Military service members often leave the military as highly educated, quality professionals with an array of skills and experiences. As a result, there’s a high demand for hiring military veterans in a variety of industries, so former military personnel have many different careers for veterans to choose from. However, the best jobs for veterans also depend on your career goals, aptitudes, and the types of professions that you’re likely to enjoy.
You can find employment opportunities through several veteran job sites, including through resources offered by the VA or through your local unemployment office. Alternatively, you can find free veteran job posting sites online as you would with any other background, such as on Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, or Monster.
If you’re searching for jobs after military no degree or a profession that requires further education, here are the best jobs for military veterans.
One of the most prominent veteran recruiting companies are local police departments. Police officers provide protection and services to civilians and operate out of city, state, and federal agencies. As a police officer, your general day-to-day tasks include answering emergency calls, performing first aid, traffic management, and issuing citations.
Police officers are one of many jobs after military with no degree requirements. Qualifications generally include a GED or high school diploma and the ability to pass physical, medical, and moral requirements. Additionally, a background check is conducted and you may be required to pass a polygraph screening.
Veteran hiring is common for police departments. You can find openings for police officers on military job posting sites, general job boards, and by contacting your local department. The average pay that police officers earn is $63,280.
Another one of the best jobs for veterans is a correctional officer. Correctional officers are responsible for the supervision and safety of inmates in city, state, private, and county prisons and jails. As a correctional officer, your day-to-day tasks would include functions like activity supervision, inspections, intake and release procedures, and rule enforcement.
While this career for veterans does not require higher education, you must have a GED or high school diploma. Additionally, you must be able to meet physical and medical requirements. A background check must be passed to be hired, and you must not have any prior criminal convictions. The average pay of correctional officers is $44,400.
Security guards and drivers are another natural fit for veterans. Security organizations commonly hire military veterans for many different positions. Your role as a security guard or drive will depend on your specific role, but may include tasks such as walking the grounds of a property, assisting customers, protecting assets and vehicles, and overseeing pickups and deliveries of valuables and goods.
As another job after military no degree, you only need a high school diploma or GED to qualify. However, you must meet physical requirements. Depending on your role, those requirements may include the ability to lift heavy amounts and the ability to possess a firearm. Like many other jobs for military veterans, you will need to pass a background check, and it is common to need a clean driving record. The average wage for a security position is $28,000.
Truck driving companies commonly hire military veterans. Depending on your role in the military, you may be able to gain a necessary CDL more easily than a general applicant. However, you will need to pass fitness and medical evaluations to earn your CDL and you may be required to have a clean driving record. Truck drivers operate and maintain trucks and trailers to haul equipment, supplies, or goods to a destination. Daily tasks commonly include driving, routine maintenance, inspections, securing a load, refueling, and assisting with unloading and loading cargo. The average salary of a truck driver is $43,680 annually.
Another of the best jobs for veterans is a park ranger. Park rangers are generally responsible for providing education, enforcing park rules and laws, patrolling parks and forests, and issuing citations. They are typically employed by state or federal governments. While the position normally requires an associate’s degree, some veteran recruiting companies waive this requirement for military service. However, some states will require you to be at least 21 years old to become a park ranger and you will need to have a valid driver’s license and be able to pass a background check. Park rangers have an average annual salary of $61,410.
Rather than finding veteran recruiting companies, you could become an entrepreneur and begin your own business. This is a common choice for veterans who recently separated from the military, as the VA provides grants to veterans starting a small business. The average salary of small business owners vary considerably depending on location, industry, and other factors. However, you will not need a college degree to become a small business owner.
Health care workers offer some of the best jobs for the military and they are a natural fit. Like military service members, being a healthcare worker is one of the most selfless professions to pursue. Health care workers include doctors, nurses, and other professionals who seek to improve and save the lives of their patients. Educational requirements vary, but most require you to have some form of college education. Additionally, salaries vary between career paths. However, registered nurses have an average annual salary of $65,000, and those that specialize have the opportunity to earn even more.
Skilled tradesman is a good fit for those seeking jobs for military veterans. As a skilled tradesman, you will continue to serve your community by completing labor tasks in a chosen trade field. Tradesmen can charge varying amounts for their service based on their experience, training, and the company they work for. Some examples of skilled tradesmen include construction workers, mechanics, electricians, and plumbers. The average salaries for skilled tradesmen can vary significantly by location, chosen trade, and experience. However, average laborers earn at least $50,000 annually.