Top 10 States Where Leaving the Military Means Landing a New Job Faster

One of the main considerations when transitioning out of the military is where you are going to locate. And that choice can be for several reasons: weather, cost of living, good schools – whether for your kids or you, if you intend to use your GI Bill to go to school, family close by, etc.

But also one of the major reasons to consider location is the feasibility to change careers. To this end, Wave Connect came up with their Career Change Favorability Index. They ranked all 50 states using the seven indicators noted in the topline of the chart below. Let’s look at the top ten states in their Index and see why they ranked where they did:

NOTE: Date courtesy of Wave Connect

top 10 states for servicemembers transitioning out of the military

Here’s a closer look at these top 10 states for servicemembers that are transitioning out of the military and into a different career. It might be easier than you think in these states.

1. Montana: The Career Change Leader

The Treasure State takes the top spot as the best place in America for anyone considering a career change. The job market here is buzzing – nearly 6% of people get hired each month, and employment overall stays strong at more than 97%. Add in the fact that living costs are low, and the average $35,400 salary goes a lot further than it would in many other states. On top of that, Montanans are especially eager to explore new career paths, making this state a great launchpad for fresh starts.

2. Hawaii: Opportunities by the Ocean

The Aloha State comes in at number two, and it’s easy to see why. With a 6.3% monthly job opening rate, there’s no shortage of opportunities for anyone ready to try something new. The average income sits around $44,400, which gives workers a solid financial base, and employment overall is strong at just over 97%. It’s no wonder so many people are looking for guidance and jumping at the chance to make a career move to Hawaii.

3. North Dakota: Stability Meets Flexibility

The Roughrider State grabs the third spot on the list, and for good reason. About 5.5% of jobs open up each month, and with a 4.2% hire rate, landing one isn’t too tough. The state also has a solid 97.5% employment rate and an average salary of $39,700. Since living costs are pretty low, people here can take the leap into a new career without stressing too much about money – which explains why so many North Dakotans are exploring fresh opportunities.

4. South Dakota: Almost Full Employment

Just to the south of North Dakota is South Dakota. The Mount Rushmore State makes it to fourth place with one of the strongest job markets around. In fact, almost everyone who wants to work here has a job – the state’s 98.2% employment rate is the best in the study. On top of that, about 5.6% of jobs open up each month, and with a $37,300 median income that stretches further thanks to low living costs, it’s a great spot for anyone thinking about switching careers.

5. Wisconsin: Abundant Openings

The Badger State in the Upper Midwest state takes the fifth spot and shines with one of the highest job opening rates in the country at 6.3%. With nearly 97% of people employed and living costs that won’t break the bank, the average $40,000 salary goes a long way. That makes it a solid place for workers who want to explore new career paths without worrying too much about financial security.

6. Alaska: Best Odds of Getting Hired

And then there is the Last Frontier State. Alaska lands in sixth place, but when it comes to getting hired, it’s number one. With a 6.8% hire rate – the highest in the country – job seekers here have the best odds of turning applications into real offers. Add in a median income of $46,800 (about $6,000 higher than the national average) and a solid 95.3% employment rate, and it’s easy to see why Alaska stands out for career changers.

7. Maryland: Top Earnings Potential

If pay is at the top of your list, then the Old Line State is the place to be. Workers here pull in a median salary of $52,500 a year—the highest among the top states. With a 5.7% job opening rate and nearly 97% of people employed, it offers steady opportunities and plenty of financial cushion for anyone ready to take a career leap.

8. Virginia: Balanced Opportunity

The Old Dominion State comes in at number eight, offering steady chances for career changers with 5.4% monthly job openings and a 3.8% hire rate. The median income of $46,800, combined with reasonable living costs, gives professionals a comfortable cushion to make a career move without too much financial stress.

9. Oregon: High Success Rates

The Beaver’s State’s job market is a welcoming place for anyone looking to switch careers. With a 5.9% job opening rate and the second-highest hire rate in the top 10 at 4.6%, job seekers here have solid odds of landing something new. Add in a 95.1% employment rate and a median income of $39,800, and Oregon stacks up as a strong option for career changers.

10. Maine: Quiet but Strong

The Pine Tree State wraps up the top 10 with steady opportunities for career changers. About 5.4% of jobs open up each month, and the hire rate sits at 3.8%. The median salary of $36,000 is right around the national average, and living costs stay reasonable. Plus, Mainers show more interest in switching careers than people in neighboring states, making it a lively spot for fresh starts.

Location Makes All the Difference

Whether you’re drawn to the wide-open spaces of Montana, the beaches of Hawaii, or the stability of the Dakotas, these 10 states show that location can make all the difference when it comes to starting fresh. Career change is never simple, but in the right environment – with strong job markets, steady hiring, and supportive living costs – the path forward becomes much smoother.