Where Veterans Thrive in the Civilian Workforce
Your military background is an asset — but some industries value it more than others. These ten sectors actively recruit veterans, offer strong salaries, and provide the structure and purpose many veterans need.
1. Federal Government / Defense Contracting
The most obvious transition. Veterans receive preference points in federal hiring, and your security clearance can make you immediately valuable. Agencies like DHS, DOD, and the FBI actively seek veterans.
Average salary: $60,000–$120,000+
2. Law Enforcement and Public Safety
Military discipline, decision-making under pressure, and teamwork translate directly to law enforcement, fire service, and emergency management.
Tip: Many police departments and fire departments offer veterans' preference in hiring.
3. Information Technology
Veterans with IT-related MOSs (25B, 17C, etc.) are in high demand. But even without a technical MOS, certifications like CompTIA Security+, A+, and Network+ (available free through some programs) can get you in the door.
High-demand areas: Cybersecurity, network administration, cloud computing
4. Healthcare
Combat medics, corpsmen, and 68W MOS holders often transition into nursing, EMT/paramedic, or physician assistant roles. The VA and civilian hospitals both actively recruit veterans.
5. Logistics and Supply Chain
Military logisticians understand complex supply chains, inventory management, and transportation coordination better than most civilians with MBAs. This expertise is extremely valuable.
Top employers: Amazon, UPS, FedEx, Walmart, Lockheed Martin
6. Construction and Skilled Trades
Military engineers and construction MOS holders are in high demand. The skilled trades (electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians) also face a nationwide labor shortage.
Bonus: Programs like Helmets to Hardhats connect veterans to union apprenticeships.
7. Financial Services
Veterans are trusted, disciplined, and mission-oriented — traits that translate well to financial advising, banking, and insurance. Many financial firms have veteran hiring programs.
8. Education
Veterans make excellent teachers, coaches, and trainers. Troops to Teachers is a federal program that helps veterans become K-12 teachers, often with financial assistance.
9. Entrepreneurship
Veterans start businesses at 45% higher rates than non-veterans. Discipline, leadership, and tolerance for ambiguity make veterans natural entrepreneurs. (More on this in our entrepreneurship posts.)
10. Energy
Oil, gas, nuclear, and renewable energy companies actively recruit veterans — especially those with mechanical, electrical, or technical backgrounds.
Resources for Your Job Search
- Hire Heroes USA: Free job placement assistance
- USAJobs.gov: Federal jobs with veteran preference
- RecruitMilitary.com: Job fairs and listings
- Hiring Our Heroes: Chamber of Commerce program connecting veterans to employers