For veterans and active-duty personnel transitioning to civilian life, military civilian jobs offer a great way to leverage your skills and experience. These roles allow you to continue serving in a new capacity while building a career outside of active military service.
Types of Military Civilian Jobs
There’s a wide range of civilian jobs that value military experience, including roles in logistics, engineering, cybersecurity, and healthcare.
Government agencies, defense contractors, and private companies often seek veterans for positions like project management, operations, IT, and technical support, as military training provides strong leadership, discipline, and problem-solving skills.
Job Search Resources for Veterans
Several organizations and online platforms are dedicated to helping veterans find civilian jobs. Websites like USAJOBS and Hire Heroes USA are excellent places to start, offering job postings specifically aimed at veterans. Many companies also have veteran hiring programs designed to ease the transition and provide specialized support.
Many companies also have veteran hiring programs designed to ease the transition and provide specialized support.
Pay in Military Civilian Jobs
As reported by resources like USAJOBS, Salary.com, and Glassdoor, military civilian jobs offer competitive salaries, often ranging from $50,000 to over $100,000 annually, depending on the role and industry. High-paying fields like cybersecurity and engineering can start around $70,000 to $90,000, with more experienced professionals earning even more.
Government positions or roles with defense contractors typically provide additional benefits, such as bonuses, health insurance, and retirement plans, making these jobs financially appealing.
Experience Needed for Military Civilian Jobs
Military experience is highly valued, particularly in roles like logistics, operations management, IT, and security. Veterans with backgrounds in technical fields, such as communications or mechanics, often transition smoothly into civilian roles without needing much additional training.
However, for specialized fields like cybersecurity or engineering, obtaining certifications like CompTIA Security+ or an engineering degree can boost your job prospects and qualify you for higher-paying positions. Leadership and problem-solving skills gained in the military are also highly transferable and sought after in civilian roles.
Certifications and Education
If you’re looking to expand your career options, consider obtaining certifications or further education in your field of interest. Many employers offer on-the-job training or education benefits, and veteran-friendly programs can help you quickly get the qualifications you need for a civilian role.
With the right approach and resources, transitioning from military to civilian work can lead to a rewarding and successful career path, using the valuable skills developed during service.