These MOSs Are Now Paying 50K+ Reenlistment Bonuses in 2025

Reenlistment bonuses have gotten complicated with all the changes to amounts and eligible MOSs flying around. As someone who’s tracked these programs, I learned everything there is to know about which career fields are paying serious money for retention. Today, I will share it all with you.

The military pays significant bonuses to retain people in critical career fields. Understanding which MOSs qualify and why helps you evaluate your options.

Why Bonuses Exist

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Reenlistment bonuses signal where retention problems exist. Sometimes that’s because the civilian sector pays more for those skills. Sometimes it’s because the job is demanding. Sometimes it’s because training pipelines can’t keep up with requirements. That’s what makes understanding the “why” important – high bonuses tell you something about the career field.

Current High-Bonus Fields

Cyber, special operations, certain aviation specialties, and critical healthcare MOSs consistently appear on bonus lists. Nuclear-trained Sailors and certain Air Force maintenance specialties also command premium retention bonuses. Amounts change frequently based on manning levels and projected needs – check current MILPER messages for accurate figures.

Evaluating the Offer

A $50,000 bonus sounds great until you calculate the tax impact and service obligation. Bonuses are taxable income – you’ll receive less than the headline number. Multi-year commitments lock you in regardless of future circumstances. Weigh the money against the additional time, the career field’s challenges, and your long-term goals.

Reenlistment bonuses can significantly impact your financial situation – but the decision involves more than just the dollar amount. Evaluate the complete picture before committing.