Navy PR (Aircrew Survival Equipmentman) to Civilian: Complete Career Transition Guide (With 2025 Salary Data)
Real career options for Navy PR transitioning to civilian safety equipment careers. Includes salary ranges $45K-$100K+, parachute rigger, aviation life support, and aerospace safety careers.
Bottom Line Up Front
Navy PRs aren't just "parachute folders." You've got precision rigging skills with zero-error standards, aviation life support systems expertise, oxygen systems maintenance, emergency equipment inspection and repair, sewing machine operation for technical textiles, and responsibility for life-safety equipment—skills that translate into aviation life support, parachute rigging, aerospace safety equipment, industrial safety, and technical textile work. Realistic first-year civilian salaries range from $45,000-$65,000 for entry-level positions, with experienced professionals hitting $75,000-$100,000+ in aerospace safety roles, senior rigger positions, or quality assurance. Your training in life-critical systems makes you valuable in any industry where safety equipment matters. Plus, the FAA will grant you a Senior Parachute Rigger license with just a written exam—no civilian training required.
Let's address the elephant in the room
Every PR transitioning out faces the same concern: "How many civilian jobs need a parachute rigger?"
Here's the reality: more than you think, and your skills apply way beyond parachutes.
Yes, there are civilian parachute rigging jobs—skydiving operations, military contractors, aerospace companies, special operations support. But that's just one path.
Your PR training covers:
- Life support systems (oxygen systems, survival equipment, flotation gear)
- Emergency equipment inspection, maintenance, and repair
- Parachute rigging with zero-defect quality standards
- Sewing and repair of technical textiles and safety equipment
- Drop zone safety officer duties
- Quality assurance inspections on safety-critical equipment
- Management of aviation life support programs
- CO2 systems operation and maintenance
- Flight gear fitting and customization
- Technical manual compliance and documentation
That's aviation safety systems, quality assurance, technical sewing and repair, industrial safety equipment, and life-critical systems management. Those skills translate to aerospace safety, industrial safety equipment technicians, technical textile work, quality control, and emergency equipment management.
You're certified to work on equipment that keeps people alive. That matters in a lot of civilian industries.
Best civilian career paths for Navy PRs
Let's get specific. Here are the fields where PRs land jobs, with current 2025 salary data.
Parachute rigger (direct translation, specialized)
Civilian job titles:
- Parachute rigger (FAA certified)
- Senior parachute rigger
- Parachute loft manager
- Reserve parachute technician
- Tandem parachute rigger
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level rigger (skydiving operations): $35,000-$48,000
- Experienced rigger: $48,000-$65,000
- Senior/master rigger: $60,000-$80,000
- Defense contractor rigger (special operations support): $70,000-$95,000+
What translates directly: Everything. This is your exact Navy job in civilian form.
Certifications needed:
- FAA Senior Parachute Rigger License - The FAA will grant this to military riggers with a commanding officer recommendation letter and a written exam. No civilian training required. Cost: $0 for license (lifetime certificate). You already have the skills—just get the FAA paperwork.
- USPA (United States Parachute Association) membership - Professional association for networking and standards
Employers:
- Skydiving operations: Dropzones across the US (over 250 commercial operations)
- Military contractors: Complete Parachute Solutions (Coolidge, AZ), Augustine Consulting (Fort Bragg, NC), Modern Technology Solutions (Niceville, FL)
- Government contractors: PAE Government Services (Fallon, NV), supporting special operations
- Aerospace companies: Companies developing ejection seat systems, recovery parachutes, spacecraft landing systems
Reality check: Civilian skydiving rigger work pays less than you'd hope. Many dropzone riggers work part-time or seasonally, especially at smaller operations. The work is steady at large commercial dropzones, but you're not getting rich.
Defense contractor rigger positions supporting special operations or test operations pay significantly better ($70K-$95K+) and offer full benefits, but positions are limited and competitive.
If you love rigging and want to continue that specific work, the jobs exist. But most PRs find better pay in adjacent fields using their broader skillset.
Best for: PRs passionate about rigging who want to stay in that specific field, ideally targeting defense contractor positions over dropzone work.
Aviation life support technician (strong translation)
Civilian job titles:
- Aviation life support equipment technician
- Life support systems technician
- Oxygen systems technician
- Aviation safety equipment specialist
- Survival equipment technician
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level ALSE tech: $43,000-$55,000
- Experienced life support tech: $55,000-$70,000
- Senior technician: $70,000-$85,000
- Defense contractor ALSE: $60,000-$90,000+
What translates directly:
- Oxygen system maintenance and repair
- Life support equipment inspection and testing
- Emergency flotation equipment
- Survival gear maintenance
- Flight gear fitting and maintenance
- Technical documentation and compliance
Certifications needed:
- A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) license - Helpful but not always required. Shows broader aviation maintenance knowledge.
- Manufacturer-specific training - Usually provided by employer
- Safety equipment certifications - Industry-specific training
Employers:
- Defense contractors: Supporting military aviation (Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris)
- Military base support contracts: Maintaining life support equipment for military aviation units
- Test flight operations: Supporting test pilots (Edwards AFB, Pax River, etc.)
- Corporate aviation: High-end corporate flight departments with life support requirements
Reality check: This is a direct application of your PR skills in a civilian context. You're maintaining the same types of equipment—oxygen systems, survival gear, flotation equipment, ejection seat components—just for civilian employers or as a contractor.
Defense contractor ALSE positions offer better pay and benefits than direct military positions. You'll often work on military bases supporting active duty units, doing the same work you did in uniform but earning more money.
The work is stable, technical, and has clear quality standards. If you enjoyed the life support systems aspects of PR work, this is a strong path.
Best for: PRs who want to continue working on aviation life support systems in a civilian or contractor capacity.
Aerospace safety equipment specialist (higher pay potential)
Civilian job titles:
- Safety systems technician (aerospace)
- Spacecraft safety equipment specialist
- Ejection system technician
- Flight safety equipment engineer
- Test operations safety specialist
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level safety systems tech: $55,000-$70,000
- Experienced aerospace safety tech: $70,000-$95,000
- Senior specialist (SpaceX, NASA, Boeing): $85,000-$120,000+
What translates directly:
- Life-critical systems maintenance
- Safety equipment inspection and testing
- Emergency equipment systems
- Quality assurance for safety-critical equipment
- Technical documentation and compliance
Certifications needed:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field - Increasingly preferred for specialist roles (use your GI Bill)
- Safety certifications - OSHA, industry-specific
- Security clearance - Valuable for defense aerospace work
- Manufacturer training - Provided by employer
Employers:
- Space companies: SpaceX, Blue Origin, Boeing Space, Northrop Grumman Space Systems
- Aerospace test operations: Edwards AFB, NASA facilities, test flight centers
- Ejection seat manufacturers: Martin-Baker, Collins Aerospace
- Aircraft manufacturers: Boeing, Lockheed Martin (safety systems for new aircraft)
Reality check: This is the highest-paying path for PRs, but it requires either additional education or extensive experience. Companies developing spacecraft, next-gen aircraft, or advanced safety systems need technicians who understand life support and safety equipment.
Your PR experience with parachutes, oxygen systems, survival equipment, and safety-critical quality standards gives you the foundation. Add a bachelor's degree or specialize in a specific system (ejection seats, spacecraft environmental systems, etc.), and you're competitive for roles paying $85K-$120K+.
The work is cutting-edge—supporting test pilots, astronauts, or advanced military aircraft. It's highly technical and requires precision, which matches your PR training perfectly.
Best for: PRs willing to pursue additional education or specialize in advanced safety systems for higher pay in aerospace.
Industrial safety equipment technician (broad market)
Civilian job titles:
- Safety equipment technician
- Industrial safety specialist
- Fall protection equipment inspector
- Confined space rescue equipment technician
- Personal protective equipment specialist
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level safety equipment tech: $40,000-$55,000
- Experienced industrial safety tech: $55,000-$72,000
- Safety equipment manager: $70,000-$90,000+
What translates directly:
- Safety equipment inspection and maintenance
- Rigging and lifting equipment knowledge
- Emergency response equipment
- Quality assurance mindset
- Attention to detail and zero-defect standards
- Technical documentation
Certifications needed:
- OSHA 30-hour certification - Industry standard for safety professionals. Cost: $200-$400.
- Fall protection certifications - Competent person training for fall protection systems
- Confined space rescue training - If working in industrial rescue equipment
- Rigging certifications - Industrial rigging is different from parachutes but your precision transfers
Employers:
- Industrial safety equipment companies: Companies that inspect, maintain, and certify safety gear for construction, oil/gas, manufacturing
- Refineries and chemical plants: In-house safety equipment maintenance
- Construction companies: Large construction firms with in-house safety programs
- Mining operations: Safety equipment for mining personnel
- Fire departments: Maintaining technical rescue and safety equipment
Reality check: This path applies your PR skills—inspection, maintenance, and quality assurance of life-safety equipment—to a broader market. Instead of parachutes and flight gear, you're working on fall protection harnesses, confined space rescue equipment, industrial breathing apparatus, and safety systems.
The work is in-demand across many industries. Every construction site, refinery, chemical plant, and industrial facility needs safety equipment maintained and certified. Your attention to detail and understanding of life-critical systems translates directly.
Pay is moderate but steady. Job availability is high. It's not as specialized as aerospace work, but there are more positions available nationwide.
Best for: PRs who want steady work using their inspection and maintenance skills in a broader industrial safety market.
Technical sewing and textile repair (niche but viable)
Civilian job titles:
- Industrial sewing machine operator (technical textiles)
- Canvas and fabric repair technician
- Upholstery technician (aircraft/marine)
- Sail maker and repair specialist
- Technical textile fabricator
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level technical sewer: $35,000-$45,000
- Experienced technical textile technician: $45,000-$60,000
- Specialized fabricator (aerospace, marine): $55,000-$75,000+
What translates directly:
- Industrial sewing machine operation
- Pattern work and fabrication
- Material selection and specification
- Quality standards for technical applications
- Repair of specialized equipment
- Attention to detail and precision
Certifications needed:
- On-the-job training (most employers train specific techniques)
- Upholstery certification (for aircraft or automotive upholstery)
- Canvas work experience (marine and industrial applications)
Employers:
- Aircraft interior shops: Repairing and fabricating aircraft seats, panels, and interior components
- Marine fabrication shops: Sail repair, canvas work, boat upholstery
- Aerospace manufacturers: Fabricating technical textiles for aircraft or spacecraft
- Industrial textile companies: Protective covers, industrial curtains, technical fabrics
- Outdoor gear manufacturers: Patagonia, REI, backpack and tent companies (technical sewing)
Reality check: Most people don't think of PRs as skilled sewers, but you operated industrial sewing machines to repair flight gear, survival equipment, and parachutes. That's a specialized skill with civilian applications.
The pay isn't as high as aviation life support or aerospace safety roles, but the work is steady and available nationwide. Aircraft interior shops, marine fabrication, and technical textile companies need skilled sewers who can work with specifications and maintain quality standards.
Some PRs turn this into small businesses—aircraft upholstery, marine canvas work, or custom fabrication shops. Overhead is low (sewing machines, workspace) and the skills are portable.
Best for: PRs who enjoyed the sewing and fabrication aspects of the job and want to apply those skills in technical textile markets.
Quality assurance inspector (aviation or aerospace)
Civilian job titles:
- Quality assurance inspector (aviation)
- Quality control inspector (aerospace)
- Safety equipment QA specialist
- Receiving inspection specialist
- In-process quality inspector
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level QA inspector: $45,000-$60,000
- Experienced QA inspector: $60,000-$80,000
- Senior QA / lead inspector: $75,000-$95,000+
What translates directly:
- Quality assurance inspection procedures
- Zero-defect quality standards
- Technical documentation review
- Attention to detail and precision measurement
- Compliance with technical specifications
- Safety-critical systems knowledge
Certifications needed:
- AS9100 / ISO 9001 training - Aerospace quality management standards. Cost: $1,500-$3,000.
- ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) - American Society for Quality certification
- A&P license - Helpful for aviation QA roles
- Blueprint reading and measurement training - Often employer-provided
Employers:
- Aerospace manufacturers: Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Collins Aerospace, etc.
- Aviation maintenance facilities (MROs): Quality inspection of maintenance work
- Parts manufacturers: Inspecting aviation components and safety equipment
- Defense contractors: QA for military equipment and systems
Reality check: Your PR experience included performing Quality Assurance Inspections (QAI) on parachutes and life support equipment. That's exactly what civilian QA inspectors do—verify work meets specifications, inspect products for defects, ensure compliance with standards.
The aviation and aerospace industries have strict quality requirements. Companies need inspectors who understand the difference between "good enough" and "meets spec," especially for safety-critical components.
It's detail-oriented work that requires technical knowledge but isn't physically demanding. Regular hours, climate-controlled environment, and steady demand make it a solid career path.
Best for: PRs who were detail-oriented, took pride in their QAI duties, and want to apply inspection skills to a broader range of aviation or aerospace products.
Skills translation table (for your resume)
Stop writing "Parachute Rigger." Civilians outside aviation have no idea what PRs do. Here's how to translate:
| Military Skill | Civilian Translation |
|---|---|
| Parachute rigging | Inspected, maintained, and rigorously tested life-critical safety equipment with zero-defect quality standards |
| Quality assurance inspections | Performed detailed quality assurance inspections on safety equipment ensuring 100% compliance with technical specifications |
| Oxygen systems maintenance | Maintained and repaired aviation oxygen systems and life support equipment for 30+ aircraft |
| Survival equipment management | Managed aviation life support equipment program including inventory, inspections, and regulatory compliance |
| Industrial sewing operations | Operated industrial sewing machines to fabricate and repair technical textiles to precise specifications |
| Drop zone safety officer | Supervised safety operations for high-risk parachute operations ensuring compliance with safety protocols |
| Flight gear fitting | Fitted and customized personal protective and flight equipment for 100+ aircrew personnel |
| CO2 systems operation | Operated and maintained high-pressure gas systems for survival and safety equipment |
| Technical documentation | Maintained detailed inspection and maintenance records ensuring regulatory compliance |
| Emergency equipment testing | Conducted scheduled and unscheduled testing of emergency equipment per technical manual requirements |
Use active verbs: Inspected, Maintained, Tested, Fabricated, Managed, Supervised, Operated.
Use numbers: "Inspected 500+ parachutes annually with zero defects," "Managed life support equipment for 12-aircraft squadron," "Maintained 100% equipment readiness."
Emphasize safety-critical work: "Life support systems," "zero-defect standards," "safety equipment compliance."
Certifications that actually matter
Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill benefits:
High priority (get these):
FAA Senior Parachute Rigger License - If the FAA hasn't already processed your military credentials, do this immediately. You need a letter from your commanding officer confirming your military parachute rigger experience and to pass a written exam. Cost: $0 for license (lifetime certificate). Value: Required for civilian parachute rigging work and demonstrates your technical competence to employers.
OSHA 30-Hour Safety Certification - If pursuing industrial safety equipment or quality assurance paths. Covers safety regulations and workplace hazards. Cost: $200-$400. Time: 3-4 days. Value: Industry standard for safety professionals, required by many employers.
A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) License - For aviation life support or broader aviation maintenance careers. 18-24 months training OR 30 months documented experience (your PR work may qualify). Cost: $15,000-$30,000 for training (GI Bill eligible). Value: High if staying in aviation, opens many more career options.
Medium priority (path-specific):
AS9100 or ISO 9001 Quality Management Training - For quality assurance careers. Aerospace quality standards. Cost: $1,500-$3,000. Value: High for QA inspector roles in aerospace.
ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) - American Society for Quality certification. Requires experience and exam. Cost: $500-$1,000. Value: Professional credential for QA careers.
Bachelor's degree in Safety Management, Engineering, or related field - For advancement into aerospace safety specialist or management roles. Use your GI Bill. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Value: Required for senior specialist and engineering roles in aerospace.
Confined Space and Fall Protection Certifications - For industrial safety equipment paths. Competent person training. Cost: $300-$800. Value: Required for industrial safety roles.
Low priority (nice to have, not critical):
EMT or Paramedic certification - Only relevant if pivoting to emergency medical services. Cost: $1,200-$15,000. Value: Low unless changing career fields entirely.
Private Pilot License - Personal interest but not professionally necessary for PR career paths. Cost: $8,000-$15,000. Value: Low for most PR civilian careers.
The skills gap (what you need to learn)
Here's what's different in the civilian world:
FAA regulations vs. NAVAIR instructions: Civilian parachute rigging follows FAA Part 65 Subpart F and manufacturer specifications. Aviation life support follows FAA and manufacturer requirements instead of NAVAIR instructions. The concepts are the same—follow technical data, maintain quality standards, document everything—but the specific regulations differ. You'll learn this quickly.
Business operations mindset: Military life support programs focus on readiness and safety. Civilian operations add cost efficiency and customer satisfaction. Dropzones need to turn parachutes quickly to generate revenue. Industrial safety companies bid on contracts. You'll balance safety (non-negotiable) with business realities (speed, cost, customer relations).
Customer interaction: In the Navy, your "customers" were aircrew you knew personally. In civilian work, you'll interact with customers who may not understand technical requirements or safety needs. You'll need patience explaining why certain procedures can't be rushed or why equipment must be replaced, not just repaired.
Less structured environment: Military life support programs have clear procedures for everything. Civilian operations vary widely. Small dropzones may have minimal procedures. Large aerospace companies have extensive quality systems. You'll need to adapt to different organizational cultures and levels of structure.
Broader skillset expectations: Civilian employers with small operations may expect you to do more than just PR work. A dropzone rigger might also pack tandem rigs, handle customers, and help with aircraft marshaling. Industrial safety techs might inspect multiple types of equipment. Versatility matters more in civilian jobs.
Real PR success stories
Josh, 28, former PR → Aviation life support technician at Lockheed Martin
Josh did 6 years as a PR supporting F-35 squadrons. Had a Secret clearance. Got out, applied to defense contractors. Lockheed Martin hired him to support F-35 life support equipment at a test facility. Started at $62,000. Earned his A&P license (company supported training). Now makes $78,000 after 3 years, working on the same aircraft he supported in the Navy.
Maria, 26, former PR → Quality assurance inspector at Boeing
Maria was a PR for 5 years. Loved the quality assurance inspection aspects of the job. Got her AS9100 auditor training and ASQ certification using GI Bill funds. Hired by Boeing as a QA inspector for safety equipment. Started at $58,000. Promoted to senior inspector after 4 years, now makes $82,000 inspecting aircraft components.
Tony, 30, former PR → Parachute rigger for special operations contractor
Tony did 7 years as a PR, got his FAA Senior Rigger license right before separating. Applied to military contractors supporting special operations. Complete Parachute Solutions hired him at Fort Bragg supporting Army Special Forces. Makes $75,000 packing military freefall parachutes and performing QA. Works with former teammates, does the work he loves, earns significantly more than active duty.
Sarah, 29, former PR → Industrial safety equipment technician
Sarah was a PR for 6 years but didn't want to stay in aviation. Got her OSHA 30-hour cert and fall protection competent person training. Hired by a large construction company managing safety equipment. Started at $52,000. Promoted to safety equipment supervisor after 3 years, now makes $68,000 overseeing equipment inspection and maintenance for multiple project sites.
Action plan: your first 90 days out
Here's what to actually do when you transition:
Month 1: Certifications and documentation
- Get your FAA Senior Parachute Rigger license - Request commanding officer letter, study for written exam, submit application. This is non-negotiable if you want civilian rigging work.
- Document your PR qualifications - Request copies of training records, inspection logs, parachute pack records (as much as you can get)
- Update your resume using the skills translation table
- Research career paths - Identify which paths interest you based on this guide
- Set up LinkedIn - Connect with former PRs and aviation professionals
Month 2: Targeted certification and applications
- Pursue path-specific certification - OSHA 30 for industrial safety, AS9100 for QA, A&P prep if staying in aviation
- Apply to 15-20 jobs per week - Cast a wide net initially
- Target defense contractors - If you have a clearance, this is your highest-value path
- Network with former PRs - Ask where they landed, what companies hire PRs
- Consider SkillBridge - If still active, parachute lofts, aerospace companies, and contractors offer programs
Month 3: Interview and decision
- Prepare interview examples - Discuss QA inspections you performed, safety programs you managed, complex repairs you completed
- Emphasize your safety mindset - Employers value your zero-defect quality standards and attention to detail
- Negotiate based on your value - Use salary ranges in this guide. Your safety-critical skills matter.
- Evaluate location and lifestyle - Dropzone work may be seasonal. Defense contractor work may require base access. Industrial safety may involve job-site travel.
- Don't undersell yourself - Your training in life-critical systems has real value
Bottom line for Navy PRs
Your PR training is more versatile than you might think.
Yes, civilian parachute rigger jobs exist, and the FAA will grant you Senior Rigger credentials based on your Navy experience. But your skills extend far beyond rigging—aviation life support systems, aerospace safety equipment, industrial safety, quality assurance, and technical textile work all need people with your precision, attention to detail, and safety-first mindset.
First-year income of $45K-$65K is realistic for most paths. Within 5 years, $65K-$85K is achievable. Specialized roles in aerospace safety or defense contractor ALSE work can reach $90K-$120K+ with the right experience and additional credentials.
The commercial parachuting industry has over 250 dropzones nationwide. Aerospace companies need safety equipment specialists. Industrial companies need safety technicians. Defense contractors need ALSE technicians and riggers. Your skills are in demand.
You're trained to maintain equipment that keeps people alive. That skill is valuable in any industry where safety matters.
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.