Transitioning from military to civilian life can be daunting, especially when you feel out of touch with the current workforce. But what most people don’t know is how well-suited veterans are for careers in technology. Many skills developed during military service—such as leadership, problem-solving, and discipline—are directly transferable to tech roles. Additionally, the tech industry offers veterans an opportunity to engage in meaningful work that challenges their intellect and creativity while providing competitive salaries and growth opportunities. We’re here to share some of the best tech jobs for veterans because your unique skill sets can help you excel in this thriving field more than you can imagine!
Leveraging Military Skills in a Growing Industry
From Fighting on The Field to Protecting Servers
With increasing concerns over data breaches and cyberattacks, cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field. Veterans with experience in intelligence, IT, or risk management can be well-prepared for these roles.
Cybersecurity specialists work to protect an organization’s networks, systems, and data from cyber threats, which requires critical thinking, quick decision-making, and an understanding of security protocols—skills that many veterans possess. Therefore, instead of using this skill set in the field, you can transfer it to a more technological platform.
Military training often emphasizes operational security and risk assessment, making veterans a natural fit for roles such as security analysts, penetration testers, and cybersecurity engineers. Veterans who have worked in military intelligence or communications may already have experience with encryption, network security, and incident response, which can fast-track them into these in-demand roles. According to Indeed, the average salary for a job like this is around $95,000 – $115,000 annually.
A Veteran’s Foot in The Tech Door: IT Support Specialist
Becoming an IT support specialist is an excellent entry point for veterans seeking to get started in tech quickly. Service Now outlines this role as troubleshooting hardware and software issues, assist with network connectivity, and provide technical support for both internal teams and external customers.
Microsoft claims veterans are often successful in IT support roles because they are trained to remain calm under pressure, follow protocols, and communicate effectively—especially when troubleshooting technical problems. Additionally, the military teaches a hands-on approach to solving complex issues, which directly translates into providing efficient tech support.
However, we understand if you still feel unprepared or nervous about starting. A good reminder is that SSI can always advise you on what certifications to complete in order to help you stand out even more!
A couple of certifications to consider include but aren’t limited to CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, and Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals.
Network Engineer – The Options are Endless!
If you are a veteran with a communications or technical operations background, you may find a strong fit in network engineering. Network engineers are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining an organization’s network infrastructure. They ensure that data can travel across secure and reliable systems, which is critical for day-to-day operations in nearly every business.
The U.S. Army highlights the military’s reliance on secure communications and operational networks. Because of this, veterans are often familiar with the essential concepts required for this role. Whether maintaining communication lines in the field or working with advanced technology systems, veterans often have hands-on experience with networks, routers, and firewalls.
One of the best tech jobs for Veterans: Data Analysts
Data is a valuable resource in today’s digital economy, and companies need skilled professionals to interpret and analyze large datasets. Data analysts help organizations make data-driven decisions by extracting meaningful insights from information.
According to LinkedIn, veterans with analytical minds, attention to detail, and strategic thinking can thrive in data analytics roles. Military operations often rely on analyzing data for intelligence or logistics, making veterans familiar with gathering, processing, and interpreting critical information. Learning programming languages like SQL or statistical tools like Python and R can help veterans transition into this growing field.
If you didn’t already know, Veterans bring a wealth of transferable skills to the tech industry, making them ideal candidates for a wide range of tech jobs. Whether working in cybersecurity, software development, or data analytics, veterans have the discipline, leadership, and problem-solving abilities needed to excel. With the tech sector offering significant growth, excellent pay, and robust training opportunities, veterans can find fulfilling careers that match their unique capabilities while continuing to serve in new ways.
By focusing on roles that align with their military experience and pursuing relevant certifications, veterans can successfully navigate the transition to civilian life and build lasting careers in technology. Our team is ready to help find the best tech jobs for veterans through our staffing and recruitment program dedicated to veterans and military families: ServiceStrong Veterans Program. Learn more about ServiceStrong and our team of veteran recruiters, military and veteran-based associations we align with, and the process we work through with veterans to help them find meaningful and fulfilling work post-service.