Marine 0311 Rifleman to Civilian: Your Complete Career Transition Roadmap (With Salary Data)
Real career options for Marine 0311 Rifleman transitioning to civilian life. Includes salary ranges $45K-$85K+, required certifications, and skills translation.
Bottom Line Up Front
0311 Rifleman gets labeled as "no civilian skills." That's complete garbage. You've got leadership under pressure, weapons proficiency, adaptability, attention to detail, and the ability to execute complex operations—skills that translate directly to law enforcement, security, corrections, and skilled trades. Realistic first-year salaries range from $45,000-$65,000, with experienced professionals hitting $85,000+ in protective services, federal law enforcement, or contractor work. You'll need some certs and maybe an associate's degree, but your Marine Corps experience is the foundation.
Let's address the elephant in the room
Every 0311 who starts researching civilian careers sees the same discouraging message: "Infantry doesn't translate." "You'll need to completely retrain." "Good luck finding work."
Here's what that misses: civilian HR doesn't understand what you actually did.
You didn't just "carry a rifle." You:
- Led a fire team of 4-5 Marines in high-stress environments
- Maintained accountability for $200,000+ in weapons and equipment
- Executed complex missions with 15+ coordinated steps
- Adapted to changing situations in real-time under combat conditions
- Worked rotating shifts in all weather conditions for extended deployments
- Passed regular qualifications and rigorous standards
- Followed strict rules of engagement and safety protocols
That's management, logistics, attention to detail, stress tolerance, and reliability. Those skills have serious value. You just need to translate them into language civilians understand, and target industries that actually need what you bring.
Best civilian career paths for 0311 Rifleman
Let's get specific. Here are the fields where Marine Riflemen consistently land, with real 2024-2025 salary data.
Law enforcement (most common path)
Civilian job titles:
- Police officer (municipal, county)
- Deputy sheriff
- State trooper
- Federal law enforcement (CBP, ICE, USMS, DEA, FBI)
- Game warden / conservation officer
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level municipal police: $45,000-$62,000
- State trooper: $50,000-$68,000
- Federal agent (GS-7 to GS-9 entry): $52,000-$72,000
- Experienced officer (5+ years): $65,000-$85,000
- Federal senior agent (GS-12+): $85,000-$110,000+
What translates directly:
- Weapons handling and marksmanship
- High-stress decision making under pressure
- Following rules of engagement / use of force policies
- Report writing and documentation
- Shift work and irregular hours
- Physical fitness requirements
- Team coordination and communication
Certifications needed:
- Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification—required for most state/local police. Usually earned through police academy (4-6 months).
- Driver's license (clean record helps significantly)
- Associate's degree increasingly preferred/required by competitive departments
- Physical fitness test (you'll crush this)
Reality check: The hiring process is slow. Background checks, psychological evaluations, polygraph, medical screening—plan on 6-12 months from application to academy start. Some departments have mandatory waiting lists or hiring freezes.
Military veteran preference applies for federal positions and many state/local departments, giving you serious advantage over civilian applicants. Marines are highly regarded in law enforcement—your discipline and training are recognized.
Best for: 0311s who want structure, clear hierarchy, serve-your-community mission, and benefits similar to the Marine Corps.
Private security and protective services
Civilian job titles:
- Armed security officer
- Security supervisor / operations manager
- Executive protection specialist (bodyguard)
- Corporate security manager
- Personal security detail (PSD) contractor
- Loss prevention specialist
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level armed security: $35,000-$45,000
- Security supervisor: $48,000-$62,000
- Executive protection (domestic): $55,000-$95,000
- Corporate security manager: $70,000-$95,000
- High-end EP with OCONUS work: $100,000-$160,000+
- PSD contractor (day rates): $450-$1,100 per day depending on location and risk
What translates directly:
- Weapons proficiency
- Situational awareness and threat assessment
- Patrol procedures and security protocols
- Access control and perimeter security
- Emergency response and crisis management
- Shift work tolerance and long hours
Certifications needed:
- State security guard license (requirements vary by state, usually $100-300 and a quick course)
- Armed security certification (additional firearms qualification)
- Concealed carry permit (for some EP roles)
- First aid/CPR
- Executive protection training (if going that route—companies like ESI, EPI offer courses, $2,000-5,000)
Reality check: Entry-level armed security pays less than you'd hope. It's a stepping stone. The real money is in executive protection for high-net-worth individuals or corporate security management.
If you go the EP route, expect 60-80 hour weeks, constant travel, being on-call, and working in high-stress environments. But six figures is reachable within 3-5 years if you build the right network and reputation.
Best for: 0311s who want to work armed roles immediately without a long academy, or those willing to grind toward high-end EP work.
Corrections and detention
Civilian job titles:
- Correctional officer (state prison)
- Detention officer (county jail)
- Juvenile corrections officer
- Federal Bureau of Prisons officer
Salary ranges:
- State correctional officer: $40,000-$52,000
- Federal BOP (entry level): $49,500-$58,500
- Experienced officer: $55,000-$73,000
- Supervisory roles: $70,000-$85,000+
What translates directly:
- Following strict procedures and protocols under stress
- Maintaining accountability (headcounts, movement tracking)
- High-stress environment management
- De-escalation and verbal communication
- Shift work (rotating 12-hour shifts)
- Physical fitness and defensive tactics
- Situational awareness and threat assessment
Certifications needed:
- State corrections training academy (usually 6-12 weeks, often paid during training)
- High school diploma minimum (some prefer associate's)
- Physical fitness and defensive tactics testing
- Background check and drug screening
Reality check: Corrections is hard work. You're managing inmates in a confined environment, not guarding a gate. Verbal abuse is constant, physical altercations happen regularly, and the environment is mentally exhausting.
But: hiring is faster than police departments, veteran preference applies, federal BOP offers good benefits and job security, and overtime opportunities can push your take-home income significantly higher.
Many 0311s use corrections as a bridge job while waiting for police academy or building credentials for law enforcement careers.
Best for: 0311s who need steady income quickly and can handle a high-stress environment while planning next career steps.
Skilled trades (underrated option)
Civilian job titles:
- Electrician
- HVAC technician
- Plumber
- Heavy equipment operator
- Diesel mechanic
- Lineman (electrical utility)
Salary ranges:
- Apprentice (year 1-2): $35,000-$45,000
- Journeyman tradesman: $55,000-$77,000
- Licensed electrician: $60,000-$89,000
- HVAC technician (4+ years): $65,000-$77,000
- Diesel mechanic (ASE certified): $68,000-$85,000
- Union lineman: $80,000-$110,000+ (with OT)
What translates directly:
- Attention to detail and following procedures
- Physical fitness and manual labor tolerance
- Working in adverse conditions (heat, cold, all weather)
- Tool accountability and maintenance
- Safety-first mindset and risk management
- Problem-solving under pressure
Certifications needed:
- Trade-specific apprenticeship (2-5 years depending on trade)
- State licensing (for electrician, plumber, HVAC in most states)
- OSHA 10 or 30-hour safety certification
- CDL (for some heavy equipment operator roles)
- ASE certifications (for diesel mechanics)
Reality check: Trades require multi-year apprenticeships before you're making real money. You'll start at $35K-45K and work your way up. But the path is clear, demand is high, and you can't outsource an electrician to another country.
GI Bill can cover many apprenticeship programs through the VET TEC or apprenticeship benefits. Unions often have veteran-friendly recruitment programs.
Long-term earning potential is strong—union lineman clearing $100K+ with overtime is common. Diesel mechanics with ASE certifications can hit $85K+. And you're not sitting at a desk.
Best for: 0311s who don't want an office job, like working with their hands, and are willing to put in 2-4 years of apprenticeship for a solid long-term career.
Government contracting (high-risk, high-reward)
Civilian job titles:
- Security contractor (OCONUS - overseas)
- Static security specialist
- Personal security detail (PSD)
- Training instructor / advisor
- Site security manager
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level overseas security: $70,000-$90,000
- PSD contractor: $90,000-$130,000
- High-threat environment contractor: $120,000-$200,000+
- Day rates (varies by location): $450-$1,100 per day
What translates directly: Everything. You're doing military-adjacent work in hostile environments.
Certifications needed:
- Secret or Top Secret clearance (massive advantage if you already have it)
- High Threat Contractor training (PSD course)
- Advanced weapons and tactics certifications
- EMT or combat lifesaver background (helps but not always required)
- Recent deployment experience (Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa)
Reality check: Contracting is demanding work. You're working 12+ hour days, 6-7 days a week, often in dangerous environments with limited support. But the money is real.
The work is cyclical based on contracts. You might work 6-9 months, then have 2-3 months off (unpaid). Not a long-term career for most Marines, but a way to bank serious cash in your 20s and early 30s.
Post-9/11, the contracting boom has slowed. Jobs still exist, but competition is higher and contracts are shorter. Having a clearance and recent combat experience gives you a major edge.
Best for: Young 0311s with recent deployments, active clearances, and willingness to live overseas in high-threat areas for significant money.
Federal government (non-law enforcement)
Civilian job titles:
- TSA officer
- Customs and Border Protection officer (non-agent roles)
- VA police officer
- Federal protective service officer
- DoD security specialist
Salary ranges:
- TSA (entry level): $38,000-$47,000
- CBP officer (entry): $52,000-$72,000
- Federal security roles (GS-7 to GS-11): $52,000-$80,000
- With locality pay and overtime: Can exceed $90,000+
What translates directly:
- Security procedures and protocols
- Following federal regulations
- Attention to detail
- Customer service under stress
- Working with diverse populations
Certifications needed:
- Federal background check and clearance (standard for all positions)
- Role-specific training (provided on the job)
- U.S. citizenship (required)
Reality check: Federal jobs come with job security, excellent benefits, pension after 20-30 years, and a clear GS pay scale with annual step increases. Veteran preference gets you 5-10 points in the hiring process, which can be the difference between getting hired or not.
The work isn't always exciting. TSA is checking bags. CBP officers are doing inspections. But it's stable, you get federal benefits, and you can promote over time into leadership or specialized roles.
Best for: 0311s who want federal benefits and job security more than high pay or adrenaline-filled work.
Skills translation table (for your resume)
Stop writing "Marine Rifleman" on your resume. Civilians don't know what that means. Here's how to translate:
| Military Skill | Civilian Translation |
|---|---|
| Fire team leader | Supervised team of 4-5 personnel in high-pressure operations |
| Squad leader | Managed 9-13 person team; coordinated multi-step operations |
| Weapon maintenance | Maintained accountability for $200K+ equipment inventory |
| Conducted patrols | Executed security patrols and surveillance operations |
| Physical fitness standards | Met rigorous physical fitness requirements; maintained combat readiness |
| Qualified expert rifleman | Weapons proficiency with pistol, rifle, and crew-served systems |
| Shift work / guard duty | 24/7 operational availability; flexible schedule in all conditions |
| Battle drills / SOPs | Executed complex procedures under pressure with zero margin for error |
| After-action reports | Documented operations and incidents in detailed written reports |
| Deployment experience | Worked 6-12 month assignments in high-stress, austere environments |
Use active verbs: Led, Managed, Coordinated, Executed, Maintained, Supervised, Trained.
Use numbers: "Led team of 9," "Managed $200K inventory," "Conducted 150+ security operations."
Drop the acronyms. No civilian knows what TTP, SOP, METT-TC, or FRAG-O means. Spell it out or rephrase it in civilian language.
Certifications that actually matter
Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill benefits:
High priority (get these first):
Associate's degree in Criminal Justice - Opens doors in law enforcement, corrections, probation, and federal agencies. Many community colleges have veteran-friendly programs. Use your GI Bill. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Value: Required or strongly preferred by most competitive police departments.
EMT certification - Basic Emergency Medical Technician cert makes you more competitive in law enforcement, security contracting, fire departments, and federal agencies. Also a standalone career option. Cost: $1,000-2,000 (covered by GI Bill at many programs). Time: 6 months part-time.
State security guard / armed guard license - Required to work armed security. Varies by state but usually a quick process. Cost: $100-500. Time: 1-2 weeks.
POST / Police academy - Required for law enforcement. Usually done after you're hired by a department (they pay for it). Time: 4-6 months full-time.
Medium priority (if it fits your career path):
Executive protection training - If you're targeting high-end bodyguard work. Companies like ESI, EPI, and others offer 1-2 week intensive courses. Cost: $2,000-5,000. Value: Significantly increases your marketability for EP roles.
CDL (Commercial Driver's License) - Opens up trucking, heavy equipment operation, and some security transport roles. Cost: $3,000-7,000 for training. Starting pay: $45K-55K. High demand nationwide.
Trade apprenticeship - Electrician, plumber, HVAC, diesel mechanic, lineman. Many covered by GI Bill apprenticeship benefits. Time: 2-5 years. Long-term value: Very high with strong earning potential.
High Threat Contractor Training - If pursuing overseas contracting. PSD courses run $3,000-7,000. Value: Required for most contractor positions in high-threat environments.
Low priority (nice to have, not critical):
Personal trainer certification - If fitness is your passion and you want a side income or career pivot. Cost: $500-1,500. Income: $30K-50K unless you build a business.
Project Management Professional (PMP) - If you're trying to pivot to corporate project management. Requires documentation of project experience. Cost: $500-3,000 for training + exam.
The skills gap (what you need to learn)
Let's be honest. There are civilian skills you don't have. Recognizing the gap is the first step to addressing it.
Computer skills: If your computer experience is limited to looking at PowerPoints during briefs, you're behind. Most jobs require basic Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), email, and data entry. Take a free online course. Learn Excel basics. Get comfortable with computers.
Customer service / de-escalation: Marine infantry trains you to be aggressive and assertive when necessary. Civilian jobs (especially law enforcement, security) require de-escalation and customer service skills. You'll need to adjust your communication style to be less direct and more diplomatic.
Resume and interview skills: Writing a civilian resume and interviewing for civilian jobs is completely different from military evaluations. Use the resources at Military Transition Toolkit to translate your military experience into civilian-friendly language.
Patience with bureaucracy: You think Marine Corps paperwork is bad? Wait till you deal with civilian HR departments. The hiring process is slow. Background checks take months. Multiple rounds of interviews. Stay patient and keep applying.
Professional communication: Learn to communicate without military slang, acronyms, or profanity. Practice speaking in a professional tone that civilians understand and appreciate.
Real 0311 success stories
Mike, 27, former 0311 fire team leader → Police officer in Virginia
After 5 years and three deployments, Mike got out as a Corporal. He used his GI Bill to get an associate's degree in criminal justice while working armed security part-time. Applied to 8 police departments, got 4 offers. Now makes $62,000 as a patrol officer, on track for $75K+ in 3 years with detective aspirations.
Ryan, 29, former 0311 squad leader → Executive protection specialist
Ryan did 6 years, got out as a Sergeant. Took a 2-week EP course, networked aggressively at security conferences, and landed a job with a corporate security firm protecting C-suite executives. Started at $68,000, now makes $98,000 after 3 years. Lots of travel, long hours, but he enjoys the mission and client interaction.
Carlos, 32, former 0311 → Electrician (union IBEW)
Carlos wanted nothing to do with security or law enforcement after his service. Got into an IBEW electrical apprenticeship using his GI Bill benefits. Took 4 years to get his journeyman card. Now makes $88,000 as a union electrician with full benefits. Hard work, but great pay, job security, and a clear career path.
Action plan: your first 90 days out
Here's what to actually do when you transition:
Month 1: Assessment and setup
- Update your resume (use our transition toolkit at militarytransitiontoolkit.com)
- Get your DD-214 and keep 10 certified copies
- Apply for VA disability (if you haven't already)
- Set up LinkedIn profile with professional photo
- Research 3-5 career paths that interest you based on this guide
- Connect with other Marines who transitioned to your target field
Month 2: Certifications and applications
- Enroll in EMT program or associate's degree program (if going law enforcement route)
- Get state security license (if going security route)
- Apply to 10-15 jobs per week (quantity matters early on)
- Attend veteran job fairs (bring resumes, dress professionally)
- Join veteran organizations in your area (Team RWB, American Legion, VFW)
- Start building your professional network on LinkedIn
Month 3: Interviews and networking
- Tailor your resume for each specific application
- Practice interview answers (focus on leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, stress management)
- Follow up on all applications professionally
- Network with other veterans in your target field
- Consider temporary/contract work if you haven't landed something permanent yet
- Keep applying—don't get discouraged by rejections
Bottom line for 0311 Riflemen
Your Marine infantry experience isn't a dead-end. It's a foundation built on leadership, discipline, and proven performance under pressure.
You've proven you can handle extreme stress, lead people in life-or-death situations, stay disciplined under terrible conditions, and execute complex tasks with precision. Those skills matter in the civilian world—you just need to translate them, target the right industries, and get a few certifications to check the boxes.
Law enforcement, security, corrections, skilled trades, and government contracting are proven paths. Thousands of 0311s have successfully made this transition before you. You're not starting from zero.
First-year income of $45K-65K is realistic for most paths. Within 5 years, $70K-85K+ is achievable if you stay focused, get the right certifications, and build your professional reputation.
Don't listen to the people who say Marine infantry doesn't translate. They don't understand what you did or what you're capable of achieving.
Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your skills, research salaries by location, and track your certifications as you transition to civilian life.