How G.I. Jobs identifies the BEST jobs for veterans
Since 2003, G.I. Jobs has been pinpointing the most in-demand jobs for veterans. Our formula hasn’t changed. Once again, we crunched industry-leading data from the 2022 Military Friendly® Employers to find out which positions companies are actively recruiting veterans for and highlight the best jobs for veterans.
So what’s that process? First, we identified the companies that have the most outstanding commitment to veteran hiring and retention. AKA, the Military Friendly ® Employers. This year, over 1000 employers tried for the designation, but only a commendable 315 companies earned the honor.
After that, we review the data more closely. Because our goal is to provide you with the most useful information, the survey asks companies what are the top 5 jobs they’re actively recruiting veterans for in 2022 and beyond. As a result, we found these are the top 25 best jobs for veterans that companies are actively recruiting for in 2022 and beyond!
Under each job title, we indicated a brief description of what you would do in that role as well as the median job salary. Another interesting metric is the job outlook, which indicates the forecasted job growth through 2030.
Study this list, highlight what interests you, apply, and start your civilian career off on the right foot.
The Most In-Demand Jobs For Veterans in 2022:
1. Computer Information Systems Manager
What You’ll Do: As a Computer Information System Manager, it will be your responsibility to manage all computer-related activities for your organization, including upgrading enterprise-wide software and equipment, presenting and justifying technology to executives, managing IT personnel, and more.
Median Salary: $151,154
Job Outlook: 11% growth through 2030
Education/Experience: Master’s degree preferred, bachelor degree in computer or information science, related work experience
2. Operations Manager
- What You’ll Do: Operations managers create policies, work to make operational procedures most efficient, oversee administrative tasks, monitor daily activities, and manage some human resources activities.
- Median Salary: $103,646
- Job Outlook: 9% growth through 2030
- Education/Experience: Master’s degree preferred, bachelor degree in business management, accounting, or similar and related work experience
3. Computer Systems Analyst
- What You’ll Do: As a Computer Systems Analyst, you will evaluate your employer’s overall computer systems, recommending solutions, upgrades, and related procedures.
- Median Salary: $93,725
- Job Outlook: 7% growth through 2030
- Education/Experience: Bachelor degree preferred, with experience in computer programming or IT
4. Customer Service Representative
- What You’ll Do: Customer service representatives are the first contact point for customers, and this job entails finding solutions to customer problems, handling complaints, and answering general questions regarding your company.
- Median Salary: $35,838
- Job Outlook: -1% growth through 2030, but it’s in demand among the 2022 Military Friendly® Employers
- Education/Experience: High school, good communication skills
5. Cyber Security Analyst
- What You’ll Do: As a Cyber Security Analyst, you will implement software and hardware solutions to protect your company’s computer networks and systems.
- Median Salary: $103,584
- Job Outlook: 33% growth through 2030
- Education/Experience: Bachelor degree or certifications, with relevant experience
If you have the experience for this job, take a look at the G.I. Jobs Career Portal. There are several companies looking to hire veterans Cyber Security Analyst positions on our job board.
6. Software Applications Developer
- What You’ll Do: Software Application Developers are responsible for developing computer applications or specific software to solve pain points at your organization.
- Median Salary: $105,310
- Job Outlook: 19% growth through 2030
- Education/Experience: Bachelor degree preferred, with relevant experience in computer science or software engineering
7. Accountant/Auditor
- What You’ll Do: Accountants and auditors create financial records and maintain financial documents.
- Median Salary: $73,570
- Job Outlook: 7% growth through 2030
- Education/Experience: Bachelor degree in accounting, relevant experience, certifications (Certified Public Accountant)
8. Software Systems Developer
- What You’ll Do: Software systems developers test software for quality assurance, find and fix bugs, and they solve potential issues in the future.
- Median Salary: $110,136
- Job Outlook: 22% growth through 2030
- Education/Experience: Bachelor degree, with relevant experience in IT
9. Sales Account Representative
- What You’ll Do: You will sell a product or service to leads in your territory. In addition, you can also handle some account inquiries, including answering general questions about your company.
- Median Salary: $57,762
- Job Outlook: 7% growth through 2030
- Education/Experience: Bachelor degree preferred, with relevant experience
10. Human Resources Manager
- What You’ll Do: Human resources managers oversee all administrative tasks, including hiring, training, planning goals, and more.
- Median Salary: $121,222
- Job Outlook: 9% growth through 2030
- Education/Experience: Master’s degree preferred, bachelor degree in relevant field
11. First-line Supervisor: Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
- What You’ll Do: As a First-line Supervisor: Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers, you will supervise employees, handle escalated customer service situations, and direct employee tasks.
- Median Salary: $70,242
- Job Outlook: 7% growth through 2030
- Education/Experience: Associate degree preferred, high school diploma, related on-the-job experience
12. First-line Supervisor: Office and Administrative Workers
- What You’ll Do: In the role of a First-line Supervisor of Office and Administrative Workers, You will supervise administrative workers, approve timecards, and monitor workflow.
- Median Salary: $58,448
- Job Outlook: -2% growth through 2030; howver this role is in demand among the 2022 Military Friendly® Employers
- Education/Experience: Associate degree preferred, relevant experience
13. Operations Research Analyst
- What You’ll Do: Operations research analysts analyze complicated issues at your company. Furthermore, they provide solutions with mathematical reasoning.
- Median Salary: $86,195
- Job Outlook: 25% growth through 2030
- Education/Experience: Master’s degree preferred, bachelor degree in business, analytics, or similar field
14. Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer engineering jobs are at the forefront of the technology movement and they pay well.
- What You’ll Do: You will improve the computer systems at your employer.
- Median Salary: $119,558
- Job Outlook: 2% growth through 2030
- Education/Experience: Bachelor degree with relevant experience
What do computer engineers do? Learn what it takes to become a Computer Engineer here.
15. Electrician
- What You’ll Do: Electricians install new electrical service and repair older electrical systems.
- Median Salary: $56,900
- Job Outlook: 9% growth through 2030
- Education/Experience: Technical school optional, electrical apprenticeship, relevant licenses
16. Web Developer
- What You’ll Do: Web developers build and maintain websites for maximum traffic and usability.
- Median Salary: $77,210
- Job Outlook: 13% growth through 2030
- Education/Experience: Bachelor degree preferred, relevant experience
17. First-line Supervisor: Transportation, Material-Moving, and Vehicle Operators
- What You’ll Do: You will coordinate moving activities and supervise a team of movers and drivers.
- Median Salary: $54,850
- Job Outlook: 6% growth through 2030
- Education/Experience: Relevant work experience
18. First-line Supervisor: Construction & Trade Workers
Construction is a very in-demand job, and you can receive training through in-house programs, technical schools, and industry training centers. Because you can get in-house training, a career in construction is a great opportunity.
- What You’ll Do: You will supervise employees on your construction site.
- Median Salary: $67,820
- Job Outlook: 6% growth through 2030
- Education/Experience: Vocational training, relevant experience
Read Construction Jobs for Veterans to learn more about working in the construction industry.
19. CDL Driver/Operator
Your military service can be a powerful advantage in this industry because companies look for people who are dependable and have a background in operating heavy machinery. Therefore, veterans are a great fit.
- What You’ll Do: You will drive tractor-trailers to move goods from one location to another.
- Median Salary: $47,133
- Job Outlook: 6% growth through 2030
- Education/Experience: High school diploma, vocational training, valid CDL
To see why veterans are a great fit for jobs in the trucking industry, read Trucking Jobs: 6 Reasons Why Veterans Are a Great Fit.
20. Construction Technician
- What You’ll Do: You will complete physical labor tasks on job sites.
- Median Salary: $47,486
- Job Outlook: 6% growth through 2030
- Education/Experience: On-the-job training
21. Management Analyst
- What You’ll Do: You will look for creative ways to solve efficiency issues at your company.
- Median Salary: $87,651
- Job Outlook: 14% growth through 2030
- Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience
22. Automotive Technician/Mechanic
- What You’ll Do: Mechanics and automotive technicians complete all aspects of vehicle maintenance.
- Median Salary: $44,075
- Job Outlook: 1% growth through 2030
- Education/Experience: Associate degree in automotive field preferred, relevant certifications and experience
23. Welder
- What You’ll Do: You will cut, solder, braze, and weld metal equipment.
- Median Salary: $44,200
- Job Outlook: 8% growth through 2030
- Education/Experience: High school diploma, technical training preferred, relevant experience, certifications
24. Aircraft/Aviation Technician
- What You’ll Do: You will complete standard maintenance tasks on aircraft.
- Median Salary: $66,435
- Job Outlook: 12% growth through 2030
- Education/Experience: FAA-approved aviation maintenance technical training preferred, relevant experience (including military!)
25. Marketing Manager
- What You’ll Do: Marketing managers advertise, program and build various campaigns to bring your organization’s message to its audience.
- Median Salary: $142,168
- Job Outlook: 10% growth through 2030
- Education/Experience: Bachelor degree preferred, relevant experience
Now that you have the list of the most in-demand jobs, spread your wings! Use this list in your job search.
Are you interested in these jobs but don’t have the experience or skills listed? Don’t stress! Now you have an idea of what career paths you can take, so you can get a head start.
Follow along with G.I. Jobs as you continue your job search. We have some virtual events every month with tips and best practices to help you with your job search.
