MC Rating Mass Communication Specialist — Civilian Career Guide
Navy journalist, photographer, and public affairs specialist. Produces news stories, photographs, video content, and manages social media for Navy commands.
CAREER PATHS
4
TOP SALARY
$72,000.00
AVG SALARY
$60,655.00
Civilian Career Matches
Based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Salaries are national medians — your area may vary.
Public Relations Specialist
SOC 27-3031
$67,440.00
median/yr
Photographer
SOC 27-4021
$40,840.00
median/yr
Broadcast News Analyst
SOC 27-3022
$62,340.00
median/yr
Social Media Manager
SOC 27-3031
$72,000.00
median/yr
What's your next step?
You've got the civilian career picture. Now: pick what to tackle next. Most MC Mass Communication Specialist 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 Navy 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.
VA conditions commonly associated with MC service
The documented noise, physical demands, and exposures of a Mass Communication Specialist 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.
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 →Rucking, lifting, and body armor load the spine for years.
See how it is rated →Repetitive hand/keyboard or tool work compresses the wrist nerve.
See how it is rated →Stress, irregular meals, and meds drive chronic reflux.
See how it is rated →High-tempo or high-stakes duty can cause lasting anxiety.
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 MC Experience to a Civilian Resume
Use our free resume builder to convert your Mass Communication Specialist skills and experience into language civilian employers understand. Built specifically for Navy veterans.
MC Mass Communication Specialist: Frequently Asked Questions
What does a MC Mass Communication Specialist do?
Navy journalist, photographer, and public affairs specialist. Produces news stories, photographs, video content, and manages social media for Navy commands.
What civilian jobs can a MC Mass Communication Specialist transition into?
Common civilian careers for a MC (Navy Rating) Mass Communication Specialist include Public Relations Specialist, Photographer, Broadcast News Analyst, and Social Media Manager. 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 MC Mass Communication Specialist make in civilian work?
Civilian roles that match a MC Mass Communication Specialist have median salaries ranging from about $40,840 to $72,000 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 MC Mass Communication Specialist land a civilian job?
Certifications that strengthen a MC Mass Communication Specialist resume include APR (Accredited in Public Relations), Adobe Certified Professional, and Google Analytics Certification. Many can be started before you separate, and several are covered by VA education benefits or credentialing programs.
What skills does a MC Mass Communication Specialist bring to civilian employers?
Employers value the transferable skills a MC Mass Communication Specialist develops, including Journalism, Photography, Videography, Public affairs, and Social media management. Translating these into civilian terms on your resume is what turns military experience into interviews.
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MC Jobs by State
Explore MC Mass Communication Specialist career opportunities by state.