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Second Lieutenant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Second Lieutenant information

See Washington salary details

$48.7K

$92.6K

$150.6K

How much do second lieutenant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for second lieutenant in Washington is $92,564.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $122,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a second lieutenant?

Second Lieutenants are the entry-level commissioned officers in many military organizations, including the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force. They typically lead a platoon or small unit of enlisted personnel and are responsible for training, discipline, and mission execution. Second Lieutenants often undergo extensive training before assuming their roles and are mentored by more senior officers to develop leadership and tactical skills. Their position serves as a starting point for a career as a military officer, with opportunities for advancement based on performance and experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a second lieutenant?

To thrive as a Second Lieutenant, you need a bachelor's degree, leadership training (often through ROTC or military academies), and a solid grasp of military tactics and protocols. Familiarity with military communication systems, weapons platforms, and command-and-control software is essential. Outstanding decision-making, resilience, and interpersonal skills help a Second Lieutenant lead teams effectively under pressure. These abilities ensure mission success, unit cohesion, and the wellbeing of personnel in high-stakes environments.

What are some common challenges faced by second lieutenants during their first year of service?

Second Lieutenants often face the challenge of transitioning from training to real-world leadership, as they are expected to lead and manage enlisted personnel with limited practical experience. Balancing the responsibility of decision-making with the need to learn from more experienced officers and non-commissioned officers can be demanding. Additionally, adapting to the military's fast-paced and hierarchical environment, building credibility with their team, and managing multiple administrative and operational tasks are typical challenges during the initial year of service.

What is the difference between Second Lieutenant vs First Lieutenant?

AspectSecond LieutenantFirst Lieutenant
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree and military commissioningSame as Second Lieutenant, often with additional experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level military officer, leading small unitsMore experienced officer, leading larger units or specialized roles
Employer & Industry UsageMilitary branches, primarily Army, Air Force, Marine CorpsSame as Second Lieutenant, with increased responsibilities

The main difference between a Second Lieutenant and a First Lieutenant lies in experience and leadership scope. A Second Lieutenant is an entry-level officer, while a First Lieutenant has more experience and often commands larger units or holds more specialized roles within the military.

What are popular job titles related to Second Lieutenant jobs in Washington?

For Second Lieutenant jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Second Lieutenant jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Second Lieutenant jobs in Washington are:

Second Lieutenant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Second Lieutenant job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 9% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,564 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Research Associate, Japan Chair

Washington, DC • On-site

Hudson Institute, Inc.
Social Sciences and Humanities Research • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Hudson Institute, Inc.external

$54K - $58K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Hudson Institute's Japan Chair seeks a Japanese national to serve as a research associate and to deepen Japanese policy expertise in Washington, DC. The associate's responsibilities will include research, writing, program management, and administrative assistance. Research areas include economic statecraft, technological innovation, defense industrial base and national security initiatives, and US-Japanese relations. This is a one-year, full-time position-with an optional renewal for a second year-based out of Hudson's Washington, DC office, and reporting to the Japan Chair's deputy director.
About Hudson Institute
Hudson Institute is a research-focused public policy think tank headquartered in Washington, DC, dedicated to promoting American leadership for a secure, free, and prosperous future. For more than half a century, Hudson Institute has been challenging conventional thinking by developing new ideas and practical solutions to shape critical foreign and domestic policy decisions.
About Hudson's Japan Chair
The US-Japan alliance is America's cornerstone alliance in the Indo-Pacific. Since its founding nearly 60 years ago, Hudson Institute has championed a strong Japan and the importance of the US-Japan alliance. Hudson's founder was among the first to predict the rise of Japan as a major world economy. Today more than ever, growing threats in Northeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific prove the need for an enduring US-Japan alliance. Hudson launched the Japan Chair in spring 2019 under the leadership of Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster to address these challenges and opportunities. This major initiative, now led by Kenneth R. Weinstein, allows Hudson Institute to capitalize on its deep connections in Tokyo and Washington to expand economic ties, enhance defense cooperation, and promote closer scientific and technological collaboration between the United States and Japan.
Responsibilities
  • Support the Japan Chair's wide-ranging research and event program, especially in the areas of economic statecraft, technological innovation, defense industrial base and national security initiatives, and US-Japanese relations from bilateral, regional, and global perspectives.
  • Facilitate Japan Chair research projects through analysis, notetaking, outlines for written products, and first drafts.
  • Identify and propose policy issues that would advance the Japan Chair's research work.
  • Work with senior staff on co-authored policy memos and reports.
  • Support the Japan Chair's public and private events through administrative, planning, and logistical tasks.
  • Support administrative tasks needed to ensure continuity.
  • Follow and anticipate policy developments in Japan, the US, and other regions on topics relevant to the Japan Chair's work.
  • Foster internal communication within the Japan Chair and within Hudson to create opportunities for collaboration.
  • When possible and with approval, undertake professional development activities to strengthen the research associate fellow's skills and relationships.

Requirements
  • Commitment to Hudson Institute's mission and supporting the work of the Institute's experts and staff.
  • Must be a Japanese national.
  • Master's degree in international relations, Asian studies, political science, security studies, economics, or a related field.
  • Minimum two years' experience in Indo-Pacific policy research, analysis, or related work is desirable.
  • Excellent writing skills with ability to communicate complex policy issues clearly to diverse audiences.
  • Strong public speaking and presentation skills.
  • Knowledge of Indo-Pacific geopolitical, security, and economic issues.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills.
  • Commitment to acting with integrity and the utmost professionalism.

Compensation and Benefits
  • Salary: $54,000 - $58,000 per year
  • Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision coverage)
  • Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions after one year with Hudson
  • Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Paid parental and family leave
  • Commuter benefits

Application Instructions
  • Please submit a personal resume, cover letter, and writing sample. The writing sample may be any sample of the applicant's choosing not to exceed 20 pages. All submitted written materials should be written by the applicant-not by generative AI.

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