Before You Begin Looking For Jobs After The Military
There is no such thing as the single best job for retired military. Just like there are different branches of the U.S. Armed Services and all kinds of ranks and roles in them, the same goes for veterans employment.
Thats why you should take a moment to think about what you really want and need from a job. Start with these questions.
Companies That Hire Veterans
The United States is home to hundreds of large companiesâin nearly every industryâthat are committed to hiring military vets. And plenty of small businesses also regularly promote job opportunities to America’s veterans. Thanks to major initiatives by the private sector, that continues to be the case.
For example, the Veteran Jobs Mission is a coalition of over 200 U.S. companies that have a goal of collectively hiring one million American veterans by 2020. And the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation runs the Hiring Our Heroes initiative, which helps current and transitioning veterans, as well as military spouses, find good employment opportunities through hiring events around the country.
A full list of employers that welcome veterans into their companies would probably consist of thousands of different organizations. But here is a small sample of military-friendly companies. Hiring veterans has been a goal for well-known employers such as:
What Are Some Of The Highest Paid Military Jobs
Military pay reflects rank, and each branch of the military establishes this income method. Military members often receive additional bonuses and benefits, depending on their military occupational specialty and their sign-on statuseither enlisted or commissioned.
While higher ranking military members frequently earn more than lower-ranking members, critical and valuable skill sets can be an advantage when joining the military and choosing a MOS. No matter the military branch, though, you can expect to start at a base salary with opportunities to advance and increase your earning potential. That being said, the following examples include some of the highest paid jobs in the military across all branches:
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How Gi Jobs Identifies The Best Jobs For Veterans
Since 2003, G.I. Jobs has been pinpointing the most in-demand jobs for veterans. Our formula hasnt changed. Once again, we crunched industry-leading data from the 2022 Military Friendly® Employers to find out which positions companies are actively recruiting veterans for and highlight the best jobs for veterans.
So whats that process? First, we identified the companies that have the most outstanding commitment to veteran hiring and retention. AKA, the Military Friendly ® Employers. This year, over 1000 employers tried for the designation, but only a commendable 315 companies earned the honor.
After that, we review the data more closely. Because our goal is to provide you with the most useful information, the survey asks companies what are the top 5 jobs theyre actively recruiting veterans for in 2022 and beyond. As a result, we found these are the top 25 best jobs for veterans that companies are actively recruiting for in 2022 and beyond!
Under each job title, we indicated a brief description of what you would do in that role as well as the median job salary. Another interesting metric is the job outlook, which indicates the forecasted job growth through 2030.
Study this list, highlight what interests you, apply, and start your civilian career off on the right foot.
Best Flexible Jobs For Veterans
For veterans who have completed their military duty, finding a job in the civilian workforce that utilizes their skills and talents can seem like a daunting task. Often, military members have put in 10 years or more in the field, but do not have a college degree. Even without a degree, many veterans are more qualified than they realize for high-paying, rewarding careers in the civilian world. Thats why weve compiled a list of great flexible jobs for veterans.
Thankfully, there are many resources available to help ex-military members. The Department of Labor offers a Transition Assistance Program that has helped more than one million retiring and separating military members with job search assistance since 1990.
There are also many military-friendly employers who understand and seek the qualities veterans bring to civilian jobs.
A recent article in G.I. Jobs magazine offers insight into the top jobs available for American veterans today. This list of the Top 25 Hot Jobs for Veterans was compiled by talking to 228 military-friendly employers in 2016. These employers identified the jobs they recruit veterans for the most.
To find out how many of these top jobs for veterans were also flexible, we compared the G.I. Jobs list to the FlexJobs database. It was no surprise that many of the best jobs for veterans were also flexible.
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Top Careers For Veterans
These are a few of the top careers for veterans. This is nothing like the experience that comes from the military. This means that soldiers have a unique skill set that can be leveraged to start a long, rewarding, and fulfilling career. There are many options available for veterans looking for jobs. They offer valuable skills like leadership, character, and dedication that simply can’t be replaced.
Aircraft Launch And Recovery Officers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , officers in these positions plan and direct the operation and maintenance of catapults, arresting gear, and associated mechanical, hydraulic, and control systems used when aircraft take off or land4. For instance, a catapult and arresting gear officer and similar airport operations officers can make up to $70,000 per year as a civilian5.
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Academic Programs To Consider For Career Placement:
National Universitys BA in Management provides you with a business-related degree that emphasizes managing organizations and personnel in a multicultural and global setting. You will analyze and evaluate management, leadership, and motivation theories to better understand how they impact the modern workplace and how you can apply those concepts on the job. Youll also learn about the effects of legal, economic, and cultural factors on the conduct of global business.
Military Skills That Transfer
Veterans learn a wide variety of skills during their time in the military. These skills may include leadership, teamwork, integrity, dedication, communication and project management. Additionally, veterans in different military branches often learn specialized skills, including technology, cybersecurity, mechanics and repair skills. The best jobs for military veterans are usually ones that allow them to transfer these skills while also focusing on their work preferences.
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The 5 Best Jobs For Veterans After The Military
In many cases, the best jobs for veterans are the jobs that most resonate and align with their military experience. Often, the skills acquired during military service are the skills necessary for success in many civilian jobs, making the career transition a little easier to manage.
Lets take a closer look at some potential options to consider as you plan your post-military career they include jobs in business management, criminal justice, public administration, computers/technology, and entrepreneurship. Well also point you to the academic programs at National University that can help you reach your career goals. All of these programs are available online, on-campus, and some of them are even taught on base. The flexibility and accessibility of these programs can allow you to begin to work on your future goals while still on active duty or combine further education with your current work schedule or family responsibilities.
Command And Control Center Officers
Officers in this specialty manage critical communication channels between air, naval, and ground forces and coordinate emergency response services. In the civilian world, they may work as air traffic controllers with an average salary of $130,4208 or emergency management directors, who earn an average of $76,2509.
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Chief Information Security Officer $133700
Information technology has become such a big part of companies today that the private sector requires incredible security. This means a Chief Information Security Officer is a position in great need. Many military veterans take these positions because they come out of the military with cybersecurity experience at a very high level.
These are the 5 highest paying jobs for military veterans found in the civilian sector. However, there are many other jobs that pay well for those coming out of the military. Heres a quick look at a few more options for those looking to earn a high salary after military service.
Academic Program To Consider:
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration program at National University is designed to meet the educational needs of law enforcement professionals who are interested in professional development or career advancement. It prepares you for a challenging and dynamic career in the justice system at the local, state, and federal levels. At the completion of the program, youll be prepared for entry and advanced-level positions in teaching, training, private security employment, research, or employment as a consultant in the field. The program includes upper-division courses that cover basic forensic science, research methods, juvenile justice, corrections, criminology, leadership and management, civil and criminal investigations, court systems, and criminal law.
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Senior Program Manager $137900
An upper-level position in the company, a senior program manager may oversee many different projects. Due to the project and management focus gained from military experience, veterans often take this type of a position over a civilian. Most service members end up taking on some type of responsibility for a small or large group, which grooms them perfectly for this type of position in many different companies.
Jumpstart Your New Beginning
Your military experience can serve as a terrific foundation for a satisfying civilian career. With focus and persistence, you may just end up with one of the best jobs for veterans out there. And a lot of vocational programs exist to help you expand your skills and gain the necessary credentials for your future as a sought-after professional. Find nearby training options right now by putting your zip code into the following school finder!
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The Highest Paying Jobs For Veterans
The men and women who have served our country face many struggles when they come home. In addition to needing to adjust to life as a civilian, they must seek employment in a job market that doesnt necessarily want to hire veterans. Some of the reasons that employers may not hire veterans include a misunderstanding about the skills offered through the military and negative stereotypes associated with veterans.
Another reason veterans are overlooked for employment is because employers are worried they may be deployed. For example, you wouldnt want someone to help with college homework if you were worried they were going to leave for a vacation, leaving the job unfinished. Despite this negative situation, there are high-paying jobs for veteransyou just have to know where to look.
How To Conduct An Effective Veteran Job Search: 11 Useful Tips
American veterans tend to be good people with a lot to offer. But it can definitely be challenging to transition into a civilian career after leaving the military. The reasons for that varyâfrom negative stereotypes of veterans by some employers to difficulties in trying to match military skills to civilian jobs.
However, with a good plan and persistent effort, those challenges can be overcome. Turning your military experience into a good civilian career is a manageable process, especially if you approach it with a never-quit attitude. After all, being in the military has probably given you the ability to face almost any challenge head-on. You can find just as much meaning in this new journey as you did in your military career.
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Top Paying Jobs For Veterans Without A Degree
Based on several factors, such as projected job growth, pay, job stability, and others, heres a list of some of the best paying jobs for military veterans that dont require a college degree. Some will require other types of skills you can acquire through trade schools or that transfer well from your military experience.
Use this list as a starting point, and combine it with your own set of skills and the type of work youd like to do.
- Heavy Truck/Trailer Driver
Management Jobs For Veterans
In addition, veterans should consider management positions. Many veterans had soldiers under their command during their time in the service. These skills translate beautifully into a management position. Some of the manager jobs on this list include:
- Project Manager: Managers who are detail-oriented and know how to lead will make a great project manager. Responsible for placing team members in a position to succeed, this is an easy transition for employers and veterans.
- Supply Chain Manager: In the field of logistics, there is nothing like the military. Those with experience and knowledge about the logistics field will make a great supply chain manager.
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Highest Paid Military Jobs
The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts equipped with Indeed’s data and insights to deliver useful tips to help guide your career journey.
Earning substantial income in the military is possible through advancing in rank and continuing service. Depending on the military branch, military occupational specialty and years of service, service members have numerous opportunities to increase their earning potential. If you’re interested in a lifelong career in the military and want to earn a high income, there are several things that can affect your base income. In this article, we’ll cover 15 of the highest paid military jobs across all branches, so you can better plan your career path as a service member.
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Vice President Of Technology $134200
With a ton of high-quality technology found in the military, its no surprise that another technology position makes the list of 5 high-paying jobs for military veterans. As the Vice President of Technology, youll be in charge of the technology of a company at a high level. Youll need strong leadership skills, along with knowledge of the latest gear and tech used by the company.
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Nurse / Emergency Medical Technician
Salary expectation: $66,000
Almost all members of the military have basic first-aid knowledge.
Depending on your experience, you could have talents that would need only minimal training to be licensed as a nurse, or you could already have emergency medical skills that are currently in high demand due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Although each state has its own requirements, becoming a nurse or related healthcare worker will consistently be tough but rewarding, mentally and financially.
Tip: If this sounds appealing to you, go to Nurse.org to learn about paths to becoming a nurse fast.
Our List Of Best Jobs For Veterans To Pursue
Military veterans have laid their lives on the line in the service of this country. The experience they have gained in the military is unparalleled and the discipline, commitment, and teamwork skills veterans learn can be applied to numerous careers in the civilian world. Depending on the responsibilities someone has in the military, as well as their educational background, there are several careers that work well once someone has finished their time in the military. There are a few careers that stand out for veterans who are looking to transition into a new career.
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Should You Get Your Bachelors Degree
Many military-friendly universities have support staff for veterans with program selection and tuition assistance. Northeastern University staff is available to help active duty servicemembers and veterans with career selection through its sponsorship with Patriots Path. Support services include career assessment, career transition workshops, and marketing and networking opportunities. Additional resources to help transition military students to civilian life are also available through the institutions Dolce Center for the Advancement of Veterans and Servicemembers .
If youre worried about funding your education, there are many resources for veterans. The Post-9/11 GI Bill® and other VA educational benefits, as well as institution-specific military benefits, can be used to pay for educational expenses related to your bachelors degree completion. Student eligibility and programs vary, but financial assistance may also include a textbook stipend and housing allowance. Northeastern Universitys Student Financial Services office can show you how to use your educational benefits so you can complete your degree without taking on debt.
Finding Fulfilling Civilian Work After Leaving The Military
Northeastern understands that for U.S. veterans, finding a job as a civilian can be one of the greatest challenges youll face after service. So for veterans coming directly from the military without any prior civilian work experiencedont worry. More than half of these top occupations do not report requiring prior work experience and the ones that do require less than five years experience in a related profession. From an educational perspective, however, many of these high-growth careers typically require a bachelors degree.
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Entrepreneurship And Business Ownership
Veterans are no strangers to the world of entrepreneurship. In fact, Esurance co-founder Chuck Wallace served in the U.S. Air Force. Nike co-founder Phil Knight served in the Army. GoDaddy CEO Bob Parsons is a veteran of the Vietnam War. CEO of FedEx, Frederick Smith, is a veteran as well. There are more than 3,000,000 veteran-owned businesses nationwide.
Many vets are so accustomed to leading others, that launching their own businesses in civilian life seems like a natural pivot. A recent Small Business Administration study found that military service exhibits one of the largest marginal effects on self-employment, and veterans are 45% more likely to be self-employed than non-veterans. You may find that the unique skills you learned in the military will transfer into the entrepreneurial arena and offer you opportunities for interesting and fulfilling work. Being self-employed means you can take your great idea for a service or product and run with it how youd like, on your terms, and the options for business ownership are diverse.