Air Force Pararescue PJ
Combat search and rescue
About the profession
Pararescue Jumpers (PJs) are Air Force special operations combat medics rescuing downed pilots and conducting humanitarian rescue. Pipeline is 2 years through one of the military's toughest selection processes. Medic skills translate directly to civilian EMS.
How to Get Started
Take a personality test to see if Air Force Pararescue PJ fits your profile
Career Match Test →Explore the Career Path section to see progression from junior to senior
Jump to Career Path →Start learning — check the Learning Path for free courses
Jump to Learning Path →Career Path
Your career progression roadmap with salary growth at each level
Career Ladder
Apprentice → PJ → Team Leader → Senior Enlisted
Where are you on this career path?
Click a level below to set your current position
Salary Growth
4
Levels
145K
Top Salary
8+
Years
Learning Path
Skills you need to develop and courses to get there
🚀
Set your current level first
Go to the Career Path tab and select your current level to see your personalized learning plan.
Go to Career PathCareer levels
Timeline: 0-2 | Entry Level Base: $48,000 - $72,000/year With equity/bonuses: $52,800 - $86,400 Top markets (SF/NYC): $55,000 - $86,000 Execute core tasks using Combat medicine…
Day in Life
Junior vs Senior — daily schedule breakdown
9am — Review priorities and respond to urgent items 10am — Team standup and progress check 11am — Deep work using Combat medicine 1pm — Cross-functional meeting with stakeholders…
Income Dynamics
Conservative and aggressive scenarios for 10–15 years
Year 1: Entry level $33,600 - $43,200 Year 2-3: Junior level $48,000 - $72,150 Year 4-6: Mid level $72,150 - $101,350 Year 7-10: Senior level $101,350 - $130,450 Year 10+:…
Is this for me?
15 questions — answer honestly
You find the craft of a Air Force Pararescue PJ genuinely interesting, not just a paycheck You enjoy working with Combat medicine and HALO/HAHO You communicate clearly with…
💰 Salary Range
US dataSign up to see salary data
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