Choosing a military career is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make — and your ASVAB score plays a central role in that choice. If you’ve asked yourself, “What jobs do I qualify for with my ASVAB score?” you’re not alone. Thousands of recruits every year take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) to determine their eligibility for enlistment and specific career fields across the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
In this guide, we’ll explain how ASVAB scores work, the jobs you can qualify for with different scores, and how to use your results to shape both your military and civilian career path. At WiseWorq, we help candidates explore career opportunities — both in uniform and in civilian sectors — by offering insights into over 25,000 U.S.-based companies.
What Is the ASVAB?
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-choice test administered by the U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command. It measures your strengths in areas like math, science, vocabulary, electronics, and mechanical comprehension.
Your ASVAB results generate two important sets of scores:
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AFQT Score (Armed Forces Qualification Test)
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This is a percentile score (1–99) that determines whether you can enlist.
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Each branch has its own minimum AFQT requirement.
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Line Scores
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Each branch breaks down ASVAB results into line scores (e.g., GT, ST, MM, EL, CL).
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These determine which specific jobs (Military Occupational Specialties, Ratings, or AFSCs) you qualify for.
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👉 The higher your ASVAB score, the more military career paths open to you.
For an official overview, see the U.S. Army’s guide to understanding the ASVAB.
Minimum ASVAB Scores by Branch
Here’s a breakdown of the minimum AFQT scores required for enlistment in each branch of the U.S. military:
| Branch | Minimum AFQT Score | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | 31 | Wide range of entry-level and advanced MOS jobs. | Army ASVAB requirements |
| Navy | 35 | Technical roles (like nuclear field) require higher scores. | Navy ASVAB info |
| Air Force | 36 (average accepted 50+) | Cyber and intelligence roles demand higher line scores. | Air Force ASVAB requirements |
| Marine Corps | 31 | Entry-level enlistment possible with strong physical standards. | Marine Corps ASVAB guide |
| Coast Guard | 36 (40 preferred) | Highly selective due to smaller force size. | Coast Guard ASVAB standards |
| Space Force | 50+ | Tech-driven roles in cyber, intelligence, and space operations. | Air Force/Space Force ASVAB FAQ |
ASVAB Line Scores and Career Paths
Your AFQT score determines whether you can enlist, but your line scores determine which jobs you qualify for. Each branch calculates them slightly differently:
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Army: GT (General Technical), ST (Skilled Technical), MM (Mechanical Maintenance), CL (Clerical).
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Navy: Uses combined scores like VE+AR+MK+MC for Ratings.
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Air Force: Categories include Mechanical, Administrative, General, and Electronics.
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Marines: GT, MM, EL, CL used to match with MOS.
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Coast Guard: AFQT plus line scores for technical and operational ratings.
Example:
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A GT score of 110 in the Army may qualify you for Intelligence Analyst (35F).
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An MM score of 95 may open roles as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic (91B).
For a full breakdown of line score categories, check the Department of Defense ASVAB guide.
Popular Military Jobs by Score Range (With Salaries)
Here’s a score-to-job breakdown to answer the question: What jobs do I qualify for with my ASVAB score?
💡 Note: Salaries depend on rank (E-1 to E-9) and years of service. Figures below are estimates for new recruits (E-1 to E-3) and can grow substantially with promotions and bonuses.
Low Scores (31–49 AFQT)
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Army Infantryman (MOS 11B) — $23,000–$28,000 annually (E-1 to E-3 base pay + allowances).
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Marine Rifleman (0311) — $23,000–$28,000 annually.
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Army Truck Driver (88M) — $24,000–$29,000 annually.
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Logistics & Supply Roles (Clerks, Warehouse Specialists) — $24,000–$30,000 annually.
👉 While starting pay is modest, many of these jobs come with housing allowances, healthcare, education benefits (GI Bill), and hazard pay in deployments.
Mid Scores (50–65 AFQT)
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Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate — $26,000–$32,000 annually.
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Army Human Resources Specialist (42A) — $26,000–$33,000 annually.
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Air Force Aircraft Armament Systems (2W1X1) — $27,000–$34,000 annually.
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Marine Motor Vehicle Operator — $26,000–$32,000 annually.
👉 Mid-range scoring jobs often offer career certifications (HR, aviation tech, mechanics) that transition easily into civilian careers, raising long-term earning potential.
High Scores (66+ AFQT)
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Air Force Cyber Operations Specialist (1B4X1) — $30,000–$40,000 annually (with reenlistment bonuses up to $20,000).
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Navy Nuclear Field Program — $35,000–$45,000 annually plus enlistment bonuses that can exceed $38,000.
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Army Intelligence Analyst (35F) — $30,000–$38,000 annually.
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Coast Guard Intelligence Specialist — $32,000–$40,000 annually.
👉 High scorers not only earn more but also qualify for bonuses, faster promotions, and elite training programs that can lead to six-figure civilian careers in cyber, nuclear energy, and intelligence.
Sources for Salary Estimates
How to Improve Your ASVAB Score (Proven Strategies)
If your current ASVAB score limits the jobs you qualify for, don’t worry — your score can improve significantly with the right preparation. Many recruits raise their AFQT percentile by 10–20 points on a retest, which can open doors to higher-paying and more specialized careers.
Here’s a breakdown of the best strategies to improve your ASVAB score:
1. Focus on the Core AFQT Subtests
Your AFQT score (the number that determines enlistment eligibility) is calculated from four ASVAB sections:
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Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
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Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
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Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
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Word Knowledge (WK)
👉 Improving just these four areas can dramatically raise your overall score. Even if your mechanical or electronics subtests are weak, a strong AFQT can still secure enlistment.
2. Take Practice Tests
The best way to prepare for the ASVAB is to simulate the test environment. Online tools like the Official ASVAB Career Exploration Program and Military.com’s ASVAB practice tests offer free, timed practice exams.
Benefits of practice tests:
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Identify your weak areas quickly.
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Learn how to pace yourself under timed conditions.
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Familiarize yourself with test question formats.
3. Use Study Guides and Prep Books
Investing in an ASVAB prep book can be a game-changer. Popular titles include:
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ASVAB Prep Plus by Kaplan.
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ASVAB For Dummies by Wiley.
These books include explanations, drills, and full-length tests to reinforce concepts.
4. Strengthen Your Math and Vocabulary
Most low AFQT scores are caused by weaknesses in math and vocabulary. Focus on:
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Basic Algebra & Geometry: Equations, percentages, ratios, and shapes.
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Arithmetic Reasoning: Word problems with multiple steps.
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Vocabulary Building: Learn prefixes, suffixes, and root words to guess meanings of unfamiliar words.
Apps like Quizlet can help with vocabulary flashcards.
5. Take Advantage of Free Tutoring Resources
Many high schools and community colleges offer free tutoring for math and reading. Some branches of the military also provide study programs for potential recruits. For example, the Army offers the Future Soldier Preparatory Course to help candidates raise their scores.
6. Get Plenty of Rest Before Test Day
Test-day performance isn’t just about knowledge — it’s about focus. Make sure to:
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Sleep at least 7–8 hours the night before.
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Eat a balanced breakfast (protein + slow carbs for steady energy).
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Avoid cramming the night before — instead, do a light review.
7. Understand Retake Policies
If you don’t score as high as you hoped, you can retake the ASVAB:
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First retake: After 30 days.
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Second retake: Another 30 days later.
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Subsequent retakes: Every 6 months.
That means you have multiple chances to raise your score if you stay disciplined.
8. Stay Motivated by Focusing on Your Career Goals
Remember, your ASVAB score isn’t just a number — it directly impacts your career path, salary, and future civilian opportunities. For example:
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Raising your AFQT from 35 to 65 could shift your options from infantry to cybersecurity or aviation mechanics.
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Higher line scores can unlock reenlistment bonuses worth tens of thousands of dollars.
📌 Pro Tip: Treat your ASVAB prep like a job. Schedule daily study sessions, track your improvements, and remind yourself of the career opportunities waiting for you once you hit your target score.
FAQs About ASVAB and Jobs
1. What’s the highest ASVAB score?
The highest AFQT percentile is 99.
2. Can I retake the ASVAB?
Yes. You can retake it after 30 days the first two times, and then every six months afterward.
3. Do ASVAB scores expire?
Yes. Scores are valid for two years for enlistment purposes.
Conclusion
So, what jobs do you qualify for with your ASVAB score? The answer depends on your AFQT and line scores, as well as the branch you choose. With higher scores, you open the door to competitive, technical, and rewarding career fields across the military.
Whether you’re preparing for enlistment or planning your post-service career, resources like the Army ASVAB guide and WiseWorq can help you explore options, research employers, and match your skills with the right path.
