5 Civilian Careers Perfect for Veterans

A guide to landing meaningful work that fits your next mission.

November 11, 2025

Happy Veterans Day! Shoutout to all those who served, including our very own cameraman, James, a proud Marine Corps veteran. Check out his career breakdown interview here!

This week, we’re spotlighting the best jobs for veterans and service members transitioning to civilian life that actually match your military skill set.

Whether you were the go-to problem solver, logistics guru, or crisis commander, we’ve mapped out careers that fit your strengths, average pay, and how to get started.

Let’s help you find your next mission 👇

EMSD Secretary, NYC Housing Authority: $46K-$73K (Queens, NY)

Actuary (Small Group), CVS Health: $92K-$203K (Remote)

Finding Your Path: Match Your Skills to the Right Role

After serving your country, the least the job market can do is meet you halfway.

Unfortunately, most hiring managers can’t tell the difference between a platoon leader and a project manager…but we can.

Here’s a breakdown of careers where your military experience already gives you a head start, plus what they pay and how to get your foot in the door.

If you're used to high-stakes situations and making split-second decisions:

🚨 Emergency Management Specialist / Coordinator / Director

  • What you'll do: Coordinate disaster response, develop emergency plans, and lead crisis operations. Entry-level roles (Coordinator/Specialist) focus on planning and support, while Director roles involve leading entire programs.

  • Median salary: $86,130/year

  • Highest salary recorded in our database: $140,000/year

  • What you need: Most entry-level positions (like Coordinator or Specialist) prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in emergency management, homeland security, or public administration, though relevant military experience can often substitute for formal education. To reach the director level, you’ll generally need a bachelor’s degree plus hands-on experience in areas like emergency response, disaster planning, or public administration.

If you loved the logistics side and keeping operations running smoothly:

🏗️ Moving Machine Operator or Construction Equipment Operator

  • What you'll do: Operate forklifts and other industrial trucks to move materials around warehouses, storage yards, and factories. You’ll load and unload shipments, organize inventory, and keep supply chains running efficiently. In construction environments, you’ll drive, maneuver, or control heavy equipment used to construct roads, buildings, etc.

  • Median salary: $46,620/year or $58,320/year

  • Highest salary recorded in our database: $115,000/year

  • What you need: Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Material-moving machine operators often value related work experience, while construction equipment operators typically learn on the job, through apprenticeships, or at vocational schools. Having prior experience with machinery or construction can give you a head start.

If you want to make a real difference in mental health and support fellow veterans:

🧠 Health Educator or Peer Support Specialist

  • What you'll do: Use your lived experience to guide and support others through mental‑health challenges, PTSD, or the transition to civilian life. You’ll listen, connect people with resources, co‑create recovery plans, and help them navigate the journey from crisis to coping.

  • Median salary: $63,000 

  • Highest salary recorded in our database: $97,000/year

  • What you need: Many roles call for at least a high school diploma or equivalent. A peer‑support certification or relevant credential is often required or preferred. Some employers may require a bachelor’s degree, especially for supervisory or specialized positions.

If you've got a protective instinct and understand security operations:

🔐 Security and Protective Services

  • What you'll do: Protect people, assets, and facilities; enforce laws and regulations; and manage security operations.

  • Median salary: $62,000/year

  • Highest salary recorded in our database: $220,000/year

  • What you need: Entry-level positions typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, while supervisory or management roles may require a bachelor’s degree. Depending on the facility and purpose, you may be required to pass a background check and/or hold a clearance. Armed positions may also require additional firearms certification.

If you understand systems, love troubleshooting, and prefer working with your hands:

🔧 Aircraft and Avionics Mechanic or Technician

  • What you'll do: Diagnose mechanical or electrical issues in aircraft systems, install, test, adjust, and repair components and assemblies. You’ll inspect wings, brakes, and avionics equipment, replace defective parts, use gauges and power tools to test equipment, and document your work to ensure compliance with safety standards.

  • Median salary: $79,140/year

  • Highest salary recorded in our database: $220,000/year

  • What you need: A high school diploma is often the baseline. Most roles require a certificate from a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)‑approved aviation maintenance program (or military training in the field).

Resources to Get You Started

  • SkillBridge Program: A Department of Defense program for transitioning Service members that offers employment training, internships, and apprenticeship opportunities nationwide.

  • Hire Heroes USA: A veteran employment nonprofit that offers career coaching and job search support options specifically for veterans.

  • Call of Duty Endowment (C.O.D.E.): Helps veterans find high-quality jobs by connecting them with programs and employers that value military skills.

  • FourBlock: Provides a structured program with mentorship, networking, and hands-on career training to help veterans build skills, meet employers, and confidently transition to professional roles.

  • ChatGPT Plus for Veterans: Offers service members and veterans within a year of separation free access to ChatGPT Plus, including AI tools, example prompts, and tutorials designed to help translate military skills into civilian careers and tackle real-world job transition tasks.

Wherever your next chapter takes you, we hope you find a path that brings purpose and stability. To all the veterans out there, thank you for your service!

Who says you can't have a job that pays well and makes you happy?

This week on Two Cents, we're spotlighting the top careers that check both boxes, because life's too short for Sunday scaries! Tune in on YouTube below, or on your preferred podcast platform here!

Want the full list, insights from real workers, and tips to break into each field? Read the complete guide here!

See you next week for more career tips, money moves, and transparent advice! 💚

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