16 High Paying Civilian Jobs After Military Service!
Finding a high-paying civilian career after military service is one of the top priorities for many veterans.
The good news is that your military experience—leadership, discipline, technical know-how—translates directly into civilian roles across industries like business, IT, healthcare, and skilled trades.
In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the highest paying civilian jobs after military service, show you where veterans are in demand, and explain how to make the most of your hard-earned benefits like the GI Bill to maximize your career opportunities.
Main Takeaways
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There are plenty of great paying jobs for veterans, you just have to know where to look and how to translate your military skills to the civilian workforce
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Not having a college degree isn’t a roadblock to a successful transition into the civilian world. There are plenty of high paying jobs for veterans, with or without degrees.
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You can use the benefits the military provides, like the GI Bill, to help land some of the highest paying civilian jobs after military service.
The Highest Paying Jobs for Veterans
As a veteran looking for your next career path, you’ve likely got a lot of questions. And while money isn’t something we like to make our highest priority, it definitely matters.
Fortunately, there are plenty of high-paying careers fields looking for the skills and mindset that you as a veteran bring to the table, including leadership, discipline, and integrity. But it can be tough knowing where to start looking. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released figures for some of the top careers for veterans that are also some of the top paying jobs for veterans.
Business
Jobs in the business sector lean into skills honed in the military, such as leadership, strategic planning, managing operations, data analysis, and problem solving.
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Operations Manager: Overseeing the day-to-day operations of a business, with a focus on process improvements and strategic planning.
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Data Scientist: Data analysis is a fast-growing field that usually requires at least a bachelor’s degree.
$124,590 annual mean wage
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Financial Analyst and Advisor: Study and advise businesses on investment strategies; usually requires a bachelor’s degree in business or finance.
$128,420 annual mean wage
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Project Management Specialist: You’ll plan, execute, and complete the mission projects.
$108,100 annual mean wage
Computer and IT
Computer and information technology is a high-growth industry that benefits from security-minded and detail-oriented veterans. Most usually require a bachelor’s degree in IT or related field.
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Information Security Analyst: Protect a company’s computer systems and networks.
$127,730 annual mean wage
$144,570 annual mean wage
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Computer Systems Analyst: Study and improve computer systems.
$111,960 annual mean wage
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Database Administrator: Determine the best ways for organizations to store and secure data.
$107,440 annual mean wage
Healthcare
Even if you weren’t a medic, you likely received some medical training while in service. If that stoked inside you a passion for healthcare, there are several careers that will fit your experience; most require at least a bachelor’s degree and/or specific certifications.
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Physician Assistant: PAs can examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of a physician.
$136,900 annual mean wage
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Nurse Midwife: Provide healthcare for women from family planning through prenatal care, childbirth, and postnatal care.
$128,110 annual mean wage
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Physical Therapist: Provide care to people recovering from illness or injury, helping them to recover and heal.
$102,400 annual mean wage
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Registered Nurse: If you were a nurse in the military, you already have a degree and equivalent experience to transition to civilian nursing.
$98,430 annual mean wage
Other Fields
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Commercial Pilots: While it does require additional certification, this is a high-demand field for military pilots who already have the training and discipline necessary for the job.
$142,960 annual mean wage
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Real Estate Agent: Helping people buy and sell homes can be a lucrative business for the right person in the right area. While the mean wage isn’t as high as others on this list, it has the potential for a six-figure income.
$70,970 annual mean wage
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Mechanical Engineer: Design, develop, build, and test mechanical censors and devices. Bachelor’s degree required; potentially additional licensing.
$110,080 annual mean wage
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Logistics Manager: Use your organizational and logistical skills and experience to coordinate the transportation and delivery of goods.
$104,210 annual mean wage
High Paying Jobs for Veterans Without a Degree
If you don’t have a degree, there are still plenty of options for high-paying jobs after being in the military.
You can use your GI Bill benefits for options outside of a traditional four-year college degree, such as:
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Technical schools
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Certifications
4 Tips for Landing High Paying Jobs After Military Service
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Translate your military experience to the civilian workplace.
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Look at certification programs in your field that will make you stand out amongst the other job seekers.
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Identify veteran-friendly businesses, organizations, and educational institutions
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Don’t forget about your GI Bill. It can be used for more than just traditional schooling, including trade/vocational schools, technical schools, and certificate programs.
Conclusion
Transitioning from military service to the civilian workforce can be a complicated experience but finding a high paying job after the military doesn’t have to be.
Military experience is valuable, and there are many companies who recognize and seek out veterans for their leadership skills, discipline, and mission focus.
Pair those strengths with your GI Bill benefits or certification programs, and you’ll be well-positioned to secure one of the highest paying civilian jobs after military service.
You’ve already proven yourself in service. Now it’s time to use those same strengths to build a successful, high-paying civilian career.
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FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best job to get after the military?
The best jobs after the military are positions that leverage and build upon your military experience in high-growth fields such as business, computer and information technology, healthcare, and management.
What are the best paying jobs for veterans without a college degree?
Many skilled trades like electrician, welder, and HVAC technician offer high pay without requiring a degree. Truck driving and certain roles in construction management also pay well and provide career growth.
How can I transition my military skills to a civilian resume?
Start by identifying your core competencies (leadership, logistics, operations) and matching them to civilian job descriptions. Sites like Hire Veterans offer guidance tailored for this exact purpose. Learn how to list your military experience on a resume HERE.
Do veterans get hiring preference in civilian jobs?
Yes. Many federal, state, and local employers (as well as veteran-friendly private companies) offer hiring preference or programs designed to recruit veterans.
What industries are most veteran-friendly?
Industries like defense, logistics, healthcare, law enforcement, IT, and skilled trades are often most welcoming to veterans due to the overlap with military training.
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