If you are currently an Active-Duty Service Member transitioning to the civilian workforce, let us be the first to say congratulations on making this milestone decision and, of course, thank you for your service.
On the other hand, if you’re a Veteran that is seeking a career change, then thank you as well, for your service and hopefully this article proves beneficial.
There are countless career options available for Veterans. There are also countless employers seeking to bring the unique skillsets that your service developed into their organizations.
However, we wanted to highlight three exceptional job options that are all in growing, well-paying, and great cultural and technical fits for many Veterans.
#1 Truck Driver – US Army, 88M (Motor Transport Operator)
- There are over 3.5 million American truck drivers. There are CDL (Commercial Driver’s License), Box truck, and Delivery operations available nationwide. The industry allows for incredible independence and the ability either work as an employee or as an independent contractor (Owner Operator).
- The industry is expected to grow 6% by 2030. Regardless of what you may see on Twitter, driverless trucks will not be ending the CDL industry anytime soon. Truck Drivers literally keep our nation operating, and we are decades away from the industry being replaced by robots.
- It is estimated that there is a current shortage of 80,000 truck drivers. Again, the industry is not going anywhere any time soon.
Pro Tip: There are many states, such as BlueRecruit’s home state of North Carolina, that allow Veterans to waive the road test to earn their CDL if they provide a copy of their military driver’s license and a signed letter from their commander stating their safe driving record. Do your research and take advantage of this huge benefit if it’s available in your state.
#2 HVAC/R Technician – US Air Force, 3E1X1 (Utility Equipment Repair)
- The most in demand Skilled Trades job in America for all of 2022. Our data shows that HVAC/R Technicians have been the most in demand skilled trades workers across the United States for the last three quarters. Second, the national average pay for EPA Certified Technician’s is steadily growing and was $35.81 phr at the end of Q3 2022.
- Over 40,000 new HVAC/R job openings every year. The HVAC industry is experiencing tremendous technical changes, and the demand in both the commercial and residential spaces is tremendous. We highly anticipate that this 40k number will be dwarfed in the coming years as old units require replacement to comply with environmental laws and younger generations demand that their homes and businesses have HVAC.
- Many companies offer on-the-job training programs. The need for Technicians has grown so vast, that many companies are now offering on-the-job training, tuition assistance programs, or have developed internal training academies for individuals wishing to join the trade who do not have any industry experience. Basically, don’t be afraid to go after a new industry, as your experience can quickly be developed.
#3 Plumber – US Navy, UT (Utilitiesman)
There is a WHOLE LOT MORE to plumbing than unclogging toilets. People are often blown away to learn just how expansive the industry is, how much a plumber can earn, and how high intrinsic job satisfaction rates amongst plumbers.
Here are a couple quick plumbing facts:
- There are an average of 50,000 new plumbing job openings each year. What does this mean? You will always be in demand. As one HVAC and Plumbing company owner recent told us, “It is always July in plumbing!” Meaning that unlike more seasonally driven industries like Landscaping, plumbers are always needed.
- The average age of a Master Plumber is 42. Something we often hear is that the skilled trades are not a good career patch because the work is too physically demanding, and you’ll be unemployed later in life. However, with a typical career patch from Apprentice to Master Plumber taking 5-7 years, this allows young people to master the trade and move into management and/or ownership roles later in life.
- 84% of plumbers are employed by or own privately held companies. One of the biggest challenges Veterans face in the civilian workforce is the loss of camaraderie they had while in the service. However, with the vast majority of plumbers in America working for privately held companies, those same relationships can develop within these smaller, often family owned, companies.
Pro Tip: American Plumber Stories, from our friends at Pfister Faucets, is a great resource to
learn more about the industry and the people that call themselves American Plumbers. The skilled trades offer countless exceptional career options for Veterans. We wish you the best of luck, we thank you for your service, and don’t hesitate to reach out if the BlueRecruit team can help.