12 Jobs for Veterans in 4 In-Demand Industries

As a US military veteran, many skills you learned and used while serving can easily transfer to different jobs and industries outside of the military. About 200,000 servicemen and women leave the US military each year, many of whom seek to join the civilian workforce [1]. 

If you’re one of these veterans seeking employment, start by researching job titles and industries that match well with the skills you gained while completing your service. Assess which career path works best based on your current skill set, strengths, interests, and long-term career goals. 

12 jobs for veterans

Employers from multiple industries hire US military veterans, from health care to cybersecurity. Employers often seek out veterans for their excellent work ethic and discipline. When joining the civilian workforce, consider how your military role can translate to other jobs in the private or public sector. When seeking a new career path upon leaving the service, consider good industries for veterans, like intelligence, project management, law enforcement/security, and information technology. 

Intelligence

Government agencies, private businesses, and non-government organizations may hire veterans to fill intelligence positions. Top government agencies that hire veterans for intelligence jobs include the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Security Administration (NSA), and the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). Private businesses may hire intelligence professionals to conduct research and assess security risks. As a veteran interested in the intelligence industry, consider the following positions. 

1. Intelligence analyst

Average annual salary in the US: $85,668 [2] 

Requirements: Intelligence analysts must typically hold a bachelor’s degree, although some employers may require a master's. You’ll also likely need professional experience or field training. 

An intelligence analyst examines and analyzes information gathered from multiple sources to predict criminal activity. In this role, you will assess the validity and quality of sources and information gathered and decide what information your agency or employer can use. 

2. Intelligence specialist

Average annual salary in the US: $83,497 [3]

Requirements: Intelligence specialists typically hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as criminal justice. Working in this role takes about six to 12 months of on-the-job training. 

An intelligence specialist focuses on coordinating, managing, and securing the process of collecting information from multiple sources. They ensure the accuracy of incoming information before releasing it to the appropriate parties, but they also maintain the security of these reports and may work with tech professionals to create more secure methods of processing and storing data.

3. Intelligence research specialist 

Average annual salary in the US: $90,669 [4] 

Requirements: To work in this role, you’ll usually need a bachelor’s degree in a field such as international relations, foreign affairs, or criminal studies. Advanced degrees may also be required. The professional experience required for an intelligence research specialist position typically depends on the employer. 

Intelligence research specialists collect, analyze, and develop intelligence for various law enforcement agencies. As an intelligence research specialist, your focus may fall on financial crimes, drug trafficking, or other areas, depending on where you work. 

Read more: What Is a Business Intelligence Analyst? Making Data-Driven Business Decisions

Project management

You can find jobs in project management in almost all industries. The skills for careers in this field align well with skills you may have learned while serving in the military, such as collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. Veterans who worked as commanders, action officers, or platoon sergeants in the military may consider career pathways within project management. As a veteran, you may find interest in one of the following careers. 

1. Project manager

Average annual salary in the US: $89,577 [5] 

Requirements: The typical requirements for a project manager include a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, along with completing an internship or other professional experience. As a veteran, you can sometimes transfer your mission-related experience to a project management position. You may only need to gain on-the-job training or earn certification depending on your military experience and role. 

A project manager oversees a project's entire lifecycle, from inception to completion. They manage both people and processes, communicating with team members, stakeholders, and other individuals involved in the project. 

2. Project coordinator

Average annual salary in the US: $63,398 [6] 

Requirements: Typically, you'll require a bachelor’s degree in a related field of study for this position, although you may qualify with a high school diploma. Professional experience and certification may also stand as qualifications necessary to land a position as a project coordinator. 

Project coordinators typically work under a project manager, tracking the progress of certain projects. In this role, you can expect to communicate with team members, disseminate relevant information, help set budgets and schedules, and create strategies to complete projects. 

3. Project management specialist 

Average annual salary in the US: $99,463 [7]

Requirements: This position typically requires a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. However, some employers seek candidates with a bachelor’s degree in an industry-specific field. Certification and relevant professional experience may help boost your employability for this job. 

 Project management specialists ensure projects get completed by performing varied tasks from beginning to end. As a project management specialist, you may keep track of the budget, monitor milestones, communicate with team members about the project's status, approve modifications if needed, and ensure delivery of a finished product. 

Read more: Project Management Career Overview: Resources for Your PM Journey

Law enforcement/security

For veterans, a law enforcement and security career may create an ideal transition into the civilian workforce. Your training as a member of the US military prepares you with the workplace skills you’ll likely need in these types of jobs. As a result, many law enforcement agencies and employers in the security industry seek veterans and individuals with military training. 

As a veteran, you may want to pursue one of these law enforcement and security jobs: 

1. Security guard

Average annual salary in the US: $41,178 [8]

Requirements: Security guards usually require a high school diploma or the equivalent. In most states, you need a license to be a security guard and another license to carry a weapon. Many employers provide on-the-job security training and weapons training if required to carry a firearm. 

Security guards work in a variety of industries, ranging from private to public organizations. Some security guards may carry weapons, depending on the scope of work and the employer. In this role, you'll protect people and facilities by patrolling a specific area and deterring criminal activity. You may also respond to emergencies when needed. 

2. Police officer

Average annual salary in the US: $70,619 [9]

Requirements: You don’t typically need a college degree to work as a police officer, but you do need to graduate from your local police training academy and complete on-the-job training. Most police officers must also undergo physical and mental tests, pass background checks, submit documents such as letters of recommendation, and pass a series of exams that assess skills like decision-making and judgment. 

A police officer’s duties depend on the work environment. Some officers may work in special crime units, while others may work as city officers who focus on keeping the general public safe. Some common duties of a police officer include patrolling, enforcing traffic laws, creating reports, and responding to emergencies. 

3. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) special agent

Average annual salary in the US: $135,000 [10]

Requirements: To apply for this job, you must be no younger than 23 and no older than 36; however, if you are a veteran or have previous federal law enforcement experience, this age cap may be waived. Applicants need a bachelor's degree and at least two years of professional experience. Beyond these criteria, the FBI requires you to pass a physical exam, gain Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance, and meet other FBI eligibility requirements. 

An FBI special agent's objective is to ensure the safety and security of the nation. Some agents may work on cybercrimes, while others gather surveillance on suspected terrorists. These agents collect and analyze data to catch criminals and deter crime.

Information technology

The field of information technology (IT) might be a great fit for veterans used to problem-solving, helping others, and making quick decisions. The fast-paced field of IT encompasses different types of jobs, including the following.

1. Cybersecurity specialist

Average annual salary in the US: $124,537 [11] 

Requirements: This job typically requires a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or a related field. Some employers may prefer that candidates have industry-specific experience and/or certifications.

These IT professionals ensure the safety of organizations' systems. In this role, you will work to prevent cyber threats and anticipate future threats. Depending on your industry and experience, you may advise organizations on strategies to prevent and deter cyber attacks and fraud. 

2. Network and database administrator

Average annual salary in the US: $102,450 [12] 

Requirements: At minimum, you should hold a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field to gain entry into this profession. Some employers require bachelor’s degrees, while others may require certifications. 

In a network and database administrator role, you have the important task of helping to manage and maintain an organization’s computer network system. You'll oversee the daily operations of computer networks by upgrading when needed, troubleshooting and solving any issues, and maintaining the systems to ensure optimal efficiency. Depending on your role in an organization, you might also train staff members and assist network architects in designing new network models. 

3. IT manager

Average annual salary in the US: $109,750 [13]

Requirements: An IT manager position typically requires professional experience and a bachelor’s degree, and because it's a management position, some employers may also require a master's degree. In this job, the more professional experience you have, the more you can earn and the easier you can move up within your organization. As a veteran, your IT or computer science skills from your time in the military should suffice as professional experience, depending on the employer and industry. 

IT managers oversee people and systems to help organizations meet information technology goals. As an IT manager, you may assist upper management or key decision-makers in setting goals and devising plans to achieve them. Other tasks may include communicating with teams working on IT projects or budgeting for needed services to meet your organization’s IT needs. 

Read more: What is Information Technology? 2024 Guide

Considerations for choosing your next job

When choosing your next job, consider positions that can help you achieve financial stability and meet any long-term career goals you may have. Many government and private organizations offer training programs for veterans looking to move into certain fields. You can use free online resources that help you identify transferable skills if you want to stay in the same or similar field or move to a different one. 

Career resources for veterans

You can access many free resources as a veteran seeking a civilian position. These range from job search engines for veterans to government-funded programs that help match veterans with careers based on skills gained in the military. 

Consider these helpful career resources for veterans: 

• USAJobs.gov has a job search engine for careers in the federal government, with veteran-friendly features like veteran preference. 

• Feds Hire Vets offers resources for veterans seeking employment with the federal government. The information hub includes a virtual classroom, a Veteran Employment Program Offices (VEPO) Directory, and a list of featured jobs curated from various job boards. 

• Military Friendly helps veterans identify veteran-friendly companies. Over 1,500 organizations submit surveys to Military Friendly each year, and the companies receive a rating of gold, silver, or bronze. The ratings are based on criteria determined by Viqtory, Inc., a veteran-owned and operated business.  

• The US Department of Veteran Affairs provides access to multiple resources for veterans and their families seeking job opportunities. 

• GI Jobs allows veterans and service members to create profiles and submit resumes and applications to various job postings. 

• The US Department of Veteran Affairs offers several career and employment assistance programs and resources for veterans, including information on educational and career counseling, transition assistance, resources for family members of veterans, and more. 

Getting started on Coursera

As a veteran seeking to enter the civilian workforce, it helps to know what types of jobs you might get and the average salaries you can expect. Not sure what job you want to pursue? Access free resources offered by the federal government that help veterans identify transferable skills and prepare for the transition from military to civilian life. 

For more information on how to get started on your next life chapter, consider enrolling in Find Your Calling: Career Transition Principles for Veterans on Coursera. In this course offered by Columbia University, you'll learn practical job-seeking skills and find inspiring, real-world success stories.