Is Ordnance And Accessories A Good Career Path? (8 Jobs In Ordnance and Accessories: Best-Paying + Entry-Level)

Yes, ordnance and accessories is a promising career path. As a professional in this field, you play a vital role in the production of military supplies, which encompass weapons, ammunition, combat vehicles, components, and maintenance tools.

This career offers responsibilities that include ensuring the safety and effectiveness of weaponry, and typically provides compensation higher than the average U.S. salary of $58,000 per year in 2026. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in ordnance and accessories, it’s essential to understand the various job opportunities available.

In this article, we will explore the diverse ordnance and accessories career paths in the current market and the steps you need to take to secure one.

The 5 Best-Paying Jobs in Ordnance and Accessories

Many jobs in the ordnance and accessories sector offer salaries above the average U.S. income of approximately $58,000 per year. This section delves into some of the highest-paying positions within this field. Keep in mind that higher-paying roles often come with specific education and experience requirements.

Here are the top-paying ordnance and accessories jobs based on our research:

1. Ordnance Engineer

   Average Annual Salary: $90,000
   Jobs Available: 4,600
   Job Growth: 5%

   As a high-paying role, the Ordnance Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing hazardous materials. These professionals work with explosive ordnance materials, where safety is paramount.

   Their ultimate goal is to create designs that comply with military procurement specifications, and once approved, they prepare project proposals to assist in contract negotiations. Ordnance Engineers are integral to developing explosives and various military tools and weapons.

   Find Ordnance Engineer jobs near me

2. Armament Weapons Support Equipment Technician

   Average Annual Salary: $66,000
   Jobs Available: 90,000
   Job Growth: N/A

   These technicians typically work in workshops or the field, inspecting, testing, and repairing electronic components found in combat vehicles, ships, artillery, aircraft, and missile silos.

   Armament Weapons Support Equipment Technicians are vital in maintaining military equipment, ensuring longevity and reliability in the field.

   Find Armament Weapons Support Equipment Technician jobs near me

3. Ordnance Officer

   Average Annual Salary: $64,000
   Jobs Available: 70,000
   Job Growth: N/A

   Ordnance Officers are essential managers responsible for ensuring that all weapons systems, vehicles, and equipment are operational and readily accessible. Their role often involves paperwork in addition to fieldwork.

   These professionals manage munitions throughout their lifecycle, overseeing development, testing, fielding, handling, storage, and disposal to maintain safety and efficiency.

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4. Aviation Ordnance Officer

   Average Annual Salary: $64,000
   Jobs Available: 70,500
   Job Growth: N/A

   Aviation Ordnance Officers manage all types of ammunition on U.S. aircraft, which often involves complex mechanical and electrical systems requiring regular maintenance for safety and functionality.

   For instance, if an aircraft is equipped with advanced munitions like the StormBreaker, which operates in multiple modes, the Aviation Ordnance Officer is responsible for ensuring that all systems are functioning correctly.

   Find Aviation Ordnance Officer jobs near me

5. Ordnance Handler

   Average Annual Salary: $62,000
   Jobs Available: 27,500
   Job Growth: -2%

   Ordnance Handlers are crucial in the process of ensuring that munitions are safely produced, stored, shipped, inspected, maintained, and tested. They often work with explosive materials, necessitating strict adherence to safety protocols.

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3 Entry-Level Jobs in Ordnance and Accessories

Several entry-level positions in ordnance and accessories require minimal education, allowing you to earn a respectable salary with just a high school diploma. Here are our top three entry-level job picks in the industry:

1. Quality Control Inspector

   Average Annual Salary: $38,000
   Jobs Available: 110,000
   Job Growth: -15%

   With a significant portion of current Quality Control Inspectors requiring only a high school diploma, this position offers an excellent entry point into the field. Inspectors monitor the quality of incoming and outgoing munitions and components in manufacturing sites and warehouses.

   The role can be learned relatively easily, allowing workers to quickly adapt to identifying flaws in the manufacturing process.

   Find Quality Control Inspector jobs near me

2. Mechanical Ordnance Assembler

   Average Annual Salary: $34,000
   Jobs Available: 36,500
   Job Growth: N/A

   Mechanical Ordnance Assemblers focus on constructing mechanical components for munitions used in aircraft, ships, and vehicles. They utilize torque wrenches and hand tools for various mechanical parts, such as engines for torpedoes and weaponry.

   Even without a degree, employers often provide training on safely and effectively working with these components.

   Find Mechanical Ordnance Assembler jobs near me

3. Warehouse Worker

   Average Annual Salary: $32,500
   Jobs Available: 210,000
   Job Growth: 2%

   Warehouse Workers are versatile employees who manage tasks like restocking shelves, processing and packing orders, counting inventory, and preparing shipments.

   In the ordnance and accessories sector, some warehouse workers handle explosive or hazardous materials, requiring careful adherence to safety protocols. Most tasks are straightforward and easy to learn, with over half of warehouse workers starting with only a high school diploma.

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Why Choose a Career in Ordnance and Accessories?

There are numerous reasons to consider a career in ordnance and accessories. To determine if this industry is a good fit for you, consider the following factors:

• Manufacturing and engineering. If you have a background in manufacturing or engineering, or simply a keen interest in these fields, many ordnance and accessories jobs will align with your skills. Whether it involves repairing engines or working on aircraft electronics, these skills are consistently in demand.

• Military affiliation. If you have served in the military or are interested in military service, pursuing a career in ordnance and accessories can deepen your understanding of the U.S. military. You will gain familiarity with various munitions and components and can interact with military personnel.

• Hands-on work. For those who prefer not to be confined to an office, careers in ordnance and accessories often involve working in warehouses and outdoor settings. If you enjoy being active and engaged, these jobs may be ideal for you.

• Entry-level opportunities. Many roles in this industry allow individuals to enter the workforce with only a high school diploma or Associate degree, providing a pathway to a stable career without incurring significant educational debt.

• Competitive salaries. A considerable number of positions in ordnance and accessories offer salaries exceeding $50,000 annually, with some roles reaching up to $90,000. This focus on experience over formal education is a compelling advantage.

• Independent opportunities. Professionals such as salespeople and gunsmiths who own their own shops can find rewarding careers within the ordnance and accessories sector, allowing for entrepreneurial independence while engaging in this field.

Education and Certification Requirements for a Career in Ordnance and Accessories

Ordnance and accessories is a vital U.S. industry, and education requirements can vary based on the specific career path you choose. Here are some general expectations:

• Entry-level jobs require minimal education. Numerous entry-level positions in ordnance and accessories are available to individuals with only a high school diploma. Most of these roles pay above $30,000 annually, making them great starting points.

  For example, 59% of Warehouse Workers and 36% of Quality Control Inspectors have only a high school diploma.

• Engineering degrees are advantageous. Many of the highest-paying positions in the ordnance and accessories sector typically require a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in engineering.

  Common degrees among professionals in this field include Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Civil Engineering.

• Value of an Associate’s degree. Several roles that offer above-average salaries require no more than an Associate’s degree.

  For instance, 63.6% of Ordnance Handlers hold an Associate’s degree in fields such as Communication, Management, or related disciplines. These degrees can also enhance your prospects as a business owner or salesperson.

• Certification requirements. Positions in aviation or those involving explosives often require certifications.

  The Navy Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) is a common certification for Aviation Ordnance Officers, while the Explosives & Ordnance Training (EOT) certification is prevalent for Explosive Ordnance Technicians.

What Do People Working In Ordnance and Accessories Do?

Workers in ordnance and accessories are crucial in designing, building, repairing, and ensuring the safety of military weaponry. Their responsibilities encompass everything from weapons and ammunition to combat vehicles, components, and maintenance tools, with various specialized fields within the industry.

Without the expertise of ordnance and accessories professionals, the U.S. military would struggle to maintain operational readiness, and the general public’s access to weapons would be compromised.

Working with explosive and hazardous materials demands a comprehensive understanding of the materials and compliance with state and federal regulations governing their safe handling. Thus, ordnance and accessories workers must be detail-oriented and knowledgeable about best practices in the field.

Success in an ordnance and accessories career requires diligence, attention to detail, and critical thinking. If these qualities resonate with you, pursuing a career in this field could lead to a fulfilling professional journey.

Author

Jack Flynn

Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.