Estimations of Starting Salary?

Hello, everyone!

So, I know this forum sees a lot of these types of threads (probably too many), but here's yet another.

I'm due to get out of the military in less than a year. The thing is, I'm afraid to. I'm not sure if it's the best thing for myself and my family. On one hand, my wife could get a stable job in her field, we could move back home, and I could potentially earn more than I do now; on the other, it scares me to give up the job security of my active duty position.

The question, however, isn't "should I get out", but rather "would it be worth it?"

Upon my exit, I will have the following qualifications/experience (all of which I currently hold).

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
CCNA - Routing and Switching
CCNA - Security
Net+
8 years active duty military experience
4 years as a system/network administrator

The area I would be moving to is the American southwest, particularly New Mexico, and specifically Albuquerque. I'm opened to anywhere in the southwestern region, but partial to ABQ.

Again, I'm sorry to exhaust everyone's knowledge of salary rates/cert values/field experience, but some answers would mean a lot to me.

Thanks in advance for any advice and insight!

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Comments

jamthat

Apply for jobs with DOE/Contractors (Bechtel? B&W?) at LANL. You'll be set - especially if you have a clearance.

aftereffector

I don't have any salary information for you, but I'm in your situation almost exactly. It's a little unsettling to think about moving out from the very stable active duty umbrella, with housing, tuition assistance, health care, insurance, and so many other things that the military takes care of... but I'm sure it will be worth it in a year or two.

Tyb

A quick glance at indeed.com looks like a system admin is around 55-65 for the area.

networker050184

I know the feeling, I was too nervous to get out my first time so I reenlisted and did six and half years. I wish I would have gotten out the first time now though. The transition was extremely easy with a little prior planning. I had less than you, just my military experience and a CCNA. No degree. My first job out on the East coast (Raleigh, NC) was making $60k and was a nice bump in the pocket from what I had in the military. Worst part is health insurance coming out, but it's really not all that bad if you get on with a good company.

Work on your resume and your interviewing skills and you shouldn't have a problem as long as you spent your time in the military learning instead of letting someone else do all the tech work. Civilian employers value military experience very highly.

Good luck!

N2IT

I'm not familiar with New Mexico. I think you could get at least 60 in a mid market area, upper 70's in a big market. (Total guess)

zxbane

aaro,

As others said, with your credentials and experience you should be just fine. I found myself in a similar position 2 years ago when my enlistment was coming to a close. I made the jump with no hesitation and couldn't be happier. I've almost doubled my salary in the last two years since getting out and I don't have to deal with a lot of the b.s. I did while enlisted. Networker's post includes a lot of good info. Best of luck to you and let us know how it goes once you are out!

da_vato

Your concerns are absolutely normal and have been felt by all of us that have served and gotten out or about to get out. What are you wanting to do when you get out? From you credentials I assume you would look for a networking job right off the bat but is that all? Are you originally from ABQ?

This Forum is here to help each other through knowledge sharing and networking so no need to appologize for asking questions. PM me I think I can offer you a wealth of advice as I was a SSG of 13 years and got out just two years ago.