Ending a career in the military for a career in the civilian force can be a difficult transition, especially if you do not have a college degree. Fortunately, many employers see the skills and training in the military as valuable for their organizations. You are in a much better position without a college degree than a civilian without a degree due to your unique skillset from your experience. Military service exposes you to a wide range of skills and many different roles. This could include experience in medical assistance, engineering, cyber security, leadership positions, and others. Some positions require specific licensure, but you can find programs that are just for veterans to transfer military licensure to civilian licensure. Finding the best options for you will depend on your military experience, but these are some of the best jobs that pay well for veterans with no college degree.
IT Support Representative
Salary Range: The salary range for an IT support representative is from under $32,830 to above $88,940, with a median of $52,690.
Job Growth: 9 percent (as fast as average)
Use your technical computer skills and your strength to remain calm in stressful situations as an IT support representative. Handle calls and chats from stressed computer users to help them troubleshoot their problems. You could work for a software company, a computer manufacturing company, or many different IT support firms. Answer questions and problem solve technical issues with clients. You can also do the job as remote work.
Transferable Skills:
- Technical skills
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Analysis skills
- Interpersonal skills
Air Traffic Controller
Salary Range: The salary range for an air traffic controller goes from under $72,760 to more than $184,780, with a median of $130,420.
Job Growth: 4 percent (slower than average)
While a job as an air traffic controller may be harder to find, it has a very high payoff and is an excellent use of military skills. Especially if you have Air Force experience, this could be a great way to use your experience. In this role, you can expect to coordinate air traffic at the airport, instruct pilots on any issues upon landing or takeoff, and alert emergency services. You do need to go through a training program for certification.
Transferable Skills:
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving skills
- Mathematic skills
- Organizational skills
Pilot
Salary Range: The lower portion of the salary range for a pilot is $80,920, while the top range is $208,000, with a median of $160,970.
Job Growth: 13 percent (faster than average)
If you were a pilot in the military, then take that experience directly into the civilian arena as a commercial or private pilot. Continue to use the same piloting skills you develop in the military to fly planes for civilians. Commercial airlines have programs that help you transfer your military service directly. Navigate planes of a range of sizes from different cities and countries. You can use any foreign language skills in the military to provide a bilingual customer experience.
Transferable Skills:
- Communication skills
- Act without hesitancy
- Interpersonal skills
- Flight hours
- Problem solving skills
Electrician
Salary Range: The salary range for an electrician is from less than $33,810 to over $98,720, with a median of $56,900.
Job Growth: 9 percent (as fast as average)
If you worked in the area of an electrical technician within the military, then transfer those skills into the civilian world as an electrician. Electricians diagnose electrical issues and repair issues. You can also install electrical systems and maintain upkeep. You need to have a high grasp of concepts within the field, which many military roles provide.
Transferable Skills:
- Customer relations skills
- Technical skills
- Problem solving skills
- Physical endurance
- Knowledge of electrical systems
Project Manager
Salary Range: Project managers have a median salary of $77,420.
Job Growth: 5 percent to 10 percent (as fast as average)
Many military roles require managing projects. Use the skills you learned from managing a military project to managing civilian ones as a project manager. Create plans to produce a project, allocate duties, develop timelines, coordinate workflows, and handle the details. As a project manager, you may hire people for your team and handle the finances and reporting of the project.
Transferable Skills:
- Project management software skills
- Organizational skills
- Leadership skills
- Communication skills
- Problem solving skills
Operations Manager
Salary Range: The salary range for an operations manager is from under $43,260 to more than $151,750, with a median of $115,250.
Job Growth: 9.4 percent
Use the expert logistical skills that you learn in the military to be an operations manager. Your ultimate role in this position is to get things done. Coordinate logistics for a project or business solution. Work with others to pinpoint problems and find solutions along with the logistical plan. Develop reports to provide updates and monitor progress.
Transferable Skills:
- Pro-active skills
- Organizational skills
- Conflict resolution skills
- Problem solving skills
- Leadership skills
Information Security Analyst
Salary Range: The salary range for an information security analyst goes from under $60,060 to over $163,300, with a median of $103,590.
Job Growth: 33 percent (much faster than average)
Especially if you have cyber security or a technology-focused role in the military, consider a career as an information security analyst as a civilian. As with many tech jobs, experience matters more than a formal college degree. As an information security analyst, you need to stay abreast of the latest cyber security threats and products. Develop systems to keep organizational networks free from attacks, and train users on best practices for cyber security.
Transferable Skills:
- Technical skills
- Communication skills
- Ability to stay calm in an emergency situation
- Analytical skills
- Understanding of data and privacy regulations
Aviation Mechanic
Salary Range: The salary range for an aviation mechanic is from below $38,970 to over $103,880, with a median of $66,440.
Job Growth: 11 percent (faster than average)
Mechanical expertise is a common role for many people in the military. Use your knowledge of servicing and repairing airplanes that fly in war zones in the civilian realm as an aviation mechanic. Find problems, inspect aircraft for safety standards, and provide repairs to vital aircraft.
Transferable Skills:
- Mechanical and aircraft knowledge
- Physical ability to maneuver around aircraft
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving skills
- Understanding of FAA regulations
Emergency Medical Technician
Salary Range: The salary range for an EMTs and paramedics ranges from a low of under $24,650 to over $62,150, with a median of $36,650.
Job Growth: 11 percent (faster than average)
If you acquired emergency healthcare skills in the military, then choose a job as an emergency medical technician (EMT). In this job, you need to stay cool in high-pressure emergency medical situations. As a first responder, you may need to check vital signs, initially assess the situation, and apply emergency treatment before the patient gets to a hospital. Programs exist to help you transfer your military training into civilian licensure.
Transferable Skills:
- Emergency medical training
- Communication skills
- Ability to maintain composure in emergency situations
- Interpersonal skills
- Quick decision-making skills
Police Officer
Salary Range:
Job Growth: 7 percent (as fast as average)
Transfer your passion for security and order to a career keeping people safe as a police officer. As a police officer, you patrol specific areas and develop relationships with people in the community. You respond to stressful situations, file reports on crimes, and provide testimony in court. Arresting people and issuing tickets is also a part of the job.
Transferable Skills:
- Integrity
- Leadership skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Understanding of people from different backgrounds
- Ability to stay calm in life-threatening situations
Supply Chain Manager
Salary Range: The salary range for a position as a supply chain manager is under $44,190 to over $122,580, with a median of $76,270.
Job Growth: 30 percent (much faster than average)
Utilize your logistical and coordination skills in a career as a supply chain manager. Focus on logistical challenges and keeping supply chain operations smooth. Identify procurement needs, create protocols for points along the distribution chain, determine issues in the supply chain, and interact with vendors to get all of the materials that you need at a competitive rate.
Transferable Skills:
- Analytic skills
- Teamwork skills
- Logistics planning experience
- Negotiation skills
- Organizational skills
Data Analyst
Salary Range: The salary range for a data analyst is under $48,050 to over $144,330, with a median of $86,200.
Job Growth: 25 percent (much faster than average)
If your military role included working with data, then consider a career as a data analyst. Like many tech careers, you do not need a college degree for this role. As a data analyst, you take organizational problems or concepts and apply data to provide information or solve problems. You write reports and create charts and graphs to explain data results.
Transferable Skills:
- Data visualization skills
- Programming skills
- Skills in R, Python, and other software
- Written communication skills
- Ability to meet deadlines
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common jobs for veterans?
The options for a career after military service are vast. These are some of the most common jobs fields for veterans.
- Business management
- Finance
- Business operations
- Transport
- Logistics
- Technical repair
- Administrative assistance
- Office support roles
What are good jobs for veterans with PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is unfortunately common among veterans, with up to 20 percent of veterans suffering from the disorder. Although triggers vary individually, these are some good jobs with a lower risk of triggering PTSD symptoms.
- IT support
- Data analyst
- Operations and logistical planners
- Animal care assistant
- Librarian
What are the common office jobs for veterans?
Office jobs are a common career choice for veterans. These are some of the top jobs, especially for those without a college degree.
- Medical office assistant
- Administrative assistant
- Human resources assistant
- Receptionist
- Legal assistant
- Auditing and reporting
- Office manager
Final Thoughts
Your skills and experience in the military can set you apart as a job candidate, even without a college degree. Make sure that your resume highlights the transferable skills from your time in the military into civilian employment jargon. Look for programs and organizations in your area that can help prepare you to transition into private employment.
