0311 MOS Rifleman — Civilian Career Guide
The foundational Marine Corps MOS. Every Marine is a rifleman first. Leadership, discipline, and adaptability skills transfer to security, law enforcement, and management.
CAREER PATHS
5
TOP SALARY
$98,770.00
AVG SALARY
$76,204.00
Civilian Career Matches
Based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Salaries are national medians — your area may vary.
Police Officer
SOC 33-3051
$77,270.00
median/yr
Federal Law Enforcement
SOC 33-3021
$98,770.00
median/yr
Security Consultant
SOC 33-9032
$38,600.00
median/yr
Operations Manager
SOC 11-1021
$82,420.00
median/yr
Emergency Management
SOC 11-9161
$83,960.00
median/yr
What's your next step?
You've got the civilian career picture. Now: pick what to tackle next. Most 0311 Rifleman veterans separating in the next 12 months should start here.
Do this first
Start your VA disability claim
File before separation. Every day = back-pay you can't recover. Free claims tracker covers 110+ conditions.
Where to settle
Compare 50 states for veterans
Property tax exemptions, no-state-income-tax states, healthcare access. Side-by-side comparisons.
12-month roadmap
Build your transition timeline
TAP class, VA enrollment, terminal leave, TSP, SkillBridge — all the deadlines no one tells you.
Quick calculator
Estimate your VA combined rating
The VA doesn't add ratings — they use a specific formula. See your combined rating in 30 seconds.
Skills That Transfer
Recommended Certifications
These certifications can increase your salary by 10-25% and make you more competitive for civilian roles.
How to pay for these — you likely don't pay out of pocket
- GI Bill: the Post-9/11 GI Bill reimburses licensing & certification test fees up to $2,000 per exam— and it doesn't use a full month of entitlement.
- While you're still in:your branch's Credentialing Assistance program can cover the full cost of many of these certs (often several thousand dollars a year) — check Marine Corps COOL ↗ for what's funded and current amounts.
- Tip: start certs before you separate — Credentialing Assistance is only for currently-serving members; after separation you shift to the GI Bill.
Credentials your 0311 qualifies you for
Civilian credentials mapped to this job by DoD COOL. A ✓ fundedtag means COOL / your branch's credentialing assistance can pay for it while you serve (the GI Bill covers exam fees after).
ASIS International
Project Management Institute (PMI)
Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM)
Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM)
ASIS International
National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4)
CompTIA, Inc.
Microsoft Corporation
VA conditions commonly associated with 0311 service
The documented noise, physical demands, and exposures of a Rifleman role are commonly linked to the conditions below. This is awareness of what this job can lead to, not a promise of a rating. The VA decides every claim on your own diagnosis and evidence. If you deal with any of these, here is how each is rated.
Rucking, lifting, and body armor load the spine for years.
See how it is rated →Rucks, jumps, and repetitive impact wear the knees.
See how it is rated →Weapons, engines, and flightline noise are the #1 driver of ringing in the ears.
See how it is rated →Repeated noise exposure without perfect hearing protection is extremely common.
See how it is rated →Combat, trauma, or high-stress duty can cause lasting symptoms.
See how it is rated →Uneven terrain and load-bearing cause chronic sprains.
See how it is rated →Heavy load-bearing accelerates hip wear.
See how it is rated →Long hours on your feet in boots inflame the heel/arch.
See how it is rated →Spine wear can pinch nerves, causing radiating pain.
See how it is rated →Blast exposure and impacts can cause lasting effects.
See how it is rated →Often secondary to neck strain, TBI, or stress.
See how it is rated →A free accredited VSO can help you file any of these at no cost. Never pay a fee or a percentage of your back pay for claim help.
Translate Your 0311 Experience to a Civilian Resume
Use our free resume builder to convert your Rifleman skills and experience into language civilian employers understand. Built specifically for Marines veterans.
0311 Rifleman: Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 0311 Rifleman do?
The foundational Marine Corps MOS. Every Marine is a rifleman first. Leadership, discipline, and adaptability skills transfer to security, law enforcement, and management.
What civilian jobs can a 0311 Rifleman transition into?
Common civilian careers for a 0311 (Marines MOS) Rifleman include Police Officer, Federal Law Enforcement, Security Consultant, Operations Manager, and Emergency Management. These roles draw on the same skills and experience you built in service — see the full skill-to-career mapping above.
How much does a 0311 Rifleman make in civilian work?
Civilian roles that match a 0311 Rifleman have median salaries ranging from about $38,600 to $98,770 per year, depending on the role, location, and your certifications and clearance. Figures are BLS median wage data for the matched occupations.
What certifications help a 0311 Rifleman land a civilian job?
Certifications that strengthen a 0311 Rifleman resume include State LE Academy, CPP, PMP, and FEMA Certifications. Many can be started before you separate, and several are covered by VA education benefits or credentialing programs.
What skills does a 0311 Rifleman bring to civilian employers?
Employers value the transferable skills a 0311 Rifleman develops, including Leadership, Small unit tactics, Discipline, Physical fitness, and Adaptability. Translating these into civilian terms on your resume is what turns military experience into interviews.
More Marines Career Guides
0311 Jobs by State
Explore 0311 Rifleman career opportunities by state.