1371 MOS Combat Engineer — Civilian Career Guide
Constructs and repairs roads, bridges, and structures. Performs demolitions, breaching, and obstacle emplacement. Operates heavy engineering equipment.
CAREER PATHS
4
TOP SALARY
$104,900.00
AVG SALARY
$77,838.00
Civilian Career Matches
Based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Salaries are national medians — your area may vary.
Construction Equipment Operator
SOC 47-2073
$55,280.00
median/yr
Civil Engineer (with degree)
SOC 17-2051
$95,890.00
median/yr
Construction Manager
SOC 11-9021
$104,900.00
median/yr
Heavy Equipment Operator
SOC 47-2073
$55,280.00
median/yr
What's your next step?
You've got the civilian career picture. Now: pick what to tackle next. Most 1371 Combat Engineer 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 1371 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).
American Hospital Association Certification Center (AHA-CC)
National Council on Laser Certification (NCLC)
American Institute of Constructors (AIC)
International Code Council (ICC)
Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)
American Concrete Institute (ACI)
National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)
National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)
VA conditions commonly associated with 1371 service
The documented noise, physical demands, and exposures of a Combat Engineer 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.
Repeated noise exposure without perfect hearing protection is extremely common.
See how it is rated →Weapons, engines, and flightline noise are the #1 driver of ringing in the ears.
See how it is rated →Rucking, lifting, and body armor load the spine for years.
See how it is rated →Overhead work and load-bearing strain the shoulders.
See how it is rated →Repetitive hand/keyboard or tool work compresses the wrist nerve.
See how it is rated →Smoke, fuels, solvents, and dust can trigger airway disease.
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 1371 Experience to a Civilian Resume
Use our free resume builder to convert your Combat Engineer skills and experience into language civilian employers understand. Built specifically for Marines veterans.
1371 Combat Engineer: Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 1371 Combat Engineer do?
Constructs and repairs roads, bridges, and structures. Performs demolitions, breaching, and obstacle emplacement. Operates heavy engineering equipment.
What civilian jobs can a 1371 Combat Engineer transition into?
Common civilian careers for a 1371 (Marines MOS) Combat Engineer include Construction Equipment Operator, Civil Engineer (with degree), Construction Manager, and Heavy Equipment Operator. 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 1371 Combat Engineer make in civilian work?
Civilian roles that match a 1371 Combat Engineer have median salaries ranging from about $55,280 to $104,900 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 1371 Combat Engineer land a civilian job?
Certifications that strengthen a 1371 Combat Engineer resume include CDL, OSHA 30, PE License (with degree), and NCCER Certification. Many can be started before you separate, and several are covered by VA education benefits or credentialing programs.
What skills does a 1371 Combat Engineer bring to civilian employers?
Employers value the transferable skills a 1371 Combat Engineer develops, including Heavy equipment operation, Construction, Demolitions, Surveying, and Bridge building. Translating these into civilian terms on your resume is what turns military experience into interviews.
More Marines Career Guides
1371 Jobs by State
Explore 1371 Combat Engineer career opportunities by state.