These are the roles this year’s Military Friendly® Employers are hiring veterans for right now.
Each year, G.I. Jobs publishes the Top 25 Hot Jobs for Veterans to answer one essential question: Where are employers actively seeking veteran talent right now?
The 2026 list is powered by Military Friendly®, which asked this year’s Military Friendly® Employers to identify the jobs they most frequently recruit veterans to fill. The result is a data-driven snapshot of today’s most in-demand civilian roles, spanning technology, skilled trades, healthcare, logistics, business and public safety.
This year’s list reflects both continuity and change in the veteran employment landscape. Several familiar roles return after a brief absence, including registered nurse and diesel engine specialist, signaling sustained demand in healthcare and transportation infrastructure. At the same time, new additions such as health and safety engineer, risk manager/analyst, CAD technician and emergency medical technician highlight how employers are responding to evolving workplace risks, increased automation, design-driven construction and ongoing public safety and healthcare needs.
As always, these jobs align closely with the skills veterans bring to the civilian workforce: leadership, technical aptitude, problem-solving under pressure, teamwork and mission focus. Whether you’re transitioning out of uniform, using education benefits to reskill or exploring your next career move, the 2026 Hot Jobs for Veterans list offers a practical roadmap to roles where veteran experience is not just valued – but actively sought.
2026 Hot Jobs for Veterans
1. Computer Information Systems Manager/Analyst
What You’ll Do: As a manager, you will manage the data and computer systems at your company, government agency or non-profit organization. This can be hands-on – in the code – or more managerial, but either way you’ll need the hard coding skills to succeed. As an analyst, you will review your company’s current digital operations, hardware and software systems, and integrate new solutions to meet business needs.
Median Salary: $171,200 (manager); $103,790 (analyst)
Job Outlook: The BLS projects 15% job growth through 2032 for managers, and 9% growth for analysts.
What You’ll Need: Bachelor’s degree in programming, computer science, or similar field – especially for managers – along with related work experience.
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2. Operations Manager
What You’ll Do: As the title suggests, you’re going to oversee and manage operations at your organization. This can include hiring, handling purchasing and materials, administrative tasks, improving processes and more. Much like your time in the service, you’re going to take responsibility for anything and everything that needs to be handled.
Median Salary: $106,655
Job Outlook: The BLS projects 6% job growth through 2033.
What You’ll Need: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in finance, business administration or similar field. It helps to have management experience, whether corporate, retail or military.
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3. Software Applications/Systems Developer
What You’ll Do: Build and design computer applications or programs to meet the needs of your organization. This can include analyzing current software and creating improvements, implementing new software, and recommending data structure to improve speed, efficiency and security.
Median Salary: $131,450
Job Outlook: The BLS projects 15% job growth through 2034.
What You’ll Need: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, programming, or similar field. Some employers prefer developers to have a master’s degree.
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4. Electrician
What You’ll Do: Electricians repair and install electrical wiring, electrical fixtures, control systems and more.
Median Salary: $62,350
Job Outlook: The BLS projects 9% job growth through 2034.
What You’ll Need: Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred, with on-the-job training and relevant certifications.
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5. Welder
What You’ll Do: You’ll leverage heat, gas and tools to fuse together metal parts using a variety of welding techniques.
Median Salary: $51,000
Job Outlook: 2% growth through 2034
What You’ll Need: Welders should have a high school diploma or GED and technical, military or on-the-job training.
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6. Sales Account Representative
What You’ll Do: You will be selling your company’s products or services, interacting directly with customers.
Median Salary: $55,281
Job Outlook: According to the BLS, overall employment in sales occupations is projected to decline over the 2024-34 decade. However, about 1.8 million openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to the need to replace workers who leave the occupations permanently.
What You’ll Need: While you can be hired with a high school diploma, bachelor’s degrees may be required. It also helps to have experience.
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7. First-line Supervisor: Mechanics, Installers and Repairers
What You’ll Do: You will supervise and schedule your team of mechanics, installers and repairers. You may also be brought into client relations, especially during escalations.
Median Salary: $78,300
Job Outlook: The BLS projects 3% job growth through 2034.
What You’ll Need: High school diploma, with training and certifications.
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8. Cyber Security Analyst
What You’ll Do: You will oversee the security of all computers on your company’s network. This will involve actively checking for security risks, encryption, and updating software or hardware.
Median Salary: $124,910
Job Outlook: The BLS projects 29% job growth through 2034.
What You’ll Need: Bachelor’s degree in computer sciences, programming, information systems or related field, or certifications. You will also need relevant experience.
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9. Human Resources Manager
What You’ll Do: You will manage all employees in your office, including benefits administration, payroll, hiring and more.
Median Salary: $140,030
Job Outlook: The BLS projects 6% job growth through 2034.
What You’ll Need: Bachelor’s degree in communications, human resources, or similar field is preferred. You will also need people skills and ideally experience in a human resources department.
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10. Construction Laborer/Technician
What You’ll Do: Construction technicians handle physical labor at construction sites, including hand tools, power tools, surveying and potential excavation and scaffolding.
Median Salary: $46,730
Why It’s Hot: The BLS projects 7% job growth through 2034.
What You’ll Need: High school diploma with construction experience. Ideally you will have relevant certifications and apprenticeship.
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11. Customer Service Representative
What You’ll Do: You’ll directly interact with customers to handle complaints, retail item returns, and provide general information about your company. It’s a great position to start at the ground floor of a company and work your way up the ladder.
Median Salary: $42,830
Job Outlook: While the BLS projects job growth to decline 1% through 2034, the 2026 Military Friendly Employers have identified it as their 11th most in-demand job.
What You’ll Need: As a more entry-level position, you can get hired with a high school diploma, although experience in another job directly interacting with customers can be useful experience.
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12. Accountant/Auditor
What You’ll Do: You will handle financial statements at your company, advise and suggest finance process improvements, audit client files, and generally handle any financial needs.
Median Salary: $81,680
Job Outlook: The BLS projects 6% job growth through 2034.
What You’ll Need: Bachelor’s degree in finance, mathematics, or similar field. It helps to have experience in Excel, SQL, or other hands-on financial experience.
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13. Technician/Mechanic
What You’ll Do: You will repair vehicles, diagnosing and repairing issues.
Median Salary: $49,670
Job Outlook: The BLS projects 4% job growth through 2034.
What You’ll Need: Employers prefer that automotive service technicians and mechanics complete a program at a postsecondary institution. Industry certification is usually required once the person is employed.
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14. Operations Research Analyst
What You’ll Do: You will use mathematics and logic to help solve complex issues.
Median Salary: $91,290
Job Outlook: The BLS projects 7% job growth through 2034.
What You’ll Need: Master’s degree preferred, with deep experience with data sets and analysis.
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15. Office/Administrative Worker
What You’ll Do: Office and administrative assistants work in nearly every industry. About half of all workers in the occupation are employed in healthcare, education, and professional, scientific, and technical services. Most work full time.
Median Salary: $47,460
Job Outlook: The BLS projects 0% job growth through 2034.
What You’ll Need: High school diploma or equivalent. Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants typically need several years of related work experience.
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16. Health & Safety Engineer
What You’ll Do: You will apply your knowledge of industrial processes, mechanics, psychology and other disciplines to promote worksite or product safety.
Median Salary: $109,660
Job Outlook: The BLS projects 4% job growth through 2034.
What You’ll Need: You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Completing an internship or cooperative-education program may be helpful for gaining hands-on experience while in school.
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17. Risk Manager/Analyst
What You’ll Do: You will identify and assess risks to your organization in a variety of categories, including finances, operations, information technology, reputation and more.
Median Salary: $105,930 (manager); $87,951 (analyst)
Job Outlook: The BLS projects 9% job growth through 2034.
What You’ll Need: You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field.
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18. Construction & Building Inspector
What You’ll Do: You will examine worksites to ensure that construction meets building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations and contract specifications.
Median Salary: $72,120
Job Outlook: According to the BLS, Employment of construction and building inspectors is projected to decline 1% through 2034. However, about 14,800 openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or retire.
What You’ll Need: You’ll need a high school diploma and experience in a construction trade, as most inspectors learn on the job. Many states and localities require a license or certification.
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19. Diesel Engine Specialist
What You’ll Do: You will inspect, diagnose and repair diesel systems on buses, trucks or any vehicle with a diesel engine.
Median Salary: $60,640
Job Outlook: The BLS projects 2% job growth through 2034.
What You’ll Need: High school diploma or equivalent, with diesel certifications and ideally vocational training. Industry certification may be required.
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20. Emergency Medical Technician
What You’ll Do: You assess injuries and illnesses, provide emergency medical care and may transport patients to medical facilities.
Median Salary: $46,350
Job Outlook: The BLS projects 5% job growth through 2034.
What You’ll Need: Emergency medical technicians typically complete a postsecondary educational program. States require EMTs to be licensed in the state where they work.
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21. CDL Driver/Heavy Equipment Operator
What You’ll Do: You will drive tractor trailers or trucks over 26,000 pounds, or operate heavy machinery used to construct roads, buildings and other structures.
Median Salary: $58,320
Job Outlook: The BLS projects 4% job growth through 2034.
What You’ll Need: High school diploma or equivalent and CDL license. Both CDL drivers and heavy equipment operators typically learn by attending vocational school and/or an apprenticeship.
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22. CAD Technician
What You’ll Do: You’ll use computer software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings.
Median Salary: $65,380
Job Outlook: The BLS projects no job growth through 2034.
What You’ll Need: You’ll likely need an associate degree or postsecondary certificate from a vocational school or community college.
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23. Marketing Manager
What You’ll Do: You will plan programs to generate interest in products or services.
Median Salary: $157,620
Job Outlook: The BLS projects 6% job growth through 2034.
What You’ll Need: Bachelor’s degree preferred with marketing experience. It’s especially important to have hands-on experience within your desired industry.
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24. Registered Nurse
What You’ll Do: You’ll provide patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions. RNs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, physicians offices, skilled nursing facilities, schools and home healthcare.
Median Salary: $93,600
Job Outlook: The BLS projects 5% job growth through 2034.
What You’ll Need: Nurses are increasingly required to earn a bachelor’s degree, although some approved associate degree or diploma programs are still an option.
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25. Computer Hardware Engineer
What You’ll Do: You will test and implement computer hardware for your company, supervising all aspects of hardware technology.
Median Salary: $155,020
Job Outlook: The BLS projects 7% job growth through 2034.
What You’ll Need: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, programming or related fields. Ideally you will have experience managing technology and hardware services.
