16 Top Jobs for Ex-Military Without a Degree!

You don’t need a college degree to land a high-paying civilian job after the military. In fact, your leadership, technical, and problem-solving skills are in high demand across industries like logistics, skilled trades, and law enforcement.

This guide breaks down 16 of the best jobs for ex-military without a degree—and how to start strong in each career path. 

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Main Takeaways

• Many of the best jobs for veterans without degrees offer strong pay, job security, and hands-on work that builds on military experience. 

• Employers value veterans’ leadership, discipline, and technical skills, especially in trades, logistics, tech, and healthcare. 

• Veterans looking for jobs after military with no degree can transition into roles like security officer, electrician apprentice, or supply chain technician. 

• Some of the most popular low stress jobs for veterans include maintenance technician, electrician, and remote customer service roles. 

Skilled Trades That Value Military Experience

Military experience provides an exceptional foundation for success in skilled trades. Your discipline, technical aptitude, and ability to follow precise protocols make you particularly valuable in these high-demand fields. Additionally, you can use the GI Bill for Trade Schools and Certifications. 

HVAC Technician

The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry actively recruits veterans for their mechanical skills, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure. 

This field offers solid pay and growth potential with no college degree required. Most technicians enter the field with a postsecondary non-degree certificate and gain expertise through long-term on-the-job training. 

Training & Transition Benefits: 

• Community colleges, trade schools, and apprenticeships available 

• GI Bill can cover tuition and training 

• Work environment offers physical and technical engagement similar to military service 

Career Outlook: 

• 2024 Median Pay: $59,810 per year or $28.75 per hour 

• Job Outlook (2023–2033): 9% growth (much faster than average) 

• Top Earners: $91,020 

Electrician

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and factories. This career path offers exceptional stability and earning potential without requiring a four-year degree. 

Training typically involves a 4–5-year apprenticeship, though military electrical experience may reduce this time frame. Apprentices earn while they learn, typically making $10.00 to $20.00 per hour during training. Additionally, most electrical apprenticeships cost between $250-$1,420 annually, which can be covered by your GI Bill benefits. 

Career Outlook: 

• 2024 Median salary: $62,350   

• Job Outlook (2023-2033): 6% growth (faster than many other industries) 

• Top earners: $106,030 

Pro Tip: The Veteran's Electrical Entry Program (VEEP) helps military personnel transition directly into electrical careers through tailored pre-apprenticeships. 

Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy equipment operators handle machinery like bulldozers, backhoes, cranes, and forklifts across various construction projects.  

This role particularly suits veterans with mechanical aptitude and experience from military equipment operations. 

Responsibilities include operating equipment for construction of buildings and roadways, performing maintenance, reading blueprints, and sometimes supporting disaster relief operations.  

Career Outlook:

• 2024 Median salary: $58,320 per year or $28.04 per hour 

• Job Outlook (2023-2033): 4% growth (as fast as average) 

• Top earners: $99,930 

Welder

Welding offers excellent opportunities for those who enjoy hands-on work and problem-solving. As a welder, you'll join metal pieces in industries ranging from automotive to construction and manufacturing. 

Wages vary depending on experience, industry, and employer size, with higher averages in specialty trade contractors ($57,310) and repair and maintenance ($53,300).  

Most of these workers are employed full-time, often on rotating shifts that may include evenings and weekends to support continuous production. 

Career Outlook:

• 2024 Median salary: $51,000 per year or $24.52 per hour 

• Job Outlook (2023-2033): 2% growth (slower than average) 

• Top earners: $75,850 

Security and Law Enforcement Careers

Your military background perfectly positions you for success in security and law enforcement careers, where employers actively seek the discipline, tactical training, and leadership skills you've already mastered. 

Private Security Officer

Private security companies actively recruit veterans, recognizing the unique qualifications your service provides.  

Companies like Allied Universal and G4S offer competitive positions that leverage your military training in asset protection, security detail, and consulting services. 

Career Outlook: 

• 2024 Median salary: $38,390 per year or $18.46 per hour 

• Job Outlook (2023-2033): 2% (slower than average) 

• Top earners: $59,580 

Police Officer

Law enforcement agencies nationwide recognize how your service prepares you for police work. The COPS Office (Community Oriented Policing Services) has supported veteran hiring through special programs since 2012. 

Veterans receive additional consideration in many police department hiring processes. The Los Angeles Police Department, for instance, offers veterans up to 5 points added to interview scores, potentially giving you a significant advantage. 

Career Outlook:

• 2024 Median salary: $77,270 per year or $37.15 per hour 

• Job Outlook (2023-2033): 4% growth (as fast as average) 

• Top earners: $120,460 

Customs and Border Protection

CBP presents exceptional opportunities for those seeking federal careers without degree requirements. Approximately one-third of CBP's workforce consists of veterans, creating a familiar culture that values your military background. 

CBP offers several hiring paths specifically for veterans: 

• Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (VRA) allowing qualified veterans to bypass competitive hiring 

• 30 Percent or More Disabled veteran hiring authority 

• Military service credit toward retirement 

• Medical reciprocity that may expedite hiring by accepting recent military medical exams 

Career Outlook: 

• 2024 Median salary: $72,280 

• Job Outlook (2023-2033): 4% growth (as fast as average) 

• Top earners: $113,460 

Federal Law Enforcement Agent

Federal agencies like the FBI, Secret Service, and ICE actively recruit ex-military for specialized roles. The FBI employs veterans in security and surveillance specialist positions, working alongside special agents to protect national security. 

Veterans comprise about one-third of Immigration and Customs Enforcement's workforce, with opportunities in Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). 

Most federal law enforcement positions offer veteran preference in hiring, with three tiers based on your service history and disability status. The highest level, 10-point preference, is reserved for veterans with service-connected disabilities and Purple Heart recipients. 

Career Outlook: 

• 2024 Median salary: $65,642   

• Job Outlook (2023-2033): 2.3% growth (slower than average) 

• Top earners: $104,500 

Logistics and Operations Jobs

The logistics expertise you developed in the military creates natural pathways to civilian careers where organization, precision, and cool-headed problem-solving are prized. These roles often pay well and welcome veterans without degrees. 

Truck Driver

Truck driving represents an excellent transition opportunity with lower barriers to entry than many other careers. Veterans frequently excel in this field due to their mental stamina and ability to maintain focus during long shifts. 

For those with experience driving large vehicles, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration offers a Military CDL Waiver program, allowing you to bypass the skills test requirement if applied for within one year of discharge.  

Even without prior experience, numerous companies offer paid training programs specifically for veterans. 

Career Outlook: 

• 2024 Median salary: $57,440 per year or $27.62 per hour 

• Job Outlook (2023-2033): 5% growth (as fast as average) 

• Top earners: $78,800 

Logistician

Logisticians manage the movement of goods by coordinating ordering, transportation, tracking, receiving, and inventory control. Their goal is to ensure that materials and products flow efficiently through the supply chain. 

Veterans with military logistics experience are especially well-suited for this role. Your background in managing complex supply operations, adapting under pressure, and leading teams directly translates to civilian logistics and supply chain environments. 

Career Outlook: 

• 2024 Median salary: $80,880 per year or $38.89 per hour 

• Job Outlook (2023-2033): 19% growth (much faster than average) 

• Top earners: $132,110 

Tech Jobs You Can Start Without a Degree

Tech industry leaders actively seek veterans for high-paying roles that don't require degrees, recognizing the value of your military-honed skills in today's digital landscape. 

Cybersecurity Technician

The cybersecurity industry faces a massive talent shortage, with 3.5 million unfilled jobs expected this year. For those with experience protecting critical information, this field offers exceptional opportunities. 

As a cybersecurity technician, you'll protect important data from cyber criminals and maintain security systems. Although many positions traditionally require degrees, industry growth has created pathways for candidates with relevant military experience and certifications.  

Career Outlook:

• 2024 Median salary: $124,910 per year or $60.05 per hour 

• Job Outlook (2023-2033): 33% growth (much faster than average) 

• Top earners: $186,420 

IT Support Specialist

Those with experience in military communications, network support, or computer systems bring valuable, transferable skills to IT roles. The VA actively hires IT professionals to support technologies ranging from biomedical systems to facility-wide information networks. 

Employers also value leadership, problem-solving under pressure, and strong security awareness, key assets in today’s tech-driven environment. 

Career Outlook: 

• 2024 Median salary: $61,550 per year or $29.59 per hour 

• Job Outlook (2023-2033): 6% growth (faster than average) 

• Top earners: $124,470 

Data Analyst

Data analysts collect and interpret information to help organizations make informed decisions, a strong fit for veterans who enjoy problem-solving.  

Roles are available across business, finance, government, and more. Core tasks include cleaning data, identifying solutions, and presenting insights.  

Programs like Career Forward, backed by Google.org and Hiring Our Heroes, offer veterans fast-track certifications that lead to competitive, often remote, job opportunities. 

Career Outlook: 

• 2024 Median salary: $91,290 per year or $43.89 per hour 

• Job Outlook (2023-2033): 23% growth (much faster than average) 

• Top earners: $159,280 

Healthcare and Emergency Services Roles

Healthcare roles offer exceptional opportunities for those with medical experience gained during service. These positions value your ability to perform under pressure and provide critical care in challenging environments. 

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)

You can use your GI Bill benefits to pursue non–college degree programs, including training to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). This makes EMT training a practical option for veterans seeking a rewarding healthcare career without a college degree. 

EMTs provide emergency medical care, assist with patient assessment, stabilize patients, and transport them to medical facilities. The VA and many other healthcare providers actively hire EMTs across a wide range of emergency and clinical services. 

Most EMT roles require a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of EMT certification. 

Career Outlook: 

• 2024 Median salary: $46,350 per year or $22.28 per hour 

• Job Outlook (2023-2033): 6% growth (faster than average) 

• Top earners: $60,780 

Radiologic Technologist

Radiologic technologists perform essential diagnostic imaging, including X-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, ultrasounds, and nuclear medicine, an ideal path for veterans with military imaging experience. 

The VA offers strong opportunities in this field, featuring modern equipment, updated facilities, and a focus on training and internal promotion. 

Career Outlook: 

• 2024 Median salary: $78,980 per year or $37.97 per hour 

• Job Outlook (2023-2033): 6% growth (faster than average) 

• Top earners: $121,420 

Physical Therapy Assistant

Physical therapy assistants help patients regain mobility and manage pain after injury or illness. Duties include tracking progress, teaching recovery techniques, assisting with treatment plans, and performing interventions like ultrasound, massage, and electrotherapy. 

Some roles may also involve administrative tasks such as billing and coding. Most positions require an associate degree and state license, and a military medical background is an asset to employers. 

Career Outlook: 

• 2024 Median salary: $65,510 

• Job Outlook (2023-2033): 19% growth (much faster than average) 

• Top earners: $87,630 

Conclusion

Leaving the military doesn’t mean starting over. Your experience, discipline, leadership, and technical skills are exactly what many employers need. 

Several high paying jobs for veterans with no degree include commercial truck driving, utility work, and federal positions like Intermediate Care Technician. These fields offer strong pay, stability, and room to grow. 

Veterans are valued for their reliability and performance under pressure, and many organizations actively recruit former service members.  

If you’re unsure about your next step, start with roles that align with your experience and interests; your background already gives you a competitive edge. 

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions

What civilian jobs pay the most without a college degree?

Specialized welding, cybersecurity, procurement, truck driving, and heavy equipment operation are top-paying careers for veterans without a degree. 

Do I need certifications or licenses for these jobs?

Many jobs require short-term certifications or apprenticeships. The GI Bill and veteran-specific programs often cover these costs. 

Can I use my VA education benefits for trade schools or certifications?

Yes! The GI Bill can be used for trade schools, apprenticeships, CDL training, and tech certifications like CompTIA or Google Data Analytics. 

What jobs are best for medically retired veterans or those with disabilities?

Remote roles like IT support, cybersecurity, data analytics, or administrative support often provide flexible hours and accommodations. See also: 8 Great Remote Jobs for Veterans