We know there are a lot of military veterans looking for jobs, but how do you bring all that great military experience into the civilian world and turn it into a career? What careers are good for a military veteran? Whether you were a boiler-tech or radioman, here are the five best civilian jobs for military veterans that could use your military experience.
1. Law Enforcement
Whether you’re interested in the Border Patrol, being a state trooper, or local county or city police, your military background will go far in the field of law enforcement. In fact, many branches look to recruit individuals with military experience. Law enforcement has always been a great place to find jobs for prior military, and according to criminaljustice.com, the starting salary for a police officer is $53,540.Of course, this is an average and will vary by location. G.I. Jobs has so many careers in Law Enforcement for veterans with great companies like Norfolk Southern and Northrop Grumman , if you are interested, I suggest you check out this list of over 1,000 open positions for further information: Law Enforcement careers for veterans.
2. Information Technology
IT spans a multitude of career possibilities, and we are seeing a lot of employers looking to hire veterans for IT positions. Starting salaries for most IT careers are quite good, with excellent growth and various levels of required education. Technical support services are needed at almost every institution, from college campuses to real estate companies. If you are tech-minded, you may find many opportunities that fit your interests. Additionally, if your MOS, rate or AFSC included IT components, you may have already earned certifications that can be used in the civilian sector. The G.I. Jobs job board for veterans features companies like Apple and Microsoft Corporation that have a variety of jobs for prior military service members. There are so many careers in IT, if you are interested, I suggest you check out this job board for military veterans for further information: Computer and Information Technology jobs for veterans.
3. Teacher
With the Troops to Teachers (TTT) program, veterans have a great avenue to forge a career in education. Dedicated teachers are always in demand in the nation’s public school system. This is an opportunity for many veterans to not only give to their communities, but to develop the next generation of citizens. Skills of leadership and the commitment necessary to make a difference are well-instilled within veterans. Chances are you have already flexed your teaching ability in the service. Pearson, a G.I. Jobs partner, is committed to a world that’s always learning and to its talented team that makes it all possible. From bringing lectures vividly to life to turning textbooks into laptop lessons, Pearson is always examining the way people learn best, whether it’s one child in our own backyard or an education community across the globe. To see a current list of open teaching positions, click the link. Pearson career opportunities.
4. Personal Trainer
Alright, all you gym rats, you’re already spending your life at the gym sculpting the perfect abs. Why not make it your job? If you have a special love for physical fitness, taking the leap into the work of personal training might be for you. Your time in the military has already given you a good foundation for aspects of physical training, as well as the mentorship and leadership needed for this career. Personal trainers can expect an average salary of $31,720 per year with various certifications and education levels. For more information on certifying organizations, check out How to be a Personal Trainer.
5. Nursing and EMT/Paramedics
How to respond to emergency situations is at the heart of a lot of our military training. We have learned how to stay calm, organize and react quickly to a wide variety of emergencies. This is something veterans can take easily into the medical field. For those most interested in life-saving first response, the paramedic field is an excellent career. Of course, it isn’t for the faint of heart, but then again, neither is the military. Expect high stress and rotating shift work that is big on rewards. EMT/paramedic positions require a license through an educational program. Many states offer incentives or allow those with military-based medical training (corpsmen or medics) to take the licensing exam, bypassing all or some post-secondary training. Starting salaries, according to the Occupational Handbook on Emergency Personnel, average $31,020 per year.
Of course, nursing offers yet another area of significant personal impact. Nursing can focus on working with the elderly, children, in a family practice or hospital. The Department of Health and Human Services offers assistance programs for veterans looking to transition into a career in nursing. If your rate, MOS or AFSC in the military was in the medical field, chances are you already have a leg up on the education process and may be eligible for accelerated programs. You can look to get started more quickly and become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with a two-year degree or a Registered Nurse (RN) with a two- or four-year degree. The average salary of an LPN is $41,540 per year and an RN is $65,470 per year. Indian Health Service is another G.I. Jobs partner that is currently looking to hire veterans. Indian Health Service (IHS) is the principal federal health care provider and health advocate for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). The IHS goal is to raise Indian health status to the highest possible level. IHS provides leadership and direction to programs and activities designed to improve health outcomes to over 1.9 million AI/AN through a system of IHS, tribal and urban-operated facilities and programs. If you are interested in working with Indian Health Service, click the link. Indian Health Service Careers.
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