While comprising a small portion of the U.S. population, the military is a varied organization. While the culture between different branches -- and even different units -- may change, there are certain qualities the military, as a whole, endorses and espouses. When returning to civilian life, your transition may be made smoother by choosing a career that embodies military values.
Below is a list of the top 10 civilian jobs for veterans, based on similar skills and values found in the military.
Administrative Services Manager
Administrative services managers run the individuals who support a company's functioning. These tasks can be as simple as keeping the work area clean or as complex as maintaining extensive records. This job requires leadership ability, problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently.
- Average salary: $81,080
Construction Program Manager
Buildings are complicated structures, and their construction requires coordinated efforts from multiple leaders. Construction program managers don't just oversee the erecting of a single building, but ensure that multiple small projects are completed to the satisfaction of the client. Individuals in this position must have excellent organizational skills and be talented at maneuvering multiple assets in concert.
- Average median salary: $82,790
Emergency Medical Technician
Emergency medical technicians, or EMTs, are medical first responders. They have the necessary medical training to ensure that individuals are stabilized so they can be taken to a hospital. The job is very dangerous and very stressful, but it provides frequent and unique challenges.
- Average median salary: $31,020
Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers are charged with hauling cargo across the United States. Truckers must be excellent drivers, as well as possess the ability to adapt depending on changing circumstances.
- Average median salary: $38,200
Industrial Engineering Technician
Factories are more than just the machines they house; it takes an industrial engineering technician to design how the hardware can be accessed by the people who work there. They assist in the drafting of layouts to organize personnel, materials and machines effectively for a variety of locations.
- Average median salary: $50,890
Industrial Production Manager
Industrial facilities require oversight to run efficiently, and it's the job of an industrial production manager to ensure that happens. Regardless of how focused the layout of the factory is, the production manager ensures that materials reach their intended location and production goals are met.
- Average median salary: $89,910
Paralegal and Legal Assistants
Lawyers deal with a large amount of paperwork, and frequently use paralegals and legal assistants to help handle the load. Aside from dotting I's and crossing T's, these individuals also help by performing research and taking care of other tedious tasks.
- Average median salary: $46,990
Software Engineer
Software engineers are the minds that design the programs that help run our modern world. They usually take charge in designing the nuts and bolts of a program and are highly skilled. Software engineering is always changing, so prospective candidates must be willing to adapt and learn new skills as the years go by.
- Average median salary: $85,430
Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer
Modern nations are connected through phones and the internet, so telecommunications equipment installers and repairers are skilled and valuable. They work in a variety of locations and must meet the physical demands of the job.
- Average median salary: $54,530
Training and Development Manager
Training and development managers take a critical look at the operations of a given company and ensure that all employees are properly trained. Business is always changing, and professionals often need refresher courses or means of learning new information. This job requires not just leadership, but an understanding of how people process information and the wherewithal to educate effectively.
- Average median salary: $95,400
Related: Does your resume pass the 6-second test? Get a FREE assessment.
Find the Right Veteran Job
Whether you want to polish your resume, find veteran job fairs in your area or connect with employers looking to hire veterans, Military.com can help. Sign up for a free Military.com membership to have job postings, guides and advice, and more delivered directly to your inbox.
