Army 92R Parachute Rigger to Civilian: Complete Career Transition Guide (2024-2025 Salary Data)

Bottom Line Up Front

92R Parachute Riggers transitioning out—you possess specialized technical skills that directly translate to civilian aviation safety, quality assurance, and rigging operations. Your parachute packing and inspection expertise, meticulous attention to detail, FAA-equivalent training, quality control rigor, technical manual interpretation, safety-critical mindset, sewing and fabric repair skills, and zero-defect accountability make you valuable to skydiving operations, aviation maintenance, aerospace manufacturing, safety inspection, and technical quality control roles. Realistic first-year salaries range from $40,000-$55,000 in entry-level rigging or aviation maintenance roles, scaling to $65,000-$85,000 as senior parachute riggers, aviation safety inspectors, or quality control specialists with 5+ years experience. FAA Aviation Safety Inspectors and senior aerospace quality managers earn $85,000-$113,000+. Your safety-critical background translates directly to civilian careers where lives depend on technical precision.

Every 92R separating faces the same challenge: "parachute rigger" sounds niche and specialized to civilian employers who don't understand the transferable skills. They don't know you inspected, maintained, and packed parachutes where a single error meant death, interpreted complex technical manuals, conducted quality inspections with zero-defect standards, maintained detailed documentation, repaired fabric and harness systems, and worked in safety-critical environments where perfection was the only acceptable standard.

Here's what you actually did as a 92R:

Inspected, maintained, and packed personnel and cargo parachutes following strict technical procedures
Conducted pre-jump inspections ensuring every system functioned perfectly (lives depended on it)
Interpreted technical orders and technical manuals for complex parachute systems
Repaired parachute fabric, harnesses, webbing, and hardware using sewing and rigging techniques
Maintained detailed inspection and packing records with complete accountability
Operated in zero-defect quality environment (one mistake = catastrophic failure)
Tested parachute systems and components following precise protocols
Managed rigging equipment, tools, and facilities maintaining operational readiness

That's quality assurance, technical inspection, safety compliance, precision assembly, documentation management, and aerospace-level attention to detail. Civilian aviation, skydiving operations, aerospace manufacturing, and safety inspection organizations desperately need professionals with your technical rigor and safety-critical mindset.

What Does a 92R Parachute Rigger Do?

As a 92R, you were responsible for the most safety-critical equipment in airborne operations—parachutes. Soldiers, aircrew, and cargo depended on your technical precision for survival.

You inspected incoming parachutes checking for damage, wear, or defects. You packed personnel parachutes (main and reserve) following precise folding sequences. You prepared cargo parachutes and airdrop systems for equipment and supply drops. You repaired damaged parachutes using industrial sewing machines and hand stitching. You maintained parachute rigging facilities including humidity control, packing tables, and specialized tools.

You understood aerodynamics, fabric construction, harness systems, deployment sequences, failure modes, and emergency procedures. You worked with T-11 personnel parachutes, MC-6 paracommander systems, cargo parachutes (G-11, G-12, G-13), and specialized extraction systems.

You didn't just "fold parachutes"—you performed precision technical work where human lives depended on your attention to detail, followed complex technical procedures, and maintained zero-defect quality standards every single day.

Top Civilian Career Paths for 92R Veterans

Parachute Rigger (Civilian Skydiving Operations)

Civilian job titles:

FAA Certificated Parachute Rigger (Senior or Master)
Skydiving Center Rigger
Tandem Parachute Rigger
Sport Parachute Rigger

Salary ranges:

Entry Rigger (with FAA cert): $35,000-$48,000
Senior Parachute Rigger: $45,000-$65,000
Master Rigger (dropzone manager): $55,000-$75,000
Contract Rigger (experienced, specialized): $60,000-$80,000

What translates directly: Everything. Your military rigging experience translates directly to civilian skydiving operations.

Certifications needed:

FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Certificate (requires testing with FAA examiner, your military training qualifies you for experience requirements)
FAA Master Parachute Rigger (requires 3 years experience packing + 100 parachutes of each type)
USPA membership (United States Parachute Association—professional organization)

Reality check: Civilian sport parachute rigging pays less than military but offers lifestyle benefits—working at dropzones (often scenic locations), being part of skydiving community, flexible schedules (seasonal in many locations), and continuing hands-on rigging work.

Military riggers transition easily because civilian sport parachutes are simpler than military systems. Your T-11 and MC-6 experience far exceeds the complexity of sport mains and reserves.

Many dropzones need riggers, especially those offering tandem skydiving (tourist operations). Tandem rigs require frequent repacking (every 180 days per FAA regs) providing consistent work. Dropzones value military riggers for professionalism, attention to detail, and safety focus.

Pay varies by location and season. Busy dropzones in popular areas (California, Florida, Hawaii, Arizona) offer year-round work. Northern dropzones are seasonal (April-October). Some riggers supplement income doing reserve repacks (required every 180 days) for skydivers maintaining their own gear.

Best for: 92Rs who love rigging work, want to stay in skydiving industry, prefer lifestyle over high pay, and enjoy being part of tight-knit skydiving community.

Aviation Safety Inspector (FAA)

Civilian job titles:

Aviation Safety Inspector (Avionics/Maintenance)
FAA Operations Aviation Safety Inspector
Aviation Safety Specialist

Salary ranges:

Aviation Safety Inspector (FG-11): $75,000-$95,000
Senior Inspector (FG-12): $85,000-$105,000
Supervisory Inspector (FG-13): $95,000-$113,000+

What translates directly:

Safety-critical inspection procedures
Technical manual interpretation and compliance
Documentation and record keeping
Attention to detail and zero-defect mindset
Understanding of FAA regulations
Quality assurance principles

Certifications needed:

Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License (FAA mechanic certification—requires training or experience + testing, $5,000-$15,000 and 18-24 months)
Inspection Authorization (IA—additional certification beyond A&P)
Bachelor's degree (preferred for some positions, not always required with extensive experience)
Aviation maintenance experience (FAA requires documented experience)

Reality check: FAA Aviation Safety Inspectors are federal employees with excellent pay, benefits, and job security. The hiring process is competitive and lengthy (12-18 months typical). Most positions require A&P license and significant aviation maintenance experience.

Path for 92Rs: Pursue A&P license using GI Bill (aviation maintenance technology programs at community colleges), gain maintenance experience at airlines/repair stations, then apply to FAA inspector positions.

The FAA values military aviation backgrounds, especially safety-critical roles like parachute rigging. Your attention to detail, technical knowledge, and regulatory compliance experience strengthens applications.

Best for: 92Rs willing to pursue A&P license and aviation maintenance experience, want federal career with excellent compensation, and are interested in aviation safety oversight rather than hands-on rigging.

Quality Control Inspector / Quality Assurance Specialist

Civilian job titles:

Quality Control Inspector (Aerospace)
Quality Assurance Specialist
Receiving Inspector
Final Assembly Inspector
Quality Systems Auditor

Salary ranges:

QC Inspector: $45,000-$62,000
QA Specialist: $55,000-$75,000
Senior QA Engineer: $70,000-$90,000
QA Manager: $80,000-$105,000

What translates directly:

Detailed inspection procedures and checklists
Identifying defects and non-conformances
Technical documentation and record keeping
Zero-defect quality mindset
Understanding of technical specifications
Rejecting work that doesn't meet standards (courage to stop production)

Certifications needed:

ASQ Quality Certifications (American Society for Quality: CQI Certified Quality Inspector—$300-$600)
AS9100 Quality Management (aerospace quality standard training)
Company-specific training (usually employer-provided)
Technical degree or equivalent experience (associate degree beneficial)

Reality check: Quality control in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing industries values military backgrounds, especially from safety-critical specialties like parachute rigging. You understand the importance of catching defects before they cause failures.

Aerospace companies (Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, SpaceX), defense contractors, and precision manufacturing hire QC inspectors. Work involves inspecting incoming materials, in-process production, and final assemblies using gauges, micrometers, visual inspection, and documentation systems.

The work is detail-oriented, sometimes repetitive, and requires standing/walking for extended periods. But it's stable employment with good benefits at major aerospace and defense manufacturers.

Your ability to follow technical procedures, maintain documentation, and identify defects transfers directly from parachute inspection to aerospace QC inspection.

Best for: 92Rs who want to leverage inspection skills in manufacturing environments, prefer stable corporate/defense employment, and want to work in aerospace/defense sectors.

Aerospace Manufacturing Technician

Civilian job titles:

Aircraft Assembly Technician
Aerospace Manufacturing Technician
Aircraft Interior Technician
Composite Fabrication Technician

Salary ranges:

Manufacturing Technician: $45,000-$62,000
Aircraft Assembly Technician: $55,000-$75,000
Senior Technician (specialized): $65,000-$85,000
Lead Technician: $70,000-$90,000

What translates directly:

Following detailed technical procedures
Precision hand work and assembly
Working with fabric, composite materials, and hardware
Using specialized tools and equipment
Maintaining detailed work documentation
Quality-focused assembly processes

Certifications needed:

Technical training or associate degree (aviation maintenance, manufacturing technology—GI Bill covers)
Company-specific training (provided by employer)
FAA certifications (A&P license beneficial but not required for all positions)

Reality check: Aerospace manufacturing technicians assemble aircraft, spacecraft, and components. The work is hands-on, technical, and requires precision. Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, SpaceX, Blue Origin, and smaller aerospace companies constantly hire technicians.

Your parachute rigging background demonstrates precision hand skills, ability to follow complex procedures, and quality focus—exactly what aerospace manufacturing needs. Assembling aircraft interiors, installing harnesses, fabricating composite parts all leverage skills from parachute rigging.

Pay is solid with excellent benefits at major aerospace companies. Union positions (Boeing, Lockheed) offer defined progression and strong job security. Work is shift-based (day, night, weekend shifts depending on production schedules).

Best for: 92Rs who prefer hands-on technical work, want to work in aerospace industry, like precision assembly work, and want stable employment with major manufacturers.

Skydiving Instructor / Tandem Instructor

Civilian job titles:

Tandem Skydiving Instructor
Accelerated Freefall (AFF) Instructor
USPA Coach
Skydiving School Director

Salary ranges:

Tandem Instructor: $30,000-$50,000 (plus tips—can add $5K-$15K)
AFF Instructor: $35,000-$55,000
Chief Instructor / School Director: $45,000-$70,000
Dropzone Manager: $50,000-$75,000

What translates directly:

Parachute systems knowledge
Safety procedures and emergency response
Training and instructing others
Pre-jump inspections and equipment checks
Calm under pressure

Certifications needed:

USPA A, B, C, D Licenses (progressive skydiving ratings requiring jumps and skills)
USPA Tandem Instructor Rating (requires 500+ jumps, experience requirements)
USPA AFF Instructor Rating (requires extensive experience)
FAA Senior or Master Rigger (many instructors hold both ratings)

Reality check: Skydiving instruction requires you to actually skydive—extensively. Most 92Rs aren't jump-qualified or have limited jump experience. To become instructor, you'd need to complete 200-500+ recreational jumps building skills ($5,000-$15,000 in jump costs), then pursue instructor ratings.

This path makes sense if you're passionate about skydiving and want to combine rigging expertise with instruction. Tandem instructors make decent money in busy tourist markets (Hawaii, Florida, California, Vegas, Interlaken) where volume is high.

Pay is seasonal in many locations. Work is physically demanding (multiple tandems daily, landing impacts, carrying equipment). Lifestyle-focused career for those who love skydiving more than high income.

Best for: 92Rs who are passionate skydivers, willing to invest time/money building jump experience, prefer outdoor lifestyle work, and want to combine rigging expertise with instructing.

Sewing/Fabrication Technician (Technical Textiles)

Civilian job titles:

Industrial Sewing Machine Operator (Technical Textiles)
Fabrication Technician
Custom Upholstery Specialist
Sail Maker / Rigger (Marine)
Outdoor Gear Repair Technician

Salary ranges:

Sewing Machine Operator: $32,000-$48,000
Technical Fabrication Specialist: $40,000-$58,000
Senior Fabricator / Pattern Maker: $50,000-$68,000
Production Manager: $55,000-$75,000

What translates directly:

Industrial sewing machine operations
Working with technical fabrics and materials
Pattern interpretation and fabric layout
Quality stitching and reinforcement techniques
Repairing fabric and textile products

Certifications needed:

On-the-job training (most positions train new hires)
Sewing certifications (optional—various industry certifications available)
Technical skills demonstration (portfolio or practical test)

Reality check: Your parachute repair skills transfer to civilian technical textile industries: outdoor gear companies (Patagonia, REI, The North Face—repair departments), sail making, marine canvas, custom upholstery, industrial fabric products, and technical textile manufacturing.

This work is less glamorous than aviation but your sewing and fabrication skills are directly applicable. Outdoor gear repair technicians at major retailers fix damaged products—tents, packs, jackets—using sewing and patching techniques exactly like parachute repair.

Pay is moderate but work is often indoor, climate-controlled, and doesn't require extensive additional certifications. Some sewers work independently doing custom fabrication or repairs.

Best for: 92Rs who enjoyed the sewing/repair aspects of rigging, want to use those skills in different industry, prefer indoor work, and don't need high salaries.

Required Certifications & Training

High Priority (get these):

FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Certificate

What it is: FAA certification to pack personnel parachutes (main and reserve)
Requirements: Must have packed at least 20 parachutes of type being rated for, pass written/oral/practical tests with FAA Designated Parachute Rigger Examiner (DPRE)
Cost: $100-$300 for testing (examiner fees vary)
Time: Testing only (your military experience meets experience requirements)
Value: Required to work as parachute rigger at dropzones or pack reserves for skydivers. Essential for civilian rigging careers.

FAA Master Parachute Rigger

Requirements: 3 years experience as senior rigger + packed at least 100 parachutes of each of two types
Value: Higher certification allowing more parachute types and specialized systems. Your military experience likely qualifies you to test immediately.

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License

What it is: FAA mechanic certification for aircraft maintenance
Cost: $5,000-$15,000 (aviation maintenance technology programs at community colleges)
Time: 18-24 months (accelerated programs available)
Value: Opens aviation maintenance, inspection, and FAA inspector careers. Significant investment but high ROI for aviation careers.

Medium Priority (if it fits your path):

ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI)

What it is: American Society for Quality certification for quality inspectors
Cost: $300-$600 (exam + study materials)
Value: Professional credential for QC/QA careers in manufacturing

AS9100 Quality Management Training

What it is: Aerospace quality management system standard (ISO 9001 for aerospace)
Cost: $500-$1,500 for training courses
Value: Valuable for aerospace QC/QA roles

USPA Coach / Instructor Ratings

Only pursue if serious about skydiving instruction career
Requires extensive jump experience first

Technical Degree (Aviation Maintenance, Manufacturing Technology, Quality Assurance)

Cost: $0 with GI Bill
Time: 2 years associate degree
Value: Strengthens aviation and manufacturing career applications

Lower Priority:

Lean Six Sigma Certifications

Useful for quality and manufacturing management roles
Cost: $500-$2,000

Specific aircraft type training (Boeing, Airbus, etc.)

Only pursue if offered by employer

Companies Actively Hiring 92R Veterans

Skydiving Operations (Parachute Riggers)

Major Dropzones Nationwide (search USPA.org for dropzone directory)
Skydive Arizona (Eloy, AZ)
Skydive Perris (California)
Start Skydiving (Ohio)
Skydive Chicago
Skydive Sebastian (Florida)
Skydive Dubai (international opportunities)

Aerospace & Defense Manufacturers

Boeing (quality inspectors, assembly technicians)
Lockheed Martin
Northrop Grumman
Raytheon Technologies
General Dynamics
SpaceX
Blue Origin
Sierra Nevada Corporation
Textron Aviation
Gulfstream Aerospace

Aviation Maintenance & Repair

Major airlines (American, Delta, United, Southwest—maintenance facilities)
Aircraft maintenance companies (AAR Corp, StandardAero, ST Engineering)
Fixed-Base Operators (FBO) at airports
Aircraft interior companies

Quality Control & Inspection Services

TÜV SÜD (inspection and certification)
Bureau Veritas
Intertek
SGS (inspection and testing services)
Defense contractor quality departments

Outdoor & Technical Gear

Patagonia (repairs and warranty department)
REI (gear repair services)
The North Face
Arc'teryx
Black Diamond Equipment
Outdoor Research

Marine & Sailing

North Sails
Quantum Sails
Doyle Sails
Marine canvas and rigging shops

Salary Expectations & Geographic Considerations

Entry-Level:

Parachute Rigger: $35,000-$50,000 (varies by dropzone and season)
QC Inspector: $42,000-$55,000
Manufacturing Technician: $40,000-$55,000

Mid-Level (5+ years):

Senior Parachute Rigger: $50,000-$70,000
QA Specialist: $60,000-$80,000
Aviation Safety Inspector: $75,000-$95,000

Senior-Level:

Master Rigger / DZ Manager: $60,000-$80,000
FAA Inspector (Senior): $85,000-$113,000
QA Manager: $80,000-$105,000

Best Locations:

Skydiving: California, Florida, Arizona, Hawaii (year-round operations)
Aerospace: Seattle (Boeing), Southern California, Texas, Georgia, South Carolina
Quality/Manufacturing: Industrial centers nationwide

Next Steps: Your Action Plan

Week 1:

Research FAA parachute rigger certification requirements and DPRE examiners
Document your military rigging experience (parachute types, quantity packed, certifications)
Decide: Stay in parachute rigging or pivot to broader aviation/QC careers?
Connect with civilian riggers or aviation professionals on LinkedIn

Week 2:

Schedule FAA parachute rigger practical exam if staying in rigging
Research A&P license programs if targeting aviation maintenance/inspection
Research aerospace companies and QC opportunities in target locations
Draft resume emphasizing safety-critical inspection, zero-defect quality, technical precision

Week 3:

Apply to dropzone rigger positions if interested in skydiving industry
Apply to aerospace QC/manufacturing positions
Research ASQ certifications for quality careers
Join USPA (if pursuing rigging) or professional associations (ASQ, aviation groups)

Week 4:

Complete FAA rigger certification if testing
Set up GI Bill for A&P program if pursuing aviation maintenance path
Apply to 20+ positions across target industries
Request DD-214 copies for veteran employment programs

Bottom Line for 92R Veterans

Your parachute rigger experience represents the ultimate safety-critical technical work—where your attention to detail literally saved lives. That mindset, technical precision, and zero-defect quality focus translates directly to civilian careers in aviation safety, aerospace quality control, and technical inspection.

You've inspected and packed parachutes where one error meant death, followed complex technical procedures perfectly, maintained detailed documentation, repaired technical fabric systems, and worked in environments where perfection was the only standard. Those skills are exactly what civilian aviation, aerospace, and quality-critical industries need.

First-year income of $40K-$55K is realistic in entry-level rigging or quality roles. Within 5+ years with certifications (FAA rigger, A&P license, or ASQ quality credentials), you can earn $65K-$85K. Senior roles including FAA inspectors and QA managers earn $85K-$113K+.

The path varies by career choice:

Stay in rigging: Get FAA rigger certification ($100-$300), work at dropzones ($40K-$70K)
Aviation careers: Pursue A&P license ($5K-$15K, 2 years), target aviation maintenance and FAA inspector roles ($75K-$113K+)
Quality control: Leverage inspection skills immediately, pursue ASQ certifications, work in aerospace/defense QC ($55K-$90K)

Your military rigging background is unique and valued. Execute your transition plan with the same precision you brought to parachute rigging.

Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your skills, research salaries, and track your certifications.

Bottom Line Up Front

Here's what you actually did as a 92R:

Inspected, maintained, and packed personnel and cargo parachutes following strict technical procedures
Conducted pre-jump inspections ensuring every system functioned perfectly (lives depended on it)
Interpreted technical orders and technical manuals for complex parachute systems
Repaired parachute fabric, harnesses, webbing, and hardware using sewing and rigging techniques
Maintained detailed inspection and packing records with complete accountability
Operated in zero-defect quality environment (one mistake = catastrophic failure)
Tested parachute systems and components following precise protocols
Managed rigging equipment, tools, and facilities maintaining operational readiness

What Does a 92R Parachute Rigger Do?

As a 92R, you were responsible for the most safety-critical equipment in airborne operations—parachutes. Soldiers, aircrew, and cargo depended on your technical precision for survival.

Top Civilian Career Paths for 92R Veterans

Parachute Rigger (Civilian Skydiving Operations)

Civilian job titles:

FAA Certificated Parachute Rigger (Senior or Master)
Skydiving Center Rigger
Tandem Parachute Rigger
Sport Parachute Rigger

Salary ranges:

Entry Rigger (with FAA cert): $35,000-$48,000
Senior Parachute Rigger: $45,000-$65,000
Master Rigger (dropzone manager): $55,000-$75,000
Contract Rigger (experienced, specialized): $60,000-$80,000

What translates directly: Everything. Your military rigging experience translates directly to civilian skydiving operations.

Certifications needed:

FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Certificate (requires testing with FAA examiner, your military training qualifies you for experience requirements)
FAA Master Parachute Rigger (requires 3 years experience packing + 100 parachutes of each type)
USPA membership (United States Parachute Association—professional organization)

Military riggers transition easily because civilian sport parachutes are simpler than military systems. Your T-11 and MC-6 experience far exceeds the complexity of sport mains and reserves.

Best for: 92Rs who love rigging work, want to stay in skydiving industry, prefer lifestyle over high pay, and enjoy being part of tight-knit skydiving community.

Aviation Safety Inspector (FAA)

Civilian job titles:

Aviation Safety Inspector (Avionics/Maintenance)
FAA Operations Aviation Safety Inspector
Aviation Safety Specialist

Salary ranges:

Aviation Safety Inspector (FG-11): $75,000-$95,000
Senior Inspector (FG-12): $85,000-$105,000
Supervisory Inspector (FG-13): $95,000-$113,000+

What translates directly:

Safety-critical inspection procedures
Technical manual interpretation and compliance
Documentation and record keeping
Attention to detail and zero-defect mindset
Understanding of FAA regulations
Quality assurance principles

Certifications needed:

Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License (FAA mechanic certification—requires training or experience + testing, $5,000-$15,000 and 18-24 months)
Inspection Authorization (IA—additional certification beyond A&P)
Bachelor's degree (preferred for some positions, not always required with extensive experience)
Aviation maintenance experience (FAA requires documented experience)

Quality Control Inspector / Quality Assurance Specialist

Civilian job titles:

Quality Control Inspector (Aerospace)
Quality Assurance Specialist
Receiving Inspector
Final Assembly Inspector
Quality Systems Auditor

Salary ranges:

QC Inspector: $45,000-$62,000
QA Specialist: $55,000-$75,000
Senior QA Engineer: $70,000-$90,000
QA Manager: $80,000-$105,000

What translates directly:

Detailed inspection procedures and checklists
Identifying defects and non-conformances
Technical documentation and record keeping
Zero-defect quality mindset
Understanding of technical specifications
Rejecting work that doesn't meet standards (courage to stop production)

Certifications needed:

ASQ Quality Certifications (American Society for Quality: CQI Certified Quality Inspector—$300-$600)
AS9100 Quality Management (aerospace quality standard training)
Company-specific training (usually employer-provided)
Technical degree or equivalent experience (associate degree beneficial)

The work is detail-oriented, sometimes repetitive, and requires standing/walking for extended periods. But it's stable employment with good benefits at major aerospace and defense manufacturers.

Your ability to follow technical procedures, maintain documentation, and identify defects transfers directly from parachute inspection to aerospace QC inspection.

Best for: 92Rs who want to leverage inspection skills in manufacturing environments, prefer stable corporate/defense employment, and want to work in aerospace/defense sectors.

Aerospace Manufacturing Technician

Civilian job titles:

Aircraft Assembly Technician
Aerospace Manufacturing Technician
Aircraft Interior Technician
Composite Fabrication Technician

Salary ranges:

Manufacturing Technician: $45,000-$62,000
Aircraft Assembly Technician: $55,000-$75,000
Senior Technician (specialized): $65,000-$85,000
Lead Technician: $70,000-$90,000

What translates directly:

Following detailed technical procedures
Precision hand work and assembly
Working with fabric, composite materials, and hardware
Using specialized tools and equipment
Maintaining detailed work documentation
Quality-focused assembly processes

Certifications needed:

Technical training or associate degree (aviation maintenance, manufacturing technology—GI Bill covers)
Company-specific training (provided by employer)
FAA certifications (A&P license beneficial but not required for all positions)

Best for: 92Rs who prefer hands-on technical work, want to work in aerospace industry, like precision assembly work, and want stable employment with major manufacturers.

Skydiving Instructor / Tandem Instructor

Civilian job titles:

Tandem Skydiving Instructor
Accelerated Freefall (AFF) Instructor
USPA Coach
Skydiving School Director

Salary ranges:

Tandem Instructor: $30,000-$50,000 (plus tips—can add $5K-$15K)
AFF Instructor: $35,000-$55,000
Chief Instructor / School Director: $45,000-$70,000
Dropzone Manager: $50,000-$75,000

What translates directly:

Parachute systems knowledge
Safety procedures and emergency response
Training and instructing others
Pre-jump inspections and equipment checks
Calm under pressure

Certifications needed:

USPA A, B, C, D Licenses (progressive skydiving ratings requiring jumps and skills)
USPA Tandem Instructor Rating (requires 500+ jumps, experience requirements)
USPA AFF Instructor Rating (requires extensive experience)
FAA Senior or Master Rigger (many instructors hold both ratings)

Best for: 92Rs who are passionate skydivers, willing to invest time/money building jump experience, prefer outdoor lifestyle work, and want to combine rigging expertise with instructing.

Sewing/Fabrication Technician (Technical Textiles)

Civilian job titles:

Industrial Sewing Machine Operator (Technical Textiles)
Fabrication Technician
Custom Upholstery Specialist
Sail Maker / Rigger (Marine)
Outdoor Gear Repair Technician

Salary ranges:

Sewing Machine Operator: $32,000-$48,000
Technical Fabrication Specialist: $40,000-$58,000
Senior Fabricator / Pattern Maker: $50,000-$68,000
Production Manager: $55,000-$75,000

What translates directly:

Industrial sewing machine operations
Working with technical fabrics and materials
Pattern interpretation and fabric layout
Quality stitching and reinforcement techniques
Repairing fabric and textile products

Certifications needed:

On-the-job training (most positions train new hires)
Sewing certifications (optional—various industry certifications available)
Technical skills demonstration (portfolio or practical test)

Pay is moderate but work is often indoor, climate-controlled, and doesn't require extensive additional certifications. Some sewers work independently doing custom fabrication or repairs.

Best for: 92Rs who enjoyed the sewing/repair aspects of rigging, want to use those skills in different industry, prefer indoor work, and don't need high salaries.

Required Certifications & Training

High Priority (get these):

FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Certificate

What it is: FAA certification to pack personnel parachutes (main and reserve)
Requirements: Must have packed at least 20 parachutes of type being rated for, pass written/oral/practical tests with FAA Designated Parachute Rigger Examiner (DPRE)
Cost: $100-$300 for testing (examiner fees vary)
Time: Testing only (your military experience meets experience requirements)
Value: Required to work as parachute rigger at dropzones or pack reserves for skydivers. Essential for civilian rigging careers.

FAA Master Parachute Rigger

Requirements: 3 years experience as senior rigger + packed at least 100 parachutes of each of two types
Value: Higher certification allowing more parachute types and specialized systems. Your military experience likely qualifies you to test immediately.

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License

What it is: FAA mechanic certification for aircraft maintenance
Cost: $5,000-$15,000 (aviation maintenance technology programs at community colleges)
Time: 18-24 months (accelerated programs available)
Value: Opens aviation maintenance, inspection, and FAA inspector careers. Significant investment but high ROI for aviation careers.

Medium Priority (if it fits your path):

ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI)

What it is: American Society for Quality certification for quality inspectors
Cost: $300-$600 (exam + study materials)
Value: Professional credential for QC/QA careers in manufacturing

AS9100 Quality Management Training

What it is: Aerospace quality management system standard (ISO 9001 for aerospace)
Cost: $500-$1,500 for training courses
Value: Valuable for aerospace QC/QA roles

USPA Coach / Instructor Ratings

Only pursue if serious about skydiving instruction career
Requires extensive jump experience first

Technical Degree (Aviation Maintenance, Manufacturing Technology, Quality Assurance)

Cost: $0 with GI Bill
Time: 2 years associate degree
Value: Strengthens aviation and manufacturing career applications

Lower Priority:

Lean Six Sigma Certifications

Useful for quality and manufacturing management roles
Cost: $500-$2,000

Specific aircraft type training (Boeing, Airbus, etc.)

Only pursue if offered by employer

Companies Actively Hiring 92R Veterans

Skydiving Operations (Parachute Riggers)

Major Dropzones Nationwide (search USPA.org for dropzone directory)
Skydive Arizona (Eloy, AZ)
Skydive Perris (California)
Start Skydiving (Ohio)
Skydive Chicago
Skydive Sebastian (Florida)
Skydive Dubai (international opportunities)

Aerospace & Defense Manufacturers

Boeing (quality inspectors, assembly technicians)
Lockheed Martin
Northrop Grumman
Raytheon Technologies
General Dynamics
SpaceX
Blue Origin
Sierra Nevada Corporation
Textron Aviation
Gulfstream Aerospace

Aviation Maintenance & Repair

Major airlines (American, Delta, United, Southwest—maintenance facilities)
Aircraft maintenance companies (AAR Corp, StandardAero, ST Engineering)
Fixed-Base Operators (FBO) at airports
Aircraft interior companies

Quality Control & Inspection Services

TÜV SÜD (inspection and certification)
Bureau Veritas
Intertek
SGS (inspection and testing services)
Defense contractor quality departments

Outdoor & Technical Gear

Patagonia (repairs and warranty department)
REI (gear repair services)
The North Face
Arc'teryx
Black Diamond Equipment
Outdoor Research

Marine & Sailing

North Sails
Quantum Sails
Doyle Sails
Marine canvas and rigging shops

Salary Expectations & Geographic Considerations

Entry-Level:

Parachute Rigger: $35,000-$50,000 (varies by dropzone and season)
QC Inspector: $42,000-$55,000
Manufacturing Technician: $40,000-$55,000

Mid-Level (5+ years):

Senior Parachute Rigger: $50,000-$70,000
QA Specialist: $60,000-$80,000
Aviation Safety Inspector: $75,000-$95,000

Senior-Level:

Master Rigger / DZ Manager: $60,000-$80,000
FAA Inspector (Senior): $85,000-$113,000
QA Manager: $80,000-$105,000

Best Locations:

Skydiving: California, Florida, Arizona, Hawaii (year-round operations)
Aerospace: Seattle (Boeing), Southern California, Texas, Georgia, South Carolina
Quality/Manufacturing: Industrial centers nationwide

Next Steps: Your Action Plan

Week 1:

Research FAA parachute rigger certification requirements and DPRE examiners
Document your military rigging experience (parachute types, quantity packed, certifications)
Decide: Stay in parachute rigging or pivot to broader aviation/QC careers?
Connect with civilian riggers or aviation professionals on LinkedIn

Week 2:

Schedule FAA parachute rigger practical exam if staying in rigging
Research A&P license programs if targeting aviation maintenance/inspection
Research aerospace companies and QC opportunities in target locations
Draft resume emphasizing safety-critical inspection, zero-defect quality, technical precision

Week 3:

Apply to dropzone rigger positions if interested in skydiving industry
Apply to aerospace QC/manufacturing positions
Research ASQ certifications for quality careers
Join USPA (if pursuing rigging) or professional associations (ASQ, aviation groups)

Week 4:

Complete FAA rigger certification if testing
Set up GI Bill for A&P program if pursuing aviation maintenance path
Apply to 20+ positions across target industries
Request DD-214 copies for veteran employment programs

Bottom Line for 92R Veterans

The path varies by career choice:

Stay in rigging: Get FAA rigger certification ($100-$300), work at dropzones ($40K-$70K)
Aviation careers: Pursue A&P license ($5K-$15K, 2 years), target aviation maintenance and FAA inspector roles ($75K-$113K+)
Quality control: Leverage inspection skills immediately, pursue ASQ certifications, work in aerospace/defense QC ($55K-$90K)

Your military rigging background is unique and valued. Execute your transition plan with the same precision you brought to parachute rigging.

Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your skills, research salaries, and track your certifications.