As the world evolves, so does the job market. Over the years, we have all seen the ebb and flow in industries as far as job availability. Advances in technology, shifts in priorities, and the growing emphasis on sustainability are creating exciting opportunities for future-focused careers for veterans. From cutting-edge fields like cybersecurity to essential roles in logistics, the trades, and mental health, the future is bright with potential for those willing to adapt to the changes and prepare themselves for the civilian marketplace.
Below, we explore six in-demand careers poised for growth, highlighting what the career entails, along with some individual employment data, and a sample of the compatible military jobs that can transition over to a job in a civilian role.
6 In-Demand Careers for the Future
Whether you’re seeking a high-tech career or a role that supports community well-being, these career pathways offer both stability and innovation.
1. Cybersecurity Engineer
In this career, engineers develop and oversee the implementation of cybersecurity procedures and policies. They build, maintain, and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks. They also design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitoring and responding to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions are common tasks, along with performing forensic investigations.
Compatible jobs for Marine veterans:
- Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) Officer
- Cyber Network Operations Officer
- Cyberspace Warfare Operator
- Data Systems Chief
- Defensive Cyberspace Warfare Officer
- Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) Planner
- Information Security Technician
- Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems Engineer
- Intelligence Technology and Data Chief
- Network Analyst
Comparable Data:
- Annual Median Wages: $120,360
- Employees in the Field: 180,700
- Projected Openings per Year: 59,100
- Projected Growth: 33% (Much faster than average)
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
2. Logistician
Loggies analyze and coordinate the ongoing logistical functions of a firm or organization. They are responsible for the entire life cycle of a product, including acquisition, distribution, internal allocation, delivery, and final disposal of resources.
Compatible jobs for Marine Veterans:
- Acquisition Specialist
- Ammunition Inventory Management Specialist
- Aviation Logistician
- Aviation Support Equipment Asset Manager
- Enlisted Aviation Logistician
- Ground Supply Officer
- Logistics Officer
- Logistics/Embarkation Specialist
- Material Management Officer
- Operational Contract Support Specialist
Comparable Data:
- Annual Median Wages: $79,400
- Employees in the Field: 237,100
- Projected Openings per Year: 26,100
- Projected Growth: 9% (Much faster than average)
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
3. Wind Turbine Service Technicians
These technicians work high up off the ground to install, inspect, diagnose, adjust, or repair wind turbines. Typically, they perform maintenance on wind turbine equipment, along with resolving electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic malfunctions.
Compatible jobs for Army veterans:
- Cannon Crewmember
- Cavalry Scout
- Combat Engineer
- Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
Comparable Data:
- Annual Median Wages: $61,770
- Employees in the Field: 11,400
- Projected Openings per Year: 2,100
- Projected Growth: 9% (Much faster than average)
- Education: Vocational certificate or associate’s degree
4. Tradespeople
Roles like plumbers, electricians, and carpenters remain vital both in the residential and commercial building industries. These jobs are expected to grow as automation struggles to replace skilled manual labor in these fields.
What an Electrician Does:
Workers install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. They ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. They may also install or service outside lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.
Compatible jobs for Army veterans:
- AH-64 Armament/Electrical/Avionics Systems Repairer
- Aircraft Electrician
- Automotive Maintenance Warrant Officer
- Avionic Mechanic
- Cavalry Scout
- Combat Engineer
- Construction Engineering Technician
- Interior Electrician
- Powerline Distribution Specialist (RC)
- Tactical Power Generation Specialist
Comparable Data:
- Annual Median Wages: $61,590
- Employees in the Field: 779,800
- Projected Openings per Year: 80,200
- Projected Growth: 9% (Much faster than average)
- Education: Vocational certificate
What a Plumber Does:
In this industry, plumbers assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, waste, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. They also typically install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems including sprinkler systems.
Compatible jobs for Coast Guard veterans:
- Damage Controlman
- Machinery Technician
- Marine Safety Specialist Engineer
- Material Maintenance Specialty
- Naval Engineering Specialty
Comparable Data:
- Annual Median Wages: $61,550
- Employees in the Field: 473,400
- Projected Openings per Year: 43,300
- Projected Growth: 6%-8% (Faster than average)
- Education: Vocational certificate
What a Carpenter Does:
Workers construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. They may also install cabinets, siding, drywall, and batt or roll insulation.
Compatible jobs for Navy veterans:
- Advanced Builder
- Builder
- Construction man
- Conversion NEC BU Builder Basic
- Facilities Construction/Facilities Services Officer
- Facilities Engineering Officer
- Hull Maintenance Technician
- Maintenance Technician
- Master Chief Construction man
- Officer in Charge, Naval Construction Battalion Unit
Comparable Data:
- Annual Median Wages: $56,350
- Employees in the Field: 923,100
- Projected Openings per Year: 76,500
- Projected Growth: 3%-5% (Average)
- Education: Vocational certificate
5. Data Scientist
In this specialized field, they develop and implement a set of techniques or analytic applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. They apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. They use the data to visualize, interpret, and report data findings. They may also create dynamic data reports.
Compatible jobs for Air Force veterans:
- Geospatial Intelligence Analyst
- Operations Analysis Officer
- Operations Analysis Officer
- Airlift; Operations Analysis Officer
- C2ISREW; Operations Analysis Officer, General
- Operations Analysis Officer, RPA
- Operations Analysis Officer, Special Operations
- Operations Analysis Officer, Trainer
- Software Development Officer, Data Scientist
- Software Development Officer
- Product Manager
Comparable Data:
- Annual Median Wages: $108,020
- Employees in the Field: 202,900
- Projected Openings per Year: 20,800
- Projected Growth: 9% (Much faster than average)
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
6. Mental Health Experts
These experts counsel and advise individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health, with an emphasis on prevention. They also help individuals deal with a broad range of mental health issues, such as those associated with addictions and substance abuse; military experiences including PTSD; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; or aging.
Compatible jobs for Navy veterans:
- Behavioral Health Technician
- Chaplain
- Clinical Psychologist
- Clinical Social Worker
- Counselor
- Drug and Alcohol Counselor
- Navy Drug and Alcohol Counselor
- Navy Drug and Alcohol Counselor Intern
- Religious Program Specialist
- Supervisory Chaplain
Comparable Data:
- Median Wages: $53,710
- Employees in the Field: 449,800
- Projected Openings per Year: 48,900
- Projected Growth: 9% (Much faster than average)
- Education: Master’s degree or Ph.D.
In the End…
The workforce of tomorrow will require adaptability, specialized skills, and a willingness to embrace change. The careers highlighted here demonstrate not only the variety of opportunities available but also the potential for meaningful impact in diverse fields.
Whether you’re a veteran seeking to translate your military skills into a civilian career or someone wanting to try something in a new field, these in-demand roles offer pathways to success.
As we navigate the future out to 2030 and beyond, staying informed and proactive about the changes in these industries will be key to thriving in the ever-changing career landscape.
NOTE 1: All data is from O*NET and My Next Move for Veterans.
NOTE 2: The compatible jobs in each listing are a sample from the military branch noted. To see compatible jobs for other military branches, go to the My Next Move for Veterans link above.
