Careers

Best Jobs for Army Wives

Updated on March 14, 2024
Author Frank Gogol
Written by
Frank Gogol
Author Frank Gogol
Written by
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.

See all posts Frank Gogol

Military spouses often face unique challenges in their careers due to frequent relocations and the need for flexibility. Fortunately, there are several job opportunities that cater to these needs, offering remote work, flexible hours, and career portability. Here’s a list of the top ten jobs for army wives, including job descriptions, responsibilities, average salaries, and required education where applicable.

Marriage and Family Therapist

  • Average Salary: $47,000/year
  • Job Description: Therapists in this field specialize in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate and improve their interpersonal relationships.
  • Responsibilities: Conduct therapy sessions, develop treatment plans, and provide emotional support.
  • Required Education: Master’s degree in psychology, marriage, and family therapy, or a related field, and state certification.

Pharmacist and Pharmacy Technicians

  • Average Salary: Over $100,000 for pharmacists and around $28,000 for pharmacy techs.
  • Job Description: Pharmacists dispense medications prescribed by healthcare professionals and offer advice on their safe use. Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in these tasks.
  • Responsibilities: Prepare and dispense prescriptions, manage inventory, and counsel patients on medication use.
  • Required Education: A Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree for pharmacists; high school diploma and on-the-job training or certification for pharmacy techs

Programmer

  • Average Salary: From $40,000 for beginners to over $100,000 for experienced professionals.
  • Job Description: Programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly.
  • Responsibilities: Write, test, and maintain computer programs, troubleshoot and debug programs, and collaborate with other team members.
  • Required Education: Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in computer science, information technology, or related fields.

Social Worker with Military Credential

  • Average Salary: $40,000 – $76,000/year
  • Job Description: Specialized social workers support military personnel and their families through various challenges related to military life.
  • Responsibilities: Provide counseling, develop intervention strategies, and connect clients with resources.
  • Required Education: Master’s degree in social work (MSW) and specialized military family credentia.

Special Education Teacher or Aide

  • Average Salary: Mid-$40’s/year for teachers.
  • Job Description: These educators work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities.
  • Responsibilities: Adapt general education lessons, teach various subjects, and assist students with special needs.
  • Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in special education and state certification for teachers; high school diploma or associate degree for aides.

Online Tutor

  • Average Salary: Varies based on subjects and hours worked.
  • Job Description: Online tutors provide academic assistance and personalized instruction to students over the internet.
  • Responsibilities: Prepare lesson plans, assess student progress, and adapt teaching methods to meet students’ needs.
  • Required Education: Proof of expertise, such as a degree or proficiency in the subject area.

Freelance Work

  • Average Salary: Varies widely based on the field and project.
  • Job Description: Freelancers offer their services on a project or contract basis in various fields such as writing, graphic design, and web development.
  • Responsibilities: Complete projects according to client specifications, manage time effectively, and handle multiple clients or projects.
  • Required Education: Varies based on the field, but often a portfolio or proof of skills is required.

Accountant

  • Average Salary: Varies based on experience and specific job role.
  • Job Description: Accountants prepare and examine financial records, ensuring their accuracy and that taxes are paid properly and on time.
  • Responsibilities: Maintain financial records, prepare tax returns, and perform audits.
  • Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field; CPA certification is advantageous for higher-level positions.

Event Planner

  • Average Salary: Varies based on experience and the scale of events.
  • Job Description: Event planners coordinate all aspects of professional meetings and events. They choose meeting locations, arrange transportation, and coordinate other details.
  • Responsibilities: Plan event details, coordinate with vendors, and manage event budgets.
  • Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, marketing, business, or related fields is often preferred.

Virtual Assistant

  • Average Salary: At least $40,000/year, potentially more based on skills and experience.
  • Job Description: Virtual assistants provide administrative support to businesses or entrepreneurs from a remote location.
  • Responsibilities: Handle emails, schedule appointments, manage databases, and perform other administrative tasks- Required Education: High school diploma; specialized training or experience in administrative tasks may be beneficial.

Final Thoughts

For army wives navigating the unique challenges of military life, finding the right career can offer stability, flexibility, and fulfillment. The jobs listed here are not only well-suited to the nomadic lifestyle that comes with being part of a military family but also offer opportunities for growth, learning, and contributing meaningfully to various fields. Whether you’re interested in health care, education, technology, or administrative support, there’s a wide range of options that can accommodate the dynamic needs of military spouses.

As you consider these career paths, remember the importance of leveraging available resources, such as military spouse employment programs and networks, to aid in your job search. With the right approach and support, you can find a rewarding career that moves with you.

Other Jobs in Demographic-Specific Opportunities

Sources

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
I agree to have my personal information transfered to MailChimp ( more information )
Join over 100,000 visitors who are receiving our newsletter and learn more about finance, immigration, and more!
We hate spam. Your email address will not be sold or shared with anyone else.
Author Frank Gogol

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.
See author's posts

Get the Checklist