ASVAB Jobs by Score: Map Your Line Scores to a Military Job in 2026
Your ASVAB score opens doors to hundreds of military careers across all six branches. But which jobs can you actually get? It comes down to two separate gates: your AFQT score decides whether you can enlist at all, and your line/composite scores decide which specific jobs (the Army calls them MOS, the Navy ratings, the Air Force and Space Force AFSCs) you qualify for.
This guide does what most pages skip: it explains exactly how each branch builds its line scores from your subtests, lists the formulas, and then maps score ranges to real jobs in scannable tables for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
Heads up on the numbers. AFQT minimums and job line scores shift with recruiting needs and are set by each branch, not by the test maker. The figures here reflect commonly published 2026 thresholds; always confirm a specific job's current score with a recruiter before you sign.
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The Two Gates: AFQT vs Line Scores
| Score Type | What It Controls | How It Is Built |
|---|---|---|
| AFQT score | Whether you can enlist | AFQT = 2VE + AR + MK, reported as a percentile from 1 to 99 |
| Line / composite scores | Which specific jobs (MOS / rating / AFSC) you qualify for | Branch-specific combinations of subtest scores |
AFQT is a percentile, not a percent correct. An AFQT of 60 means you scored as well as or better than 60% of a 1997 nationally representative reference group. The higher your scores, the more career options you have — a 93 AFQT reaches nearly every job, while a 31 leaves few choices.
The 10 ASVAB subtests (the building blocks)
Every line score is assembled from these subtests. AFQT itself uses only four (AR, MK, and the two verbal tests that form VE).
| Code | Subtest | Used in AFQT? |
|---|---|---|
| GS | General Science | No |
| AR | Arithmetic Reasoning | Yes |
| WK | Word Knowledge | Yes (forms VE) |
| PC | Paragraph Comprehension | Yes (forms VE) |
| MK | Mathematics Knowledge | Yes |
| EI | Electronics Information | No |
| AI | Auto Information | No |
| SI | Shop Information | No |
| MC | Mechanical Comprehension | No |
| AO | Assembling Objects | No |
VE (Verbal Expression) = WK + PC, and AFQT doubles it (2VE) — vocabulary and reading carry more weight than any other area. On the computerized CAT-ASVAB, Auto and Shop are two separate subtests (AI and SI). On the paper (P&P) ASVAB, they are combined into one Auto & Shop (AS) subtest, so you may see line-score formulas written with "AS" instead of "AI + SI."
CAT-ASVAB vs paper: format at a glance
| Version | Subtests | Questions | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT-ASVAB (computer, MEPS) | 10 | ~135 | ~154 min | Adaptive; questions get harder as you answer correctly; can't skip or go back |
| P&P-ASVAB (paper) | 9 | 225 | ~149 min | Fixed forms; Auto & Shop combined; you can skip and revisit within a section |
Quick Reference: Minimum AFQT by Branch (2026)
| Branch | HS Diploma Minimum | GED Minimum | What Tops the Charts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | 31 | 50 | GT 110+, ST 110+ for cyber, intel, medical |
| Navy | 31 | 50 | Nuclear Field, Cryptologic Technician ratings |
| Marine Corps | 32 | 50 | GT 110+, EL 115 for electronics maintenance |
| Air Force | 36 | 65 | MAGE composites 60+ for cyber, intel, linguist |
| Coast Guard | 32 | ~47 | Higher AFQT needed in practice for competitive rates |
| Space Force | 36 | 65 | Strong G/E composites; 65+ AFQT is the realistic floor |
These are floors to get in the door, not job guarantees. The Coast Guard publishes a 32 minimum on GoCoastGuard.com but is so small and selective that competitive applicants typically score far higher. The Army and Navy have at times accepted lower scores under education-waiver pilots during recruiting shortfalls. A score of 50 is average; 65+ is good and opens most jobs; 80+ is excellent.
Line-Score Formulas by Branch
Memorize the formula for the field you want, then aim your studying at those subtests.
Army (10 line scores)
| Line Score | Field | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| GT | General Technical | VE + AR |
| CL | Clerical | VE + AR + MK |
| CO | Combat | AR + CS* + AS + MC |
| EL | Electronics | GS + AR + MK + EI |
| FA | Field Artillery | AR + CS* + MK + MC |
| GM | General Maintenance | GS + AS + MK + EI |
| MM | Mechanical Maintenance | NO* + AS + MC + EI |
| OF | Operators & Food | VE + AS + MC + NO* |
| SC | Surveillance & Communications | VE + AR + AS + MC |
| ST | Skilled Technical | GS + VE + MK + MC |
*CS (Coding Speed) and NO (Numerical Operations) are legacy speeded subtests still referenced in some Army composite definitions; AS = Auto & Shop. GT is the single most-used line score — a GT of 110+ is the unofficial "competitive" threshold for technical, intel, and leadership MOSs.
Marine Corps (line scores)
| Line Score | Field | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| GT | General Technical | VE + AR |
| EL | Electronics | GS + AR + MK + EI |
| MM | Mechanical Maintenance | AR + AS + EI + MC |
| CL | Clerical | VE + MK |
Air Force & Space Force (MAGE composites)
The Air Force and Space Force use four MAGE aptitude areas; every AFSC requires a minimum in one of them.
| MAGE | Area | Built From |
|---|---|---|
| M | Mechanical | MC + GS + 2AS |
| A | Administrative | NO* + CS* (verbal/clerical speed) |
| G | General | VE + AR |
| E | Electronical | AR + MK + EI + GS |
G is the gatekeeper for the most AFSCs (G 57+ keeps roughly 70% of General-dependent jobs in reach). E 60+ unlocks the most technical, transferable fields.
Navy (rating minimum scores)
The Navy does not publish named composites like the Army. Instead, each rating lists a minimum sum of specific subtests. For example, Electronics Technician (ET) requires AR + MK + EI + GS = 222, and Hospital Corpsman (HM) requires VE + MK + GS = 156. The Coast Guard uses the same subtest-sum approach for its ratings.
Jobs by AFQT Score Range
AFQT 31-40: Entry-Level Military Careers
With the minimum qualifying scores, you can still access meaningful careers. These positions provide excellent training, housing, benefits, and a path to advancement.
Army (AFQT 31+)
| MOS | Job Title | Key Composite | Composite Min |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11B | Infantryman | CO (Combat) | 87 |
| 92G | Culinary Specialist | OF | 85 |
| 88M | Motor Transport Operator | OF | 87 |
| 12B | Combat Engineer | CO | 87 |
| 92Y | Unit Supply Specialist | CL | 90 |
Navy (AFQT 31+)
| Rating | Job Title | Line Score | Min Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| BM | Boatswain's Mate | None specific | AFQT 31 |
| SN | Seaman (undesignated) | None | AFQT 31 |
| CS | Culinary Specialist | VE + AR | 88 |
Marine Corps (AFQT 32+)
| MOS | Job Title | Composite | Min Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0311 | Rifleman | GT | 80 |
| 0331 | Machine Gunner | GT | 80 |
| 3531 | Motor Vehicle Operator | MM | 85 |
Estimated pay (E-1 to E-3): $24,000-$30,000/year base pay + housing (BAH), food (BAS), healthcare, and GI Bill
AFQT 41-50: Expanded Career Options
Scores in this range unlock technical and support roles with better advancement potential.
Army (AFQT 41+)
| MOS | Job Title | Key Composite | Composite Min |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19D | Cavalry Scout | CO | 87 |
| 91B | Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic | MM | 87 |
| 31B | Military Police | ST | 91 |
| 12N | Horizontal Construction Engineer | OF | 87 |
| 94E | Radio and Communication Security Repairer | EL | 93 |
Navy (AFQT 41+)
| Rating | Job Title | Line Score | Min Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| EN | Engineman | AR + MK + EI + GS | 195 |
| HT | Hull Maintenance Technician | AR + MC + AS | 150 |
| GM | Gunner's Mate | AR + MK + EI + GS | 205 |
Air Force (AFQT 41+ — min is 36 but many jobs need 41+)
| AFSC | Job Title | MAGE Area | MAGE Min |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3F1X1 | Services | A (Admin) | 40 |
| 2T1X1 | Vehicle Operations | M (Mech) | 28 |
| 3E2X1 | Pavements & Construction | M | 28 |
Estimated pay (E-3 to E-4): $28,000-$36,000/year base pay + full benefits
AFQT 51-64: Mid-Range Careers
Average AFQT scores open solid technical and operational roles. This is where many recruits fall, and the job variety is excellent.
Army (AFQT 51+)
| MOS | Job Title | Key Composite | Composite Min |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25U | Signal Support Systems Specialist | EL | 93 |
| 68W | Combat Medic Specialist | ST | 101, GT 107 |
| 15T | UH-60 Helicopter Repairer | MM | 99 |
| 35F | Intelligence Analyst | ST | 101 |
| 25B | Information Technology Specialist | CL | 100 |
Navy (AFQT 51+)
| Rating | Job Title | Line Score | Min Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Operations Specialist | VE + MK + CS | 210 |
| BU | Builder | AR + MC + AS | 145 |
| AM | Aviation Structural Mechanic | AR + MK + EI + GS | 210 |
| HM | Hospital Corpsman | VE + MK + GS | 156 |
Air Force (AFQT 51+)
| AFSC | Job Title | MAGE Area | MAGE Min |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3P0X1 | Security Forces | G (General) | 33 |
| 4N0X1 | Aerospace Medical Technician | G | 44 |
| 2A6X1 | Aerospace Propulsion | M | 47 |
| 3D1X1 | Client Systems | E (Elec) | 28 |
Marine Corps (AFQT 51+)
| MOS | Job Title | Composite | Min Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0621 | Field Radio Operator | EL | 89 |
| 1371 | Combat Engineer | MM | 95 |
| 4641 | Combat Photographer | GT | 100 |
Estimated pay (E-4 to E-5): $33,000-$45,000/year base pay + full benefits
AFQT 65-92: High-Demand Careers
Above-average scores unlock the military's most sought-after and rewarding career fields — medical, intelligence, cyber, aviation, and special operations support.
Army (AFQT 65+)
| MOS | Job Title | Key Composite | Composite Min |
|---|---|---|---|
| 68W | Combat Medic Specialist | GT 107, ST 101 | High demand |
| 35M | Human Intelligence Collector | GT | 107 |
| 17C | Cyber Operations Specialist | GT | 110 |
| 25S | Satellite Communication Systems Operator | EL | 100 |
| 35T | Military Intelligence Systems Maintainer | EL | 112 |
| 12P | Prime Power Production Specialist | ST | 112, EL 112 |
Navy (AFQT 65+)
| Rating | Job Title | Line Score | Min Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| IS | Intelligence Specialist | VE + AR | 218 |
| CT | Cryptologic Technician | VE + AR + MK | Various (high) |
| IT | Information Systems Technician | AR + MK + EI + GS | 222 |
| ET | Electronics Technician | AR + MK + EI + GS | 222 |
| FC | Fire Controlman | AR + MK + EI + GS | 222 |
Air Force (AFQT 65+)
| AFSC | Job Title | MAGE Area | MAGE Min |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1A8X1 | Airborne Cryptologic Linguist | G | 72 |
| 3D0X2 | Cyber Systems Operations | E | 60 |
| 4A0X1 | Health Services Management | A | 44 |
| 9S100 | Technical Applications Specialist | E | 65 |
| 1N0X1 | Operations Intelligence | G | 57 |
Marine Corps (AFQT 65+)
| MOS | Job Title | Composite | Min Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0231 | Intelligence Specialist | GT | 110 |
| 2621 | Communications Intelligence | GT | 100 |
| 0211 | Counterintelligence/HUMINT | GT | 110 |
| 0631 | Network Administrator | EL | 100 |
Coast Guard (AFQT 65+)
| Rating | Job Title | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| IS | Intelligence Specialist | AFQT 65+, clean background |
| IT | Information Systems Technician | Math + Electronics scores |
| AET | Avionics Electrical Technician | Electronics + Mechanical scores |
| OS | Operations Specialist | General + Math scores |
Estimated pay (E-4 to E-6): $36,000-$55,000/year base pay + full benefits + special duty pay for some roles
AFQT 93-99: Elite Military Careers
Top 7% scores unlock the most exclusive and competitive military positions. These roles often come with bonuses, special pay, and exceptional post-military career prospects.
Army (AFQT 93+)
| MOS | Job Title | Requirements | Enlistment Bonus (typical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37F | Psychological Operations Specialist | GT 110 | Up to $50,000 |
| 68A | Biomedical Equipment Specialist | ST 112, EL 107 | Up to $40,000 |
| 17C | Cyber Operations Specialist | GT 110 | Up to $50,000 |
| 35P | Cryptologic Linguist | GT 110 + DLAB 95 | Up to $40,000 |
Navy (AFQT 93+)
| Program | Job Title | Requirements | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NF | Nuclear Field (MM, EM, ET) | NAPT qualifying + high NUC score | $40,000+ bonus, high civilian demand |
| SEAL | Special Warfare Operator | PST + interview (physical focus) | Special pay + bonus |
| CTI | Cryptologic Technician Interpretive | DLAB 100+ | Language bonus |
Air Force (AFQT 93+)
| AFSC | Job Title | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 1T2X1 | Pararescue | PAST physical + AFQT 93+ |
| 1W0X2 | Special Operations Weather | PAST physical + high scores |
| 9S100 | Technical Applications Specialist | E 65+, extremely selective |
| 1A8X1 | Airborne Cryptologic Linguist | G 72 + DLAB 110 |
Space Force (AFQT 93+)
| SFSC | Job Title | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 1C6X1 | Space Systems Operations | E 60+, AFQT competitive |
| 5C0X1 | Cyber Operations | E 60+, G 57+ |
| 1S0X1 | Safety | G 55+, competitive selection |
Estimated pay (E-4 to E-7 with special pay): $45,000-$75,000/year + bonuses up to $50,000 + full benefits
Military Salary & Benefits Overview
Beyond base pay, military compensation includes substantial benefits that increase total compensation significantly:
| Benefit | Value (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Base Pay (E-4, 3 years) | $33,600/year |
| BAH (Housing Allowance) | $12,000-$30,000/year (varies by location) |
| BAS (Food Allowance) | $4,800/year |
| Healthcare (TRICARE) | $0 premium (worth $8,000-$15,000/year) |
| GI Bill (Post-9/11) | Up to $250,000+ for college |
| Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) | 5% employer match on retirement |
| 30 Days Paid Leave | Annual vacation |
Total compensation for an E-4: $60,000-$90,000/year when including all benefits.
How to Qualify for High-Demand Jobs
1. Score High on the Right Subtests
Different jobs prioritize different composite scores. If you want:
- Intelligence and leadership jobs: Max your VE + AR (GT composite)
- Electronics and cyber jobs: Max your GS + AR + MK + EI (EL composite)
- Medical and technical jobs: Max your GS + VE + MK + MC (ST composite)
- Mechanical and maintenance jobs: Max your AS + EI + MC + AR (MM composite)
Because VE is doubled in the AFQT and feeds GT, CL, ST, and OF, improving your Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension raises both your enlistment score and the most line scores at once — it is the highest-leverage area to study.
2. Meet Additional Requirements
Many high-demand jobs require more than just ASVAB scores:
- Security clearance eligible (no disqualifying criminal history, financial issues, or drug use)
- DLAB score (Defense Language Aptitude Battery) for linguist positions
- NAPT score (Nuclear Aptitude) for Navy Nuclear Field
- Physical fitness tests for special operations and combat roles
- Color vision for certain technical and aviation jobs
3. Timing Matters
- Job availability changes monthly based on military needs
- Fiscal year start (October) often has the most open slots
- Enlistment bonuses fluctuate based on manning levels
- "Open" contracts let the military choose your job — avoid if possible
4. Work With Your Recruiter
- Bring your desired MOS/rating list to your recruiter meeting
- Don't sign until you have your preferred job in writing (in your contract)
- Ask about bonuses — they change frequently and recruiters don't always volunteer them
- Consider different branches if your target job isn't available in one
Score Higher, Get Better Jobs
Every point on your ASVAB opens new career doors. Our free prep includes:
- Targeted practice for all 10 subtests and every composite score
- Job-focused study plans to hit the line scores you need
- AI-powered explanations for instant help on tough topics
- Updated for 2026 military job requirements
No credit card required. Higher scores = better jobs = better career.
Official Resources
- OfficialASVAB.com - The test maker: subtests, CAT vs paper format, scoring
- GoArmy.com - Army careers and MOS listings
- Navy.com - Navy ratings and career paths
- AirForce.com - Air Force AFSCs and careers
- Marines.com - Marine Corps MOS listings
- GoCoastGuard.com - Coast Guard ratings and minimums
- SpaceForce.mil - Space Force career fields
- Military.com ASVAB - Score requirements by job
Practice Free, Score Higher
The fastest way to qualify for the job you want is to raise the right line scores. Our practice questions cover all 10 subtests, and you get 10 free AI tutoring questions every day to break down anything you miss.
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