Leaving the military and finding a new career can be tough. Veterans often find it hard to use their military skills in civilian jobs. But, there are many jobs that match the skills and leadership gained in the military.
CareerOneStop, backed by the U.S. Department of Labor, offers free tools for veterans. These include self-assessments, career info, and training resources. They help veterans find the right career and navigate the job market.
Recent data shows top-paying jobs for veterans. Sales Managers earn $130,600 a year, Software Engineers make $127,260, and Information Security Analysts earn $112,0001. These jobs show veterans can find well-paying jobs that use their skills and leadership.
Other high-paying jobs for veterans include Federal/Military Sales Managers in New York and Industrial Mechanics in Seattle. These jobs pay between $100,000 and over $180,000 a year2. They prove the demand for veterans’ skills in different fields.
Key Takeaways
- Transitioning from military to civilian life requires identifying suitable career paths that align with veterans’ skills and experience.
- CareerOneStop offers free resources and tools to help veterans navigate the job market and find post-military employment opportunities.
- High-paying careers for veterans include roles in sales, software engineering, information security, and industrial mechanics.
- Veterans can leverage their technical skills and leadership abilities to secure well-compensated positions across various industries.
- Exploring veteran career services and resources can help streamline the transition process and open doors to rewarding civilian careers.
Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
Every year, about 200,000 servicemembers make the big move from military to civilian life3. This change is both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to finding a new job. But with the right approach, veterans can turn their military skills into valuable assets in the civilian world.
Challenges Faced by Veterans
One big hurdle for veterans is figuring out how to explain their military skills in civilian terms. It can be tough to show how their experience fits into civilian jobs. Also, getting used to a new work culture can be overwhelming after the structured life of the military.
Leveraging Military Skills in the Civilian Workforce
Despite these challenges, veterans bring a lot to the table. Employers love their leadership, discipline, problem-solving, and ability to adapt. For example, veterans with leadership experience can excel in human resources, a field that’s growing fast4.
To do well in the civilian job market, veterans should start early. They should gather and upload important documents before leaving the military3. It’s also key to tailor resumes to show off transferable skills and experiences3. Using platforms like LinkedIn to network with military-friendly companies can also help find great jobs3.
The table below shows some top industries and positions for veterans, along with the skills that make them a good fit:
| Industry | Position | Key Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Human Resources | HR Manager | Leadership, communication, problem-solving |
| Consulting & Marketing | Consultant, Marketing Specialist | Adaptability, quick learning, strategic thinking |
| Engineering & Manufacturing | Engineering Technician, Production Supervisor | Technical skills, attention to detail, leadership |
| Government & Public Service | Federal Agent, Program Manager | Discipline, integrity, problem-solving |
While transitioning can be tough, veterans should stay strong and use the support of family, friends, and veteran resources3. With the right preparation and a strong support system, veterans can thrive in the civilian workforce. Their unique skills and experiences are highly valued.
Top Industries for Veterans
Veterans bring valuable skills and experiences to the civilian workforce. They have leadership, discipline, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities. Let’s look at some top industries for veterans to start their civilian careers.
Healthcare
The healthcare industry is growing fast and offers many opportunities for veterans. They excel in teamwork, detail, and pressure. Nurses, medical technicians, and administrators are common roles for them.
Nurse midwife jobs, with a median pay of $100,590, are among the best for veterans5.
Government Jobs
Government jobs at all levels seek veterans. They offer stability, benefits, and a chance to serve the public. Veterans are more likely to be in top IT security roles, earning $156,2006.
Defense Contracting
Defense contractor jobs are a good fit for veterans. They use their military skills in civilian roles. Companies like Anduril and MORSE Corp offer internships through the DOD SkillBridge Program7.
Information Technology
The IT field is always changing and has many career paths for veterans. They can work in cybersecurity, network administration, software development, or project management. Senior IT managers earn a median of $144,0006.
IBM and Microsoft have programs to help veterans in IT7.
It’s key to use networking to find jobs in companies that support veterans5. Companies like City National Bank, FirstBank, and PNC Financial Services Group have veteran groups. These groups offer support and a sense of community7.
Careers for Ex Military: Matching Skills to Civilian Jobs
Switching from military to civilian life can be tough, especially finding a job that fits your skills. But, there are tools to help veterans turn their military skills into civilian terms. These tools match their skills with potential careers8.
The CareerOneStop website is a great resource. It’s sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. It has tools like self-assessments and career profiles to help veterans find jobs that match their skills and interests8.
The Veteran and Military Transition Center website is also helpful. It offers tools for matching military skills to civilian careers. It also helps with job searches, paperwork, education, and financial aid for transitioning service members8.
When looking at careers, consider job outlook and salary. For example, Human Resources jobs are expected to grow fast, at 7% from 2021 to 20314. HR jobs often have good salaries, with experience and skills affecting pay4.
Other high-paying jobs for veterans include:
| Career | Pay Range (per year) |
|---|---|
| Project Manager | $57,000 to $160,000 |
| Supply Chain Manager | $74,000 to $170,000 |
| Information Technology Manager | $64,000 to $150,000 |
| Database Administrator | $70,000 to $129,000 |
| Information Security Analyst | $85,000 to $142,000 |
The unemployment rate for veterans is 2.8%, which is 3.6% lower than for nonveterans4. This shows that employers value veterans’ skills and experience.
By using available resources and considering careers carefully, veterans can find rewarding jobs. With the right tools and support, transitioning from military to civilian life can be smoother and more successful.
High-Paying Jobs for Veterans
When veterans leave the military, finding a good job is key. There are many high-paying jobs that match their skills. Veterans can find great jobs in project management, IT, logistics, and leadership.
Project Manager
Project managers lead projects in many fields. They need strong leadership and problem-solving skills. They can earn between $57,000 and $160,000 a year9.
IT Manager
IT managers handle a company’s tech needs. They make sure everything runs smoothly and introduce new tech. They can earn between $64,000 and $150,000 a year9. IT jobs can pay over $70,000 a year10.
Logistician
Logisticians manage the flow of goods and materials. Veterans with logistics experience do well here. They can earn between $74,000 and $170,000 a year9.
Executive Director
Veterans with leadership skills do well as executive directors. They oversee an organization’s operations. Their salaries start at $70,000 and can go over $100,00010.
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Project Manager | $95,370 |
| IT Manager | $144,000 |
| Logistician | $77,520 |
| Chief Information Officer | $172,900 |
| Chief Information Security Officer | $156,200 |
Other good jobs for veterans include nursing and engineering. Nurses can earn around $65,000, with some making over $100,00010. Engineers start at $80,000 and can earn over $100,000 with experience10.
Veterans bring valuable skills to the civilian world. With the right training, they can find rewarding and well-paying jobs.
Being a Computer and Information Systems Manager is a great option for veterans. It requires leadership and team management skills11. Veterans can excel in many fields, using their military skills to find fulfilling careers.
Careers for Veterans Without a Degree
Leaving the military can be tough, especially for those without a college degree. Yet, there are many rewarding jobs that use the skills and experience gained in the military. Two great options are security guard positions and truck driving.
There are 20,121 jobs for veterans without a degree available right now, thanks to the Hire Veterans platform12. These jobs are in many fields and offer good pay and benefits. For example, a Maintenance Repairer at Toledo Flour Mill makes $38.85 an hour and gets a $7,000 bonus1212.
Security Guard
Many veterans do well in security guard jobs. Their military training helps them in areas like awareness, communication, and problem-solving. These jobs are in places like offices, stores, and schools.
Truck Driver
Truck driving is another good choice for veterans without a degree. Military skills like discipline, attention to detail, and independence are useful here. Truck driving jobs often pay well and offer chances to grow in your career. Mondelēz International, for example, is hiring a Driver CDL/Warehouse Associate for $25.10 an hour1212.
Entrepreneurship is also an option for veterans. Starting a business lets them use their leadership and problem-solving skills to create opportunities. The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) help veterans who want to start their own businesses.
| Position | Company | Salary/Pay Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Repairer | Toledo Flour Mill | $38.85 hourly + $7,000 sign-on bonus |
| Nabisco Sales Coverage Representative | Mondelēz International | $35,000 – $44,000 annually |
| Driver CDL/Warehouse Associate | Mondelēz International | $25.10 hourly |
Other jobs for veterans without a degree include Infant Toddler Teacher and Control Room Operator positions. There are also Sales Associate jobs with salaries from $40,000 to $44,0001212.
It’s important for veterans to see the value of their military experience. By using their unique skills and resources, they can find rewarding and well-paying jobs. This way, they can achieve their career goals and interests.
Careers for Veterans with a Degree
Veterans with a college degree have many rewarding career options. These jobs match their military skills and experiences. Higher education opens doors to good jobs in many fields.
Becoming a business development manager is a great choice. This job involves finding new business chances, building client relationships, and growing revenue. Business administrators earn a median of $103,330 a year13. It’s a stable job that uses leadership and planning skills from the military.
Information technology is another good field for veterans. As an IT program manager, they use problem-solving and technical skills to manage IT projects. IT specialists make about $68,050 a year13. It’s a good choice for those who love technology.
Human Resource Specialist
Veterans with strong people skills and a desire to help others might enjoy being a human resource specialist. They use their teamwork and leadership skills to support employees. Human resource specialists earn a median of $64,240 a year, making it a rewarding career.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
For those good with numbers, being a certified public accountant (CPA) is a lucrative option. CPAs do financial audits, prepare tax returns, and give financial advice. With a degree in accounting and passing the CPA exam, veterans can start a successful career in finance.
People with a bachelor’s degree or higher face less unemployment, at 2.2%14. Those with only a high school diploma face 4.5% unemployment14. Also, using GI Bill benefits for a degree can lead to earning up to 40% more than those with only a high school diploma14.
Nearly 9 million veterans are currently employed in the United States, with 1 in 4 veterans working in civil service within the federal government sector14.
Some top degrees for veterans include Business, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Healthcare14. These fields offer many chances for veterans to use their skills and make a difference in the civilian workforce.
Government Jobs for Veterans
For veterans looking for a meaningful career, government jobs are a great choice. Many government agencies want to hire veterans because of their skills and experience1516. There are many roles, from law enforcement to engineering, that match what veterans learned in the military.
Criminologist
Veterans with a background in military police or investigations might enjoy being a criminologist. They work in places like the Department of Homeland Security or the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Their job is to study criminal behavior, gather information, and help solve crimes17.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) hires a lot of veterans. About half work in Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the other half in Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO)17.
Social Justice Program Manager
Veterans who want to help their communities might like being a social justice program manager. They create and run programs that help everyone be treated fairly and equally. The U.S. Department of State has groups like Veterans@State and Military/DoD Family Employee Organization to help veterans and their families in their careers16.
Industrial Engineer Technician
Veterans with technical skills can do well as industrial engineer technicians. They help engineers design and test systems and equipment. NASA, for example, looks for veterans and military spouses because of their skills in areas like IT and logistics15.
Government jobs offer many benefits for veterans. There are special hiring programs like the Veterans Preference program. Agencies like ICE also have training programs to help veterans get ready for certain jobs17.
“Serving in the military taught me the importance of teamwork, leadership, and adaptability. These skills have been invaluable in my career as a program manager at the Department of State.”
| Government Agency | Percentage of Veteran Employees |
|---|---|
| U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) | 33% |
| U.S. Department of State | 7,000 veterans employed |
| NASA | Emphasizes hiring veterans and military spouses |
By looking into government jobs, veterans can keep serving their country. They can use their military skills and experiences in many roles. With support from government agencies, veterans can find jobs that are both fulfilling and meaningful.
Conclusion: Embracing Your Next Mission
Veterans moving from military to civilian life face big challenges in finding jobs that match their skills18. They have great leadership, resourcefulness, and communication skills. But, it’s hard to show these skills to civilian employers18. Volunteering and getting mentorship can help them network and navigate this change19.
Studies show veterans do well in math and problem-solving, making them great for many jobs20. With training programs like WithYouWithMe’s Potential, they can learn new skills and grow20. It’s important to plan early and balance work with family life for a smooth transition19.
Understanding the value of military skills in civilian jobs is key. Exploring careers that match your interests and skills is important. Using resources like veteran transition assistance programs can help. As more companies value what veterans bring, their chances of success in their next mission keep growing.
FAQ
What challenges do veterans face when transitioning to civilian life?
Veterans often struggle to find jobs that match their skills. They need to explain how their military experience helps in civilian jobs. It’s important to adjust to a new work culture and find jobs that fit their interests.
What are the top industries for veterans seeking civilian employment?
Top industries for veterans include healthcare, government jobs, defense contracting, and IT. These fields value the leadership, discipline, and technical skills gained in the military.
How can veterans match their military skills to civilian jobs?
CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, helps veterans find jobs. It offers self-assessments, career profiles, and industry research. Understanding how military skills apply to civilian jobs is key to a smooth transition.
What are some high-paying jobs for veterans?
High-paying jobs for veterans include project manager, IT manager, logistician, and executive director positions. For example, a Chief Information Officer can earn up to 2,900 annually.
What career options are available for veterans without a degree?
Veterans without a degree can look into careers like security guard, truck driver, and real estate agent. Real estate agents need a high school diploma or GED and can earn over 0,000 annually.
What career options are available for veterans with a degree?
Veterans with a degree can explore roles like business development manager, IT program manager, and human resource specialist. These positions require a bachelor’s degree and may need additional certifications.
What government jobs are available for veterans?
Government jobs for veterans include criminologist, social justice program manager, and industrial engineer technician. These roles often match military skills and may offer preferential hiring.
What resources are available to help veterans plan for a successful transition to a civilian career?
Resources like CareerOneStop and the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) help veterans plan their transition. They offer self-assessments, career information, and training resources tailored for veterans and military spouses.
Source Links
- 15 Best Jobs After the Military [2025 Employment Guide] – https://www.smartypal.com/military/jobs-after-the-military/
- Veteran Job Search – Military Transition Jobs | Orion Talent – https://www.oriontalent.com/military-job-seekers/search-civilian-jobs/
- Mastering the Military-Civilian Transition: 10 Tips for Success – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/mastering-military-civilian-transition-10-tips-schibell-mph–itp7e
- 5 Transferable Civilian Jobs for Veterans After Military Service – https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/5-transferable-civilian-jobs-for-veterans-after-military-service
- 20 Top Jobs for Veterans and 50 Companies Hiring | FlexJobs – https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/best-flexible-companies-for-military-veterans/
- Top High Paying Jobs for Veterans after the Military – https://collegerecon.com/top-six-figure-jobs-for-veterans/
- 49 Companies That Hire Veterans | Built In – https://builtin.com/articles/companies-that-hire-veterans
- Programs That Hire Veterans | Military OneSource – https://www.militaryonesource.mil/education-employment/for-service-members/programs-that-hire-veterans/
- Best Jobs for Veterans to Civilian Careers – Hiring America – https://hiringamerica.com/best-jobs-for-veterans-to-civilian-careers/
- High-Earning Jobs Perfect for Post-Military Vets – https://themilitarywallet.com/high-earning-jobs-post-military-vets/
- Veterans: Best Jobs After Military Service – https://resources.noodle.com/guides/vets-careers-best-jobs-after-military/
- Hire Veterans – The #1 Veteran Jobs Marketplace – https://hireveterans.com/
- 15 Best Careers for Former Military [+How to Get Them] – https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/best-jobs-for-veterans-after-the-military/
- Best Degrees for Veterans: Find a Career That Fits Your Skills – https://www.pacificu.edu/admissions/blog/-best-jobs-for-veterans
- NASA Careers: Veterans and Military Spouses – NASA – https://www.nasa.gov/careers/veterans-and-military-spouses/
- Military, Veteran and Family Member Programs – Careers – https://careers.state.gov/about/diversity-inclusion/veteran-programs/
- Federal Jobs for Veterans with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – https://www.ice.gov/careers/veterans
- Leaving the Military for the better Corporate World? – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/leaving-military-better-corporate-world-david-barnet-emba-amxec
- Keep Hope Alive During Your Military Transition: Insights gained from Veteran Owned Company Namauu Technological & Industrial (NTI) – https://www.herofrontpodcast.com/blog/keep-hope-alive-during-your-military-transition-insights-gained-from-veteran-owned-company-namauu-t/
- Mission critical: The complete guide to hiring veterans – https://withyouwithme.com/mission-critical-the-complete-guide-to-hiring-veterans/
