Who Hires Veterans the Most?
One of the biggest employers of veterans is the government—federal, state, and local agencies. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is one of the largest employers of veterans in the country, but military veterans can also find opportunities in other government agencies, like the FBI and the Department of Defense.
Does Being Ex-Military Help Your Chances of Being Hired?
Yes, being an ex-military personnel can help your chances of being hired. Many employers value the skill sets, discipline, and work ethic that veterans bring to the table. Veterans are often trained to work well in high-stress situations, work effectively in teams, and show strong leadership skills. They are also typically detail-oriented and have a strong sense of responsibility.
What Are the Best Jobs for Veterans?
Job searching may be difficult, but it certainly isn’t impossible. Below are only a few of the best job fields for veterans:
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement is a career path that many veterans choose to pursue after leaving the military. Skills like leadership, teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work in high-stress environments can be highly transferable to law enforcement.
Some veterans may work as correctional officers or in other related positions within the criminal justice system.
Healthcare
Healthcare careers available to veterans are nursing, medical assisting, radiology technology, medical laboratory technology, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
Some healthcare workers may work with administration, research, or public health.
Education
Leadership, discipline, and attention to detail gained during military service can open a path to education. Veterans can enter positions for teaching, curriculum development, instructional design, and educational administration.
Some veterans may also work in education policy or as education consultants.
Cybersecurity
Ex-military personnel with technical skills or military experience in information technology may succeed in cybersecurity, where they can apply their knowledge to help organizations protect their digital assets.
Aviation
Ex-military personnel with experience in aviation can apply as commercial airline pilots, air traffic controllers, aviation mechanics, and aviation safety inspectors.
Construction
Ex-military personnel with military experience in engineering, construction, or manual labor may be well-suited to careers in the construction industry, like carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, masonry, welding, and heavy equipment operation.
What Are the Highest Paying Veteran Jobs?
The highest-paying jobs for veterans will depend on their skills, military experience, and education. However, here are some careers that generally offer high employment salaries and are well-suited to military veterans:
Management Consultant
Management consultants work with organizations to improve their performance and profitability. The median salary is around $86,000 per year.
Information Technology Manager
Information technology managers are responsible for computer systems and technology infrastructure. They typically require a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field for employment. The estimated salary for this position is around $146,000 per year.
Physician
Military veterans with medical training or military experience may be interested in pursuing a career as a physician and may earn around $208,000 per year.
Financial Manager
Financial managers oversee an organization’s financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, and financial analysis. Financial managers earn around $134,000 per year.
What Are the Most Common Jobs for Veterans?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some of the most common veteran jobs held by military veterans:
- Driver/sales workers and truck drivers
- Operations managers
- Maintenance and repair workers
- Production workers
- Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
- Construction laborers
- First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
- Police officers and detectives
- First-line supervisors of retail sales workers
- Electricians
Many of these veteran jobs involve skills that military veterans develop during their service. Each is urged to explore career options that align with their skills, interests, and lifestyle choices.
What Are Some Other Ways To Assimilate After Military Service?
Assimilating to civilian life after military service can be challenging for many veterans. Here are some other ways that military veterans can ease the transition:
Seek Out a Support Network
Finding a community of fellow military veterans or supportive civilians can help them adjust to civilian life. Consider joining a local veterans organization or attending support groups.
Pursue Education or Training
Education and/or training can help veterans acquire new skills and qualifications to improve their job prospects and help them adapt to civilian life. Pursue a degree, take vocational training courses, or attend workshops and seminars.
Use Government Resources
The government provides resources and services to help veterans easily adjust to civilian life. Employment assistance, housing assistance, and healthcare resources can be accessed through the local Veterans Affairs office or online.
Volunteer
Volunteering can be a great way for veterans to give back to their community while building new connections and skills. Many organizations actively seek out veterans for volunteer opportunities.
Practice Self-care
Shifting to civilian life can be stressful and challenging. Remember to practice mindfulness, seek counseling or therapy, and regularly engage in physical activity.
How Can Benefits.com Help Me?
Benefits.com provides veterans with information and resources about the services that are available to them. For example, we can help you go through the military BAS rate 2023, military BAH rates 2023, and Chapter 31 VA benefits for better understanding.
Benefits can advocate for veterans and represent their interests in interactions with government agencies, healthcare providers, and other service providers. This can help ensure that the veteran receives the services they are entitled to and their rights are protected. Let us help if you’re a veteran on a job search. Contact us today!