG
$306K
3D1X2
$304K
91D
$304K
91J
$304K
1N0X1
$304K
2111
$304K
3E4X1
$303K
IS
$303K
68R
$302K
BM
$302K
EM
$302K
89B
$301K
HT
$300K
3C0X1
$300K
OS
$299K
46Q
$298K
IT
$298K
PR
$298K
3E0X1
$297K
4N0X1
$296K
25B
$295K
IT-CG
$294K
HM
$293K
4Y0X1
$292K
3051
$290K
6C0X1
$288K
92G
$287K
92A
$286K
88H
$285K
56M
$284K
1C0X2
$282K
42A
$278K
92Y
$278K
$278K (lowest)$1.1M (highest)
Army49 MOS profiles
18XSpecial Operations
Special Forces Candidate → 18 Series
95wk pipeline · BCT + SFAS + SFQC + Language + Specialty
Training
$580K
4-Year Total
$1.1M
153AAviation
Rotary Wing Aviator (Warrant Officer)
60wk pipeline · WOCS + Warrant Officer Flight Training (WOFT)
Training
$420K
4-Year Total
$825K
89DCombat Support
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist
52wk pipeline · BCT + AIT + EOD Tech School
Training
$195K
4-Year Total
$617K
11ACombat Arms
Infantry Officer
72wk pipeline · ROTC/OCS + IBOLC + Ranger School (optional)
Training
$195K
4-Year Total
$613K
19KCombat Arms
M1 Armor Crewman
16wk pipeline · OSUT (BCT + AIT combined)
Training
$55K
4-Year Total
$605K
17CTechnical / Cyber
Cyber Operations Specialist
52wk pipeline · BCT + AIT + Advanced Cyber Training
Training
$110K
4-Year Total
$472K
35NIntelligence
Signals Intelligence Analyst
52wk pipeline · BCT + AIT + NSA Certification
Training
$118K
4-Year Total
$453K
13MCombat Arms
Multiple Launch Rocket System Crewmember
15wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$42K
4-Year Total
$440K
79RService Support
Recruiter
12wk pipeline · AIT (Recruiter Course)
Training
$28K
4-Year Total
$430K
13BCombat Arms
Cannon Crewmember
10wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$33K
4-Year Total
$427K
35LIntelligence
Counterintelligence Agent
52wk pipeline · BCT + CI Agent Course
Training
$102K
4-Year Total
$390K
15WAviation
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator
23wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$65K
4-Year Total
$385K
68WMedical
Combat Medic Specialist
65wk pipeline · BCT + AIT (clinical)
Training
$108K
4-Year Total
$376K
35MIntelligence
Human Intelligence Collector
35wk pipeline · BCT + AIT + Language Training (partial)
Training
$86K
4-Year Total
$372K
68KMedical
Medical Laboratory Specialist
52wk pipeline · BCT + AIT (clinical)
Training
$92K
4-Year Total
$362K
68DMedical
Operating Room Specialist
55wk pipeline · BCT + AIT (clinical)
Training
$95K
4-Year Total
$361K
68PMedical
Radiology Specialist
52wk pipeline · BCT + AIT (clinical)
Training
$92K
4-Year Total
$360K
91MService Support
Firefighter
13wk pipeline · BCT + AIT (IFSAC/Pro Board Certified)
Training
$31K
4-Year Total
$341K
92FService Support
Petroleum Supply Specialist
10wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$23K
4-Year Total
$339K
12CCombat Support
Bridge Crewmember
13wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$32K
4-Year Total
$334K
88KService Support
Watercraft Operator
12wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$30K
4-Year Total
$332K
13FCombat Arms
Fire Support Specialist
16wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$41K
4-Year Total
$331K
12BCombat Arms
Combat Engineer
14wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$36K
4-Year Total
$330K
11CCombat Arms
Indirect Fire Infantryman
16wk pipeline · OSUT (BCT + AIT combined)
Training
$40K
4-Year Total
$326K
19DCombat Arms
Cavalry Scout
16wk pipeline · OSUT (BCT + AIT combined)
Training
$40K
4-Year Total
$326K
13JCombat Arms
Fire Control Specialist
14wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$37K
4-Year Total
$323K
74DCombat Support
CBRN Specialist
14wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$36K
4-Year Total
$322K
11BCombat Arms
Infantryman
22wk pipeline · OSUT (BCT + AIT combined)
Training
$47K
4-Year Total
$321K
15TAviation
UH-60 Helicopter Repairer
15wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$38K
4-Year Total
$318K
31BCombat Support
Military Police
20wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$39K
4-Year Total
$316K
92RService Support
Parachute Rigger
13wk pipeline · BCT + AIT + Airborne School
Training
$38K
4-Year Total
$315K
88MService Support
Motor Transport Operator
7wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$18K
4-Year Total
$312K
25UTechnical / Cyber
Signal Support Systems Specialist
20wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$36K
4-Year Total
$312K
91AService Support
Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
14wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$35K
4-Year Total
$309K
35FIntelligence
Intelligence Analyst
16wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$43K
4-Year Total
$309K
91CService Support
Utilities Equipment Repairer
13wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$31K
4-Year Total
$309K
91BService Support
Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
14wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$34K
4-Year Total
$307K
91DService Support
Power Generation Equipment Repairer
13wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$30K
4-Year Total
$304K
91JService Support
Quartermaster and Chemical Equipment Repairer
13wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$30K
4-Year Total
$304K
68RMedical
Veterinary Food Inspection Specialist
16wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$38K
4-Year Total
$302K
89BCombat Support
Ammunition Specialist
10wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$24K
4-Year Total
$301K
46QService Support
Public Affairs Specialist
12wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$28K
4-Year Total
$298K
25BTechnical / Cyber
IT Specialist
15wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$31K
4-Year Total
$295K
92GService Support
Culinary Specialist
9wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$19K
4-Year Total
$287K
92AService Support
Automated Logistical Specialist
10wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$22K
4-Year Total
$286K
88HService Support
Cargo Specialist
9wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$19K
4-Year Total
$285K
56MService Support
Chaplain Assistant
10wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$22K
4-Year Total
$284K
42AService Support
Human Resources Specialist
9wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$20K
4-Year Total
$278K
92YService Support
Unit Supply Specialist
8wk pipeline · BCT + AIT
Training
$18K
4-Year Total
$278K
Navy15 MOS profiles
SWSpecial Operations
Special Warfare Operator (SEAL)
104wk pipeline · Recruit Training + BUD/S + SQT + Follow-on Qualifications
Training
$620K
4-Year Total
$1.1M
EOD-NSpecial Operations
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (Navy)
66wk pipeline · Recruit Training + Naval Diving + EOD Tech School
Training
$280K
4-Year Total
$722K
NFTechnical / Cyber
Nuclear Field (Nuclear Propulsion)
52wk pipeline · Recruit Training + Nuclear Power School + Prototype Training + Fleet Qualification
Training
$200K
4-Year Total
$583K
CTIIntelligence
Cryptologic Technician Interpretive
64wk pipeline · Recruit Training + DLI + A-School + C-School
Training
$148K
4-Year Total
$498K
AVAviation
Avionics Technician
28wk pipeline · Recruit Training + A-School + C-School (platform)
Training
$52K
4-Year Total
$338K
MACombat Support
Master-at-Arms
19wk pipeline · Recruit Training + A-School
Training
$31K
4-Year Total
$307K
MMTechnical / Cyber
Machinist's Mate
19wk pipeline · Recruit Training + A-School
Training
$32K
4-Year Total
$306K
ISIntelligence
Intelligence Specialist
18wk pipeline · Recruit Training + A-School
Training
$35K
4-Year Total
$303K
BMService Support
Boatswain's Mate
15wk pipeline · Recruit Training + A-School
Training
$24K
4-Year Total
$302K
EMTechnical / Cyber
Electrician's Mate
18wk pipeline · Recruit Training + A-School
Training
$30K
4-Year Total
$302K
HTTechnical / Cyber
Hull Maintenance Technician
17wk pipeline · Recruit Training + A-School
Training
$28K
4-Year Total
$300K
OSCombat Support
Operations Specialist
16wk pipeline · Recruit Training + A-School
Training
$29K
4-Year Total
$299K
ITTechnical / Cyber
Information Systems Technician
25wk pipeline · Recruit Training + A-School
Training
$34K
4-Year Total
$298K
PRAviation
Aircrew Survival Equipmentman
18wk pipeline · Recruit Training + A-School
Training
$30K
4-Year Total
$298K
HMMedical
Hospital Corpsman
22wk pipeline · Recruit Training + A-School (+ FMF Course for Marine-attached)
Training
$31K
4-Year Total
$293K
Air Force15 MOS profiles
1N3X1Intelligence
Cryptologic Language Analyst
64wk pipeline · BMT + DLI + Technical Training + NSA Certification
Training
$155K
4-Year Total
$507K
1C4X1Combat Arms
Tactical Air Control Party (TACP)
52wk pipeline · BMT + TACP Initial Skills + JFO Course + CAS Qualification
Training
$138K
4-Year Total
$498K
1A8X1Intelligence
Airborne ISR Operator
80wk pipeline · BMT + Technical Training + Platform Qualification
Training
$149K
4-Year Total
$481K
1C6X1Technical / Cyber
Space Systems Operations
38wk pipeline · BMT + Technical Training + Mission Qualification Training
Training
$72K
4-Year Total
$355K
1N1X1Intelligence
Geospatial Intelligence
22wk pipeline · BMT + Technical Training
Training
$46K
4-Year Total
$316K
2W1X1Technical / Cyber
Aircraft Munitions Systems
22wk pipeline · BMT + Technical Training
Training
$36K
4-Year Total
$310K
3D1X2Technical / Cyber
Cyber Systems Operations
29wk pipeline · BMT + Technical Training
Training
$39K
4-Year Total
$304K
1N0X1Intelligence
All Source Intelligence Analyst
18wk pipeline · BMT + Technical Training
Training
$38K
4-Year Total
$304K
3E4X1Technical / Cyber
Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance
13wk pipeline · BMT + Technical Training
Training
$24K
4-Year Total
$303K
3C0X1Technical / Cyber
Communications — Information Technology
20wk pipeline · BMT + Technical Training
Training
$34K
4-Year Total
$300K
3E0X1Technical / Cyber
Electrical Systems
15wk pipeline · BMT + Technical Training
Training
$27K
4-Year Total
$297K
4N0X1Medical
Aerospace Medical Service
16wk pipeline · BMT + Technical Training
Training
$32K
4-Year Total
$296K
4Y0X1Medical
Dental Assistant
14wk pipeline · BMT + Technical Training
Training
$26K
4-Year Total
$292K
6C0X1Service Support
Contracting
14wk pipeline · BMT + Technical Training + DAU Contracting Courses
Training
$30K
4-Year Total
$288K
1C0X2Service Support
Aviation Resource Management
13wk pipeline · BMT + Technical Training
Training
$22K
4-Year Total
$282K
Marines14 MOS profiles
0811Combat Arms
Field Artillery Cannoneer
21wk pipeline · Recruit Training + MOS School
Training
$40K
4-Year Total
$434K
0352Combat Arms
Anti-Tank Missileman
33wk pipeline · Recruit Training + SOI + MOS School
Training
$51K
4-Year Total
$365K
1371Combat Arms
Combat Engineer
28wk pipeline · Recruit Training + MCT + Combat Engineer School
Training
$48K
4-Year Total
$342K
0341Combat Arms
Mortarman
28wk pipeline · Recruit Training + MCT + SOI/ITB
Training
$42K
4-Year Total
$334K
0844Combat Arms
Field Artillery Fire Control
24wk pipeline · Recruit Training + MCT + FA Fire Control School
Training
$48K
4-Year Total
$334K
0331Combat Arms
Machine Gunner
29wk pipeline · Recruit Training + MCT + SOI/ITB
Training
$43K
4-Year Total
$333K
6072Aviation
Aircraft Maintenance
26wk pipeline · Recruit Training + MCT + Aviation Maintenance School
Training
$50K
4-Year Total
$332K
3531Service Support
Motor Vehicle Operator
20wk pipeline · Recruit Training + MCT + Motor Transport School
Training
$34K
4-Year Total
$328K
5811Combat Support
Military Police
25wk pipeline · Recruit Training + MCT + Military Police School
Training
$44K
4-Year Total
$322K
0311Combat Arms
Rifleman
25wk pipeline · Recruit Training + MCT + SOI/ITB
Training
$43K
4-Year Total
$318K
0231Intelligence
Intelligence Specialist
22wk pipeline · Recruit Training + MCT + Intelligence MOS School
Training
$52K
4-Year Total
$318K
0621Combat Support
Field Radio Operator
22wk pipeline · Recruit Training + MCT + Communications MOS School
Training
$38K
4-Year Total
$316K
2111Service Support
Small Arms Repairer/Technician
19wk pipeline · Recruit Training + MCT + Small Arms Repairer School
Training
$36K
4-Year Total
$304K
3051Service Support
Warehouse Clerk
17wk pipeline · Recruit Training + MCT + Supply MOS School
Training
$28K
4-Year Total
$290K
Methodology
Training cost = total pipeline cost per soldier (BCT/Boot + AIT/A-School/Tech School), including facilities, instructor pay, ammunition, materials, and equipment. High-attrition MOSes (18X, EOD) reflect attrition-adjusted investment per successful graduate.
Annual MILPERS = base pay + BAH (national average) + BAS + TRICARE accrual + retirement (BRS) + specialty pays. Benchmarked at E-4 unless otherwise noted.
Equipment burden = annual amortized cost of primary assigned equipment. For crew-served weapons and vehicles: unit cost ÷ crew size ÷ service life years.
4-year cost = training cost + (annual MILPERS + annual equipment burden) × 4. Error margin: ±15%. This is Phase 3 of the DoD Budget Intelligence Roadmap.
Sources: DoD Comptroller per-soldier cost analysis · RAND Corporation military personnel studies · CBO military compensation analysis · Service-specific training cost reports · Congressional testimony on training pipeline costs