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Marine CorpsMOS 3044Enlisted
3044: Operational Contract Support Specialist to $100K+
Where a Marine Corps Operational Contract Support Specialist fits in the civilian job market, what it pays, and how to get there.
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What the job is, in plain English
Buys supplies and services for Marine units: writes and manages contracts, works with vendors, and makes sure purchases follow federal rules.
Skills that transfer
- Federal acquisition rules (FAR/DFARS)
- Contract writing and administration
- Vendor negotiation
- Budget and cost analysis
- Compliance and audit readiness
Matching civilian roles and pay
5 of 5 matched roles reach $100K+ for top earners nationally; the highest median here is Purchasing Managers at $148,080. Matches come from O*NET's crosswalk for 3044 (Operational Contract Support Specialist).
| Civilian role | Median pay | 90th percentile | $100K+ potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchasing Managers | $148,080 | $223,280 | Median already clears $100K |
| Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products BLS pay group: Buyers and Purchasing Agents (13-1020) | $77,710 | $128,870 | Yes: top 10% earn $128,870+ |
| Logisticians | $82,320 | $133,160 | Yes: top 10% earn $133,160+ |
| Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $107,230 | $194,900 | Median already clears $100K |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | $78,760 | $155,480 | Yes: top 10% earn $155,480+ |
Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 national estimates, national annual wages (BLS OEWS). Your pay will vary with location, experience, clearance, education and employer. Some O*NET roles share a broader BLS pay group, which is noted under the role name.
Certifications worth a look
- DAU contracting credentials
- NCMA Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM)
- APICS CPSM (ISM)
- PMP
Commonly pursued by people in this field; not an official list. Check what your branch will fund, and see the full list for your code, on DoD COOL (Marine Corps COOL: 3044).
The clearance angle
A clearance is useful for defense contracts work; acquisition skills also transfer to federal GS-1102 contract specialist jobs. See what a security clearance is worth in 2026.
Next steps
Related job codes
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