11B Infantry Veteran: Salaries by Region & Specialization

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

11B Infantry Veterans transition to security, federal contracting, and management roles with significant earning potential. Entry-level security positions: $50,000-$70,000 nationally. Federal contracting (Washington DC area): $100,000-$150,000+. Texas/Austin tech-adjacent roles: $75,000-$120,000 with no state income tax. Management pathways reach $120,000-$200,000+ within 5 years. DC metro offers highest federal contracting opportunity ($120,000-$200,000), while Texas metros offer better after-tax value ($90,000-$150,000 net advantage). Strategic role selection and location choice impact 20-year earnings by $800,000-$1,500,000+.

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Career Pathways & Salary Ranges

National Baseline (Non-Specialized Roles)

• Security officer entry: $50,000-$65,000
• Logistics coordinator: $55,000-$75,000
• Construction supervisor: $65,000-$85,000
• Facility manager: $70,000-$95,000
• National average cost of living: Baseline (100%)

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Tier 1: Federal Contracting (DC Metro - Highest Paying)

Washington DC / Northern Virginia / Maryland

Security Manager (federal contractor)

• Salary: $110,000-$160,000
• Requirements: 5+ years security, TS clearance
• Companies: BAH, SAIC, Deloitte, ManTech
• Overtime/bonus: +$15,000-$40,000

Program Manager (federal contractor)

• Salary: $100,000-$150,000
• Requirements: PMP or equivalent, leadership
• Federal advantage: +$30,000-$50,000 vs. civilian

Operations Specialist (federal)

• Salary: $85,000-$130,000
• GS advancement path to $150,000+
• Benefits: Federal pension, health insurance
• 20-year pension: ~$80,000/year for life

Cost of Living: +25-30% vs. national

5-Year Earning Potential: $525,000-$750,000 After-tax (accounting for cost): $400,000-$550,000

Why High Salaries:

• Clearance holders demand premium
• Defense contractor concentration
• Government agency hiring
• Federal benefits attract employers
• Senior leadership opportunities

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Tier 2: Texas Metro (Excellent Salary/Cost Ratio)

Austin & Dallas-Fort Worth

Security Management

• Salary: $75,000-$110,000
• No state income tax (critical advantage)
• Tech company security focus
• Advancement to $130,000+

Operations/Logistics

• Salary: $70,000-$95,000
• Growing logistics sector
• Tech company operations roles
• Advancement to $120,000+

Construction Management

• Salary: $80,000-$120,000
• Strong commercial development
• Project management focus
• Advancement to $150,000+

Cost of Living: +10-15% vs. national No State Income Tax: +$10,000-$15,000 annual savings

5-Year Earning Potential: $390,000-$550,000 After-tax & cost of living: $420,000-$580,000 (better net than DC)**

Why Good Opportunities:

• Tech expansion creating roles
• No state income tax
• Growing metro areas
• Business-friendly environment
• Lower housing costs

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Tier 3: California (High Salary, High Cost)

San Francisco Bay Area / Los Angeles

Security Operations Director

• Salary: $120,000-$180,000
• Cost of living: +60-65% (major offset)
• Tech company security focus
• Advancement to $200,000+

Facility Manager

• Salary: $100,000-$150,000
• Commercial real estate focus
• Tech campus operations
• Limited advancement vs. salary

Cost of Living: +50-65% vs. national

5-Year Earning Potential: $550,000-$800,000 After-tax & cost of living: $300,000-$450,000**

Verdict: High nominal salary, but net benefit less than Texas after cost adjustments

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Tier 4: Northeast (New York / Boston)

New York Metro / Boston Area

Security Manager

• Salary: $95,000-$140,000
• Cost of living: +45-50% vs. national
• Financial services security focus
• Advancement to $180,000+

Operations Manager

• Salary: $90,000-$130,000
• Manufacturing/logistics base
• Fortune 500 HQ concentration

Cost of Living: +40-50% vs. national

5-Year Earning Potential: $475,000-$650,000 After-tax & cost of living: $325,000-$450,000**

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Tier 5: Midwest (Stable, Affordable)

Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Louis

Security/Operations Manager

• Salary: $80,000-$120,000
• Cost of living: -5 to +5% (best value)
• Fortune 500 concentration
• Manufacturing/logistics base

Facility Manager

• Salary: $75,000-$110,000
• Advancement to $140,000+
• Stable employment

Cost of Living: Near or below national average

5-Year Earning Potential: $415,000-$550,000 After-cost of living: $420,000-$560,000 (excellent net)**

Why Excellent Value:

• Affordable living
• Decent salaries
• Great quality of life
• Strong business presence

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Specialization Impact on Salary

Security Specialization

• Entry: +$10,000-$20,000 over general labor
• Mid: +$20,000-$40,000 advancement
• Senior: $140,000-$200,000+ potential

Federal Contractor Path

• Entry: +$30,000-$50,000 over civilian
• Mid: +$40,000-$70,000
• Senior: $180,000-$280,000+ (highest earning)

Management Path

• Entry management: +$20,000-$35,000
• Mid management: +$40,000-$80,000
• Senior management: $150,000-$300,000+

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Regional Summary

Best Overall Earning (Nominal):

1. DC Metro (Federal Contracting): $525,000-$750,000 (5-year)
2. San Francisco/Bay Area: $550,000-$800,000
3. New York Metro: $475,000-$650,000

Best Net Earning (After Cost/Taxes):

1. Austin/Dallas (Texas): $420,000-$580,000 (5-year net)
2. Minneapolis/Chicago: $420,000-$560,000
3. DC Metro (Federal): $400,000-$550,000

Career Advancement Potential:

1. Federal Contracting (DC): Reach $180,000-$280,000+
2. Texas Tech: Reach $150,000-$220,000
3. Management Tracks: $150,000-$250,000+

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Strategic Recommendations

For Maximum Wealth Accumulation: DC Metro federal contracting (accept higher costs for 5-7 years, then relocate)

For Quality of Life: Austin/Dallas (excellent salary + no income tax + affordable living)

For Fastest Advancement: Tech hubs (SF, Austin) with growth trajectory

For Stability: Midwest (stable salaries, affordable, quality of life)

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Conclusion

11B Veterans should consider federal contracting path for highest earning potential. DC metro offers highest nominal salaries but costs are substantial. Texas metros (Austin, Dallas) offer superior after-tax value with no state income tax. Strategic 3-5 year federal contracting career followed by relocation to lower-cost area maximizes lifetime wealth.

Key Takeaway: Federal contracting in DC: $525,000-$750,000 (5-year). Austin/Dallas: $420,000-$580,000 (net, after-tax). Career path and location choice impact 30-year earnings by $1,000,000-$2,000,000+.