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Master Sergeant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Master Sergeant information

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$37.5K

$56.9K

$84K

How much do master sergeant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for master sergeant in the United States is $56,879.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $56,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How hard is it to become a master sergeant?

Becoming a master sergeant typically requires several years of military service, demonstrated leadership, and successful completion of professional development courses and exams. Advancement depends on performance, available positions, and meeting specific promotion criteria within the military branch.

What is the difference between Master Sergeant vs Sergeant First Class?

AspectMaster SergeantSergeant First Class
CredentialsMilitary experience, leadership training, specialized certificationsMilitary experience, leadership training, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentMilitary units, leadership roles, administrative dutiesMilitary units, supervisory roles, operational support
Employer & IndustryMilitary branches, defense industryMilitary branches, defense industry
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for leadership levels in the militarySimilar rank, different responsibilities

Master Sergeant and Sergeant First Class are both senior non-commissioned officers in the military, with overlapping credentials and work environments. The main difference lies in their specific roles and responsibilities within the military hierarchy, with Master Sergeants typically holding more administrative and leadership duties at higher levels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a master sergeant?

To thrive as a Master Sergeant, you need advanced leadership abilities, operational expertise, and several years of military experience, typically accompanied by completion of required professional military education. Familiarity with military communication platforms, personnel management systems, and mission-planning tools is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, decision-making under pressure, and the ability to mentor and motivate subordinates help set exceptional Master Sergeants apart. These skills ensure effective team performance, mission accomplishment, and the development of junior personnel in demanding military environments.

What is a master sergeant?

A Master Sergeant is a senior non-commissioned officer rank in the military, typically found in the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps. They serve as experienced leaders, managing personnel, training, and daily operations within their unit. Master Sergeants are responsible for mentoring junior enlisted members and advising officers, ensuring that mission objectives are met efficiently. Their expertise and leadership are crucial to maintaining discipline, readiness, and morale within their teams.

What are some common challenges master sergeants face when transitioning from technical roles to leadership positions within their unit?

Master Sergeants often face the challenge of shifting from hands-on technical responsibilities to broader leadership and mentorship roles. This transition requires developing strong communication and delegation skills, as well as adapting to increased administrative duties and strategic planning. Balancing the needs of their team with mission objectives and supporting the professional growth of junior enlisted members are key aspects. Successful Master Sergeants typically seek out mentorship, continuous professional education, and actively engage with both peers and superiors to navigate these changes effectively.
More about Master Sergeant jobs
What states have the most Master Sergeant jobs? States with the most job openings for Master Sergeant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Master Sergeant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Master Sergeant jobs are:
Infographic showing various Master Sergeant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,879 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

WING COMMAND CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT (TITLE 32)

Air National Guard Units

Knoxville, TN • On-site, Remote

$89K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Air National Guard rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.
This National Guard position is for a WING COMMAND CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT (TITLE 32), Position Description Number NGD2678000 and is part of the TN 134th ARW Air National Guard.
This announcement is a dual bid with AGR Announcement A26-048, only one selection will be made.
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Duties
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As a WING COMMAND CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT, GS-0301-12 (TITLE 32) you will, advise, carry out and monitors the Wing Commander's organizational policies, programs and standards applicable to the ANG enlisted force. Wing ANG CCMs are the Wing Commanders key enlisted advocate and advisor on all DoD, NGB, state, and unit level enlisted policies regarding readiness, training, professional development, utilization of the force, operations tempo, standards, conduct and quality of life. Manage, studies, analyze and oversee the administration, coordination, planning, development, and execution of all Wing level ANG enlisted members programs with particular emphasis on readiness, morale, welfare, discipline, performance, training, awards and recognition, recruiting, equal opportunity, promotion, assignment and reassignment, administration and utilization, as they affect the service contributions of Wing ANG enlisted personnel to the accomplishment of the state's federal and domestic missions. Provide general supervision of the assigned ANG enlisted forces and is the functional manager for the wing First Sergeants, and the wing Honor Guard program. Develop, participate, and provide guidance in planning, publicizing, and administering ANG enlisted awards and recognition programs at the wing. Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position.
  • This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the employing state's National Guard, required prior to the effective date of placement.
  • Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform.
  • Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment.
  • Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership and employment in the National Guard in the military grade listed in this announcement.
  • Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
  • May be required to successfully complete a trial period.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • Position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
  • Ability to establish effective professional working relationships with coworkers and customers, contributing to a cooperative working environment and successful accomplishment of the mission.
  • Irregular and/or overtime (compensatory) hours may be required to support operational requirements or contingencies or may be required to work hours outside of the normal duty day.
  • May be required to travel by car, in military and/or commercial aircraft, and by other means of transportation as appropriate to perform temporary duty assignments.
  • This is a National Guard dual status technician position which requires military membership.
  • The duties and responsibilities of your job may significantly impact the environment.

Qualifications
Military Grades: E-9
GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Experience, education or training which provided a general knowledge of principles of organization, management, and administration. Compiling reports, letters, memoranda, etc., and required person-to-person contacts to convey information. Progressively responsible experience which demonstrates the ability to provide technical guidance and assistance in the type of work or in comparable work of the position to be filled. Experience using computer and automation systems.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Must have 1-year at the next lower GS level or 36 months experience, education or training in program or managerial experience in a type of work or a combination of functions directly related to the position to be filled or in comparable work or functions. Experience developing and recommending policy; organizing and carrying out specific programs, evaluating and recommending changes in methods of operations. Experience in supervisory, staff or technical work which included study, analysis or evaluation leading to the development or improvement of managerial or administrative policies, practices and procedures. Experience preparing written communications and oral presentations.
Education
Education Requirement: None
Substitution of Education to qualify for this position is not available.

Additional information
If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov)).
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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