Best Paying Jobs for Veterans

Transitioning from military service to civilian life presents unique opportunities for veterans to leverage the skills and experiences gained during their service. Many veterans possess a wealth of transferable skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, making them ideal candidates for a variety of high-paying jobs. This blog explores the top ten jobs that offer rewarding career paths for veterans.

Commercial Pilot

• Average Salary: $148,900
• Job Description: Commercial pilots fly aircraft for various purposes, including passenger and cargo transportation.
• Responsibilities: Conducting pre-flight inspections, navigating aircraft, and ensuring passenger safety.
• Required Education: Pilots need a commercial pilot’s license and often have military flying experience, which can be supplemented with additional training.

Air Traffic Controller

• Average Salary: $132,250
• Job Description: Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of aircraft to maintain safe distances between them.
• Responsibilities: Monitoring and directing the movement of aircraft on the ground and in the air.
• Required Education: This role requires rigorous training and, although not always necessary, a bachelor’s degree can be beneficial.

Computer Systems Analyst

• Average Salary: $102,240
• Job Description: These analysts assess an organization’s computer systems and recommend changes to hardware and software to enhance efficiency.
• Responsibilities: Analyzing computer systems, developing solutions to improve operations, and implementing technology changes.
• Required Education: Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field.

Cyber Security Analyst

• Average Salary: $102,606
• Job Description: Cyber Security Analysts protect an organization’s computer systems and networks from cyber threats.
• Responsibilities: Monitoring networks for security breaches and investigating violations when they occur.
• Required Education: A bachelor’s degree in computer sciences or a related field is common, along with relevant experience.

Software Applications Developer

• Average Salary: $102,939
• Job Description: Developers create computer applications that allow users to perform specific tasks on a computer or another device.
• Responsibilities: Developing, testing, and deploying applications, as well as updating and improving existing software.
• Required Education: Usually requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a similar field.

Sales Account Representative

• Average Salary: $60,548
• Job Description: These professionals sell their company’s products or services, managing relationships with clients and customers.
• Responsibilities: Identifying customer needs, offering solutions, and closing sales.
• Required Education: Often requires a high school diploma, though a bachelor’s degree can be advantageous.

Accountant/Auditor

• Average Salary: $77,251
• Job Description: Accountants and auditors prepare and examine financial records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with laws.
• Responsibilities: Preparing financial documents, conducting audits, and advising on financial operations.
• Required Education: Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field.

Human Resources Manager

• Average Salary: $126,235
• Job Description: HR Managers oversee an organization’s administrative functions related to employment.
• Responsibilities: Managing recruitment, conducting interviews, and overseeing employee benefits programs.
• Required Education: Often requires a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or a related field.

Software Systems Developer

• Average Salary: $120,744
• Job Description: These developers design and develop software systems that form the foundation for applications.
• Responsibilities: Creating system-level software, ensuring functionality and efficiency.
• Required Education: Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field.

Logistics Manager

• Average Salary: $74,600
• Job Description: Logistics managers coordinate the supply chain operations of a company, managing the entire life cycle of a product.
• Responsibilities: Overseeing inventory, warehousing, and transportation of goods.
• Required Education: Usually requires a bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain management, or a similar field.

Final Thoughts

The transition to civilian life opens up a broad spectrum of career opportunities for veterans, many of which offer competitive salaries and the chance to continue utilizing the skills honed in the military. The jobs listed above represent just a fraction of the possibilities available. Veterans are encouraged to explore these opportunities as they transition to civilian careers, leveraging their unique skills and experiences to forge successful post-military careers.

Demographic-Specific Opportunities

• Best Paying Jobs for Women
• Best Paying Jobs for Teenagers
• Best Paying Jobs for Moms
• Best Paying Jobs for College Students
• See All High-Paying Career Opportunities By Industry

Sources

• https://careerkarma.com/blog/best-jobs-for-veterans/
• https://www.gijobs.com/best-jobs-for-veterans-2023/
• https://www.operationmilitarykids.org/best-jobs-for-veterans/

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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