6173 MOS Helicopter Crew Chief (CH-53) — Civilian Career Guide
Serves as crew chief on CH-53 heavy-lift helicopters. Responsible for aircraft preflight, in-flight operations, crew coordination, and organizational-level maintenance.
CAREER PATHS
3
TOP SALARY
$134,630.00
AVG SALARY
$95,343.00
Civilian Career Matches
Based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Salaries are national medians — your area may vary.
Aircraft Mechanic
SOC 49-3011
$71,400.00
median/yr
Helicopter Pilot (with additional training)
SOC 53-2012
$134,630.00
median/yr
Aviation Safety Inspector
SOC 53-6051
$80,000.00
median/yr
What's your next step?
You've got the civilian career picture. Now: pick what to tackle next. Most 6173 Helicopter Crew Chief (CH-53) 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
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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 6173 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).
Search Marine Corps COOL for the credentials mapped to this job.
See all on Marine Corps COOL ↗VA conditions commonly associated with 6173 service
The documented noise, physical demands, and exposures of a Helicopter Crew Chief (CH-53) 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 →Helmets, NODs, and overhead work load the neck.
See how it is rated →Smoke, fuels, solvents, and dust can trigger airway disease.
See how it is rated →Repetitive hand/keyboard or tool work compresses the wrist nerve.
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 6173 Experience to a Civilian Resume
Use our free resume builder to convert your Helicopter Crew Chief (CH-53) skills and experience into language civilian employers understand. Built specifically for Marines veterans.
6173 Helicopter Crew Chief (CH-53): Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 6173 Helicopter Crew Chief (CH-53) do?
Serves as crew chief on CH-53 heavy-lift helicopters. Responsible for aircraft preflight, in-flight operations, crew coordination, and organizational-level maintenance.
What civilian jobs can a 6173 Helicopter Crew Chief (CH-53) transition into?
Common civilian careers for a 6173 (Marines MOS) Helicopter Crew Chief (CH-53) include Aircraft Mechanic, Helicopter Pilot (with additional training), and Aviation Safety Inspector. 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 6173 Helicopter Crew Chief (CH-53) make in civilian work?
Civilian roles that match a 6173 Helicopter Crew Chief (CH-53) have median salaries ranging from about $71,400 to $134,630 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 6173 Helicopter Crew Chief (CH-53) land a civilian job?
Certifications that strengthen a 6173 Helicopter Crew Chief (CH-53) resume include FAA A&P License, FAA IA (Inspection Authorization), Private Pilot License, and NDT Certifications. Many can be started before you separate, and several are covered by VA education benefits or credentialing programs.
What skills does a 6173 Helicopter Crew Chief (CH-53) bring to civilian employers?
Employers value the transferable skills a 6173 Helicopter Crew Chief (CH-53) develops, including Helicopter maintenance, Crew resource management, Preflight inspections, In-flight operations, and Aviation safety. Translating these into civilian terms on your resume is what turns military experience into interviews.
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