25 High Paying Jobs for Veterans: No Degree, $100K+, & More

What You’ll Learn

Military service can prepare you for more civilian careers than you might realize. Your leadership, technical training, and hands-on experience can translate into valuable civilian job qualifications—and federal hiring programs and security clearance eligibility may open doors to even more opportunities.

The challenge is identifying where your experience fits and what additional credentials you may need. Below, explore high-paying jobs for military veterans, salaries and entry requirements, no-degree options, federal and defense careers, and resources to support your transition.

High-Paying Jobs for Veterans at a Glance

The highest-paying jobs for veterans on our list include airline pilot, federal account manager, and purchasing manager, with average annual salaries above $150,000. Other options may offer a strong fit for veterans by building on military experience, technical skills, leadership, or specialized training.

Here’s a snapshot of 25 high-paying jobs for veterans:

What Makes a Job a Good Fit for Veterans?

The best jobs for veterans provide clear ways to apply military training, technical expertise, operational experience, or leadership responsibilities in the civilian workforce. For some veterans, that means moving into a role aligned with their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), Navy or Coast Guard rating, or Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC).

Others may benefit from eligible veterans’ preference, special federal hiring authorities, or a previous security clearance determination that a new agency may recognize through reciprocity. These advantages vary and don’t guarantee employment or access to classified information.

How We Evaluated the Jobs on This List

We selected roles where veterans can apply transferable military skills, training, and experience, then reviewed typical education, licensing, experience, and security clearance requirements. We use “high-paying” broadly to describe civilian careers with strong earning potential, particularly when military experience, specialized training, or industry credentials can help veterans qualify for them.

Salaries vary by occupation, experience, location, and employer, but we share national average annual wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Profiles, using the closest BLS occupation when an exact job title match wasn’t available.

Requirements vary by employer and sector. Security clearances are more common in federal, defense, intelligence, and government contractor roles and may give veterans with an active or recent clearance an advantage.

25 High-Paying Jobs for Veterans

High-paying jobs for veterans span technology, government, healthcare, aviation, logistics, skilled trades, engineering, and management. Many of these careers build directly on military training and experience, while others offer clear pathways through additional education, licensing, or certification.

Cybersecurity & IT Jobs

Veterans with experience in military communications, networks, cybersecurity, intelligence, or technical systems may be especially well positioned for these high-paying IT careers.

• 1.

  Information Security Analyst

  Information security analysts protect computer networks and systems from cyber threats, making this a strong fit for veterans with experience in cybersecurity, communications, or intelligence.

  • Average annual salary: $132,510
  • Education and training requirements: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is typical. Related IT experience is often expected, and security certifications may be preferred or required.
  • Relevant military skills, experience, or background: Cybersecurity, threat monitoring, incident response, risk assessment, access control, and secure networks
  • Security clearance requirements: A Secret, Top Secret, or Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance may be required, particularly for federal or defense roles.
• 2.

  Network Systems Administrator

  Network systems administrators maintain an organization’s networks and computer systems, giving veterans with military IT, communications, or systems administration experience a direct path into the field.

  • Average annual salary: $103,680
  • Education and training requirements: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is typical, although some employers accept a postsecondary certificate or associate degree. Vendor certifications may also be required.
  • Relevant military skills, experience, or background: Network administration, servers, communications systems, cybersecurity, troubleshooting, and system uptime and readiness
  • Security clearance requirements: A Secret or Top Secret clearance may be required, depending on the employer and assignment.
• 3.

  Software Developer

  Software developers design and build applications and computer systems, making the role a strong option for veterans with programming, cyber, systems, or technical engineering experience.

  • Average annual salary: $148,100
  • Education and training requirements: A bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field, such as engineering or mathematics, is typical. Strong programming skills are essential.
  • Relevant military skills, experience, or background: Programming, systems engineering, automation, testing, cybersecurity, and technical problem-solving
  • Security clearance requirements: A Secret, Top Secret, or TS/SCI clearance may be required for some defense or federal contracting positions.

Government Contracting, Sales, & Consulting Jobs

Military knowledge of federal operations, procurement, intelligence, technical equipment, and mission requirements can translate well to government, defense, consulting, and sales roles.

• 1.

  Federal Account Manager

  Federal account managers develop and manage relationships with government customers, allowing veterans to apply their knowledge of federal agencies, procurement processes, mission requirements, and technical products.

  • Average annual salary: $164,350
  • Education and training requirements: A bachelor’s degree is typical, although some employers accept a high school diploma. Several years of experience in sales, account management, business development, purchasing, or a related field is commonly required.
  • Relevant military skills, experience, or background: Federal acquisition and procurement, government operations, technical product knowledge, relationship management, briefings, negotiation, and leadership
  • Security clearance requirements: Not typically required, although a clearance may be beneficial when working with certain defense or national security accounts
• 2.

  Intelligence Analyst

  Intelligence analysts collect and evaluate information to identify threats and support decision-making, making military intelligence experience one of the most directly transferable backgrounds for this career.

  • Average annual salary: $99,430
  • Education and training requirements: Requirements vary by employer. Federal intelligence analyst positions commonly require a bachelor’s degree or qualifying experience, along with a rigorous background investigation.
  • Relevant military skills, experience, or background: Intelligence collection and analysis, briefing, threat assessment, geospatial and open-source analysis, and classified information handling
  • Security clearance requirements: A high-level clearance is required for many federal intelligence positions, often Top Secret or TS/SCI. Private-sector requirements vary.
• 3.

  Procurement Specialist

  Procurement specialists purchase goods and services for organizations, making this role a natural transition for veterans with experience in military logistics, supply, acquisition, or contracting.

  • Average annual salary: $83,770
  • Education and training requirements: A bachelor’s degree is typical, although some employers accept a high school diploma. Procurement or supply chain certifications may strengthen your qualifications.
  • Relevant military skills, experience, or background: Procurement, contracting, vendor management, logistics, budgeting, acquisition regulations, and negotiation
  • Security clearance requirements: Not typically required, although an existing clearance may be beneficial for some federal or defense positions
• 4.

  Technical Sales Representative

  Technical sales representatives sell complex technical or scientific products, giving veterans an opportunity to combine firsthand equipment knowledge with communication, briefing, and relationship management skills.

  • Average annual salary: $119,730
  • Education and training requirements: Requirements vary, but a bachelor’s degree is common for selling technical or scientific products that require specialized knowledge. Employers often provide additional sales training.
  • Relevant military skills, experience, or background: Technical product knowledge, briefings, relationship management, mission requirements, equipment expertise, and negotiation
  • Security clearance requirements: Not typically required, although a clearance may be beneficial for some defense sales positions

Healthcare, Emergency Response, & Law Enforcement Jobs

Veterans with medical, emergency response, security, investigative, or operational backgrounds can carry many of those skills directly into civilian healthcare and public safety careers.

• 1.

  Federal Law Enforcement Agent

  Federal law enforcement agents investigate federal crimes and protect national interests, making the field a strong fit for veterans with investigative, intelligence, security, or operational experience.

  • Average annual salary: $99,430
  • Education and training requirements: Requirements vary by agency. Many special agent positions require a bachelor’s degree and qualifying professional or law enforcement experience, plus citizenship, age, medical and fitness standards, a background investigation, and federal academy training.
  • Relevant military skills, experience, or background: Investigations, intelligence, surveillance, interviewing, firearms, report writing, and protective operations
  • Security clearance requirements: Requirements vary by agency. A Top Secret clearance may be required for positions involving intelligence or national security.
• 2.

  Firefighter

  Firefighters respond to fires, medical emergencies, and other hazardous situations, making military emergency-response experience, physical readiness, and teamwork highly transferable.

  • Average annual salary: $63,630
  • Education and training requirements: A high school diploma is typically required, along with emergency medical and firefighter academy training. Many firefighters also need Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification, with specific requirements varying by department.
  • Relevant military skills, experience, or background: Emergency response, physical fitness, incident command, teamwork, hazardous-environment operations, and first aid
  • Security clearance requirements: Not typically required
• 3.

  Registered Nurse

  Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care, making nursing a direct transition for military nurses and a potential pathway for medics and corpsmen with relevant clinical experience.

  • Average annual salary: $101,420
  • Education and training requirements: You must complete an approved nursing program, such as an associate degree in nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or nursing diploma, and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain state licensure. Some employers prefer a BSN.
  • Relevant military skills, experience, or background: Patient care, triage, medication administration, emergency response, leadership, and clinical documentation
  • Security clearance requirements: Not typically required

Logistics, Supply Chain, & Transportation Jobs

Military experience coordinating personnel, equipment, transportation, aviation, inventory, and complex supply operations can provide a strong foundation for these careers.

• 1.

  Airline Pilot

  Airline pilots fly and navigate passenger and cargo aircraft, giving experienced military pilots a particularly direct route into a high-paying civilian aviation career.

  • Average annual salary: $288,650
  • Education and training requirements: Airline pilots typically need Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and ratings, as well as substantial flight experience. Airlines may also require or prefer a bachelor’s degree, while military flight experience can count toward certain FAA experience requirements.
  • Relevant military skills, experience, or background: Military flight experience, aviation safety, crew coordination, navigation, emergency procedures, and aircraft systems
  • Security clearance requirements: Not typically required
• 2.

  Air Traffic Controller

  Air traffic controllers coordinate aircraft movements and maintain safe distances between planes, making the role an especially strong fit for veterans with qualifying military air traffic control experience.

  • Average annual salary: $146,490
  • Education and training requirements: FAA requirements vary by hiring pathway. Entry-level applicants generally must be U.S. citizens, meet age requirements, pass medical and security screenings and the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA), and have qualifying work experience, education, or a combination of both. FAA Academy and facility training follow, while experienced military controllers may qualify through a separate pathway.
  • Relevant military skills, experience, or background: Air traffic control, radar, radio communication, rapid decision-making, situational awareness, and aviation procedures
  • Security clearance requirements: A standard national security clearance isn’t typically required, but FAA security screening and a background investigation are required.
• 3.

  Logistician

  Logisticians analyze and coordinate supply chains, making military logistics experience highly transferable to managing equipment, inventory, transportation, and deployments.

  • Average annual salary: $89,730
  • Education and training requirements: A bachelor’s degree is typically required, though some employers may accept a lower level of education with substantial relevant experience. Logistics or supply chain credentials can also help.
  • Relevant military skills, experience, or background: Supply chain operations, inventory, transportation, deployment planning, warehousing, procurement, and readiness.
  • Security clearance requirements: A Secret or Top Secret clearance may be required for some federal or defense positions.
• 4.

  Purchasing Manager

  Purchasing managers oversee an organization’s procurement activities, making the role a strong fit for veterans with senior-level military experience in logistics, acquisition, contracting, or supply operations.

  • Average annual salary: $156,360
  • Education and training requirements: A bachelor’s degree is typical, and purchasing managers generally need five years or more of related purchasing or procurement experience.
  • Relevant military skills, experience, or background: Procurement, acquisition, vendor management, negotiation, budgeting, supply chain operations, and leadership
  • Security clearance requirements: Not typically required, although an existing clearance may be beneficial for federal or defense procurement roles.
• 5.

  Supply Chain Director

  Supply chain directors oversee the movement, storage, and distribution of goods, allowing veterans with transportation, warehouse, fleet, or deployment logistics experience to apply many of the same skills in civilian operations.

  • Average annual salary: $121,600
  • Education and training requirements: A high school diploma is typically sufficient for entry into the corresponding BLS occupation, although some employers may prefer or require a bachelor’s degree. Five years or more of related work experience is typically needed, and licensing or certification requirements vary by industry.
  • Relevant military skills, experience, or background: Fleet operations, transportation planning, warehousing, distribution, scheduling, personnel leadership, and safety
  • Security clearance requirements: Not typically required, although an existing clearance may be beneficial for some federal or defense logistics roles

Skilled Trades, Technical, & Engineering Jobs

Veterans with hands-on experience maintaining aircraft, electrical systems, machinery, utilities, facilities, or other technical equipment may already have many of the skills these careers require.

• 1.

  Aerospace Engineer

  Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft and spacecraft, making military aviation and aerospace experience valuable for understanding complex systems, mission requirements, safety, and defense environments.

  • Average annual salary: $142,060
  • Education and training requirements: A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or another related engineering field is typically required. A Professional Engineer license may be useful for some career paths.
  • Relevant military skills, experience, or background: Aircraft and space systems, propulsion, avionics, systems engineering, testing, safety, and technical documentation
  • Security clearance requirements: A Secret or Top Secret clearance may be required for work involving classified national defense projects.
• 2.

  Aircraft Maintenance Technician

  Aircraft maintenance technicians inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft, making this one of the strongest technical transitions for veterans who have serviced military aircraft or avionics systems.

  • Average annual salary: $84,740
  • Education and training requirements: Postsecondary training through an FAA-approved aviation maintenance program is a common route, although qualifying military or on-the-job experience may also meet FAA eligibility requirements. FAA mechanic certification and the appropriate ratings are commonly required for unsupervised maintenance work.
  • Relevant military skills, experience, or background: Aircraft maintenance, avionics, diagnostics, inspections, technical manuals, safety, and preventive maintenance
  • Security clearance requirements: A Secret or Top Secret clearance may be required for certain defense contractor positions.
• 3.

  Electrician

  Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems, making military electrical and facilities-maintenance experience a strong technical foundation for the trade.

  • Average annual salary: $71,490
  • Education and training requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent is typical, and most electricians complete a four- or five-year apprenticeship. Most states require electricians to be licensed.
  • Relevant military skills, experience, or background: Electrical systems, wiring, generators, troubleshooting, safety, schematics, and facilities maintenance
  • Security clearance requirements: Not typically required
• 4.

  HVAC Technician

  HVAC technicians install and repair heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems, making the field a good fit for veterans with mechanical, electrical, refrigeration, or facilities-maintenance experience.

  • Average annual salary: $64,780
  • Education and training requirements: Postsecondary HVAC training is typical and generally lasts from six months to two years, followed by substantial on-the-job training. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification is required for technicians who handle regulated refrigerants, and state or local licensing requirements may also apply.
  • Relevant military skills, experience, or background: Heating and cooling systems, refrigeration, electrical systems, mechanical troubleshooting, facilities maintenance, preventive maintenance, and safety
  • Security clearance requirements: Not typically required
• 5.

  Mechanical Engineer

  Mechanical engineers design, develop, and test mechanical systems and equipment, making the career a strong fit for veterans with engineering experience involving vehicles, machinery, weapons systems, testing, or reliability.

  • Average annual salary: $113,610
  • Education and training requirements: A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology is typically required. A Professional Engineer license may be useful or required for certain positions.
  • Relevant military skills, experience, or background: Mechanical systems, vehicles, weapons systems, maintenance, testing, computer-aided design (CAD), reliability, and troubleshooting
  • Security clearance requirements: A Secret or Top Secret clearance may be required for some defense projects.
• 6.

  Pipe Fitter

  Pipe fitters install and repair piping systems, making military experience with utilities, plumbing, welding, shipboard engineering, or facilities maintenance directly relevant to the trade.

  • Average annual salary: $71,010
  • Education and training requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent is typical, followed by a four- or five-year apprenticeship. Vocational training may help, and licensing requirements vary by state and locality.
  • Relevant military skills, experience, or background: Plumbing and piping systems, shipboard systems, welding, blueprint reading, utilities, damage control, preventive maintenance, and safety
  • Security clearance requirements: Not typically required
• 7.

  Power Plant Operator

  Power plant operators control and maintain equipment that generates electricity, making the role particularly relevant to veterans with backgrounds in nuclear propulsion, utilities, engineering, and mechanical or electrical specialties.

  • Average annual salary: $104,660
  • Education and training requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent is typical, followed by extensive long-term on-the-job training. Nuclear reactor operators must obtain a license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and some employers prefer postsecondary technical education.
  • Relevant military skills, experience, or background: Power generation, electrical and mechanical systems, control rooms, safety, emergency procedures, monitoring, and shift operations
  • Security clearance requirements: A standard federal security clearance isn’t typically required. Nuclear facilities have separate background screening and access authorization requirements.

Business, Management, & Professional Services Jobs

Military leadership, project planning, personnel management, budgeting, logistics, and operational decision-making can transfer well to management and professional services roles.

• 1.

  Construction Manager

  Construction managers plan and oversee construction projects, making military construction and engineering leadership experience valuable for managing crews, contractors, schedules, budgets, safety, and logistics.

  • Average annual salary: $124,360
  • Education and training requirements: A bachelor’s degree in construction, business, engineering, or a related field is typical. Substantial construction experience is also important, and some experienced workers advance into management without a degree.
  • Relevant military skills, experience, or background: Project planning, construction operations, budgeting, scheduling, personnel leadership, safety, and contractor oversight
  • Security clearance requirements: Not typically required, although an existing clearance may be beneficial for some federal or defense construction projects
• 2.

  Operations Manager

  Operations managers oversee an organization’s daily activities and resources, allowing veterans to apply military experience managing people, schedules, budgets, logistics, risk, and mission execution.

  • Average annual salary: $134,940
  • Education and training requirements: Requirements vary widely by industry, but a bachelor’s degree and several years of related experience are common for many operations management positions.
  • Relevant military skills, experience, or background: Operations leadership, personnel management, planning, budgeting, logistics, process improvement, and risk management
  • Security clearance requirements: Not typically required, although an existing clearance may be beneficial for some federal or defense operations roles
• 3.

  Project Manager

  Project managers coordinate budgets, schedules, teams, and resources to complete projects, closely matching the planning and execution responsibilities many military leaders already handle.

  • Average annual salary: $110,740
  • Education and training requirements: A bachelor’s degree is typically required. Employers may prefer related industry experience, and certifications such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) credential can strengthen your qualifications.
  • Relevant military skills, experience, or background: Project planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, cross-functional leadership, and stakeholder communication
  • Security clearance requirements: A Secret or Top Secret clearance may be required for some federal or defense projects

High-Paying Jobs for Veterans With No Degree

High-paying jobs for veterans without a degree include air traffic controller, supply chain director, power plant operator, and more. Many roles require specialized training, career certifications, licensing, or relevant work experience rather than a bachelor’s degree. Exact education, licensing, and certification requirements vary by employer and location, so check the job posting before applying.

Compare the typical entry requirements for each career:

Job	Typical Entry Requirements
Air traffic controller	Work experience, education, or a combination of both can qualify you. Experienced military controllers may qualify through a separate FAA pathway.
Supply chain director	A high school diploma is the typical entry-level education for the corresponding BLS occupation, but you’ll generally need five or more years of related experience. Some employers require a bachelor’s degree.
Power plant operator	You’ll need a high school diploma plus extensive on-the-job training. Nuclear reactor operators also need an NRC license.
Aircraft maintenance technician	FAA-approved maintenance training or qualifying military or civilian maintenance experience is needed, followed by required FAA certification.
Electrician	A high school diploma plus a four- or five-year apprenticeship is needed, and most states also require licensing.
Pipe fitter	A high school diploma plus a four- or five-year apprenticeship is needed, and licensing requirements vary by location.
Computer support specialist	Requirements vary. Some roles accept a high school diploma plus relevant IT training, experience, or certifications, while others prefer some college or an associate degree.
HVAC technician	Postsecondary technical training, typically lasting six months to two years, is required. EPA certification is also required if you work with regulated refrigerants.
Firefighter	A high school diploma, firefighter academy training, and emergency medical training are required, and many departments also require EMT certification.

Federal & Government Jobs for Veterans: How to Find & Apply for Roles

Federal and government career paths for veterans include working directly for a federal agency or for a private defense contractor. Federal jobs may offer Veterans’ Preference and other veteran hiring authorities, while defense contractors often seek candidates with military experience, technical skills, and security clearances. The hiring process, benefits, and employment structure differ between the two.

Federal Government Jobs

Federal agencies hire veterans for careers in law enforcement, intelligence, cybersecurity, logistics, healthcare, administration, engineering, and more. You can search and apply for most federal government jobs through USAJOBS.

You may also qualify for Veterans’ Preference, which gives eligible veterans preference during certain competitive federal hiring processes. Depending on your eligibility, you may receive five or 10 preference points.

When applying for federal jobs:

Defense Contractor Jobs

Defense contractors are private companies that support federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense. Because you’re employed by the company rather than the federal government, federal hiring rules and Veterans’ Preference generally don’t apply.

Defense contracting can be especially relevant if you have experience in:

• Cybersecurity and information technology
• Intelligence and national security
• Aerospace and aviation
• Engineering and technical operations
• Logistics and supply chain operations
• Project and program management

An active or recently held security clearance can give you an advantage for cleared roles, including specialized technical positions that may offer higher salaries. You may also find high-paying overseas jobs for veterans with defense contractors supporting U.S. military and government operations abroad.

How a Security Clearance Can Help Your Civilian Career & Salary

If you leave the military with security clearance eligibility, you can be a stronger candidate for civilian jobs that handle classified information. Employers can’t simply hire any qualified applicant into these roles, which can make candidates who already hold a current clearance particularly valuable.

A current or recently held clearance can benefit your civilian job search by:

Your clearance status can change after you leave military service, and you can’t apply for or renew a security clearance on your own. A federal agency or cleared employer must sponsor you for a position that requires access to classified information.

Programs That Can Help You Transition From Military to Civilian Work

Several federal and employer programs can help you build civilian skills, earn credentials, and gain work experience during or after your transition from military service, including the Department of War (DoW) SkillBridge, GI Bill benefits, Veteran Readiness and Employment through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP), and employer veteran programs.

Explore programs that can support your transition:

How to Turn Your Military Experience Into Civilian Job Qualifications

To turn your military experience into civilian job qualifications, translate your skills, responsibilities, accomplishments, training, and credentials into terms employers recognize on your military-to-civilian resume and during a job interview as a veteran.

As you apply:

• 

  Translate military terminology in application materials. Replace military-specific titles, acronyms, and jargon with civilian language employers will understand. For example, describe leading a unit in terms of team leadership, operations, training, or personnel management.

• 

  Match your experience to the job. Identify the skills and requirements in the posting that overlap with your military background, then emphasize them in your resume.

• 

  Show the scope of your work. Use numbers when possible to show the size of the teams, budgets, equipment, projects, or operations you managed.

• 

  Include relevant credentials. Highlight licenses, certifications, technical training, and security clearance eligibility when they’re relevant to the position.

• 

  Use civilian language in interviews. Avoid military jargon and clearly explain what you did, the skills you used, and the results you achieved.

Start Your Civilian Job Search With the Experience You Already Have

Your military experience can give you a strong starting point for your next career, even if the civilian job title looks completely different from your military role.

Identify the skills, training, credentials, and experience you already have, then target opportunities where those qualifications carry the most value. From there, you can address any additional education, licensing, or training requirements and move forward with a clearer civilian career path.