Not sure what career field you want to enter after separating from the military? Want to find a job that compensates you well? Want to know the top high paying jobs for veterans?

We’ve rounded up some of the hottest six-figure salaried jobs that other veterans like you are landing after leaving the military. Take a look to see if any of them would be an interesting next step in your civilian career.

Listed schools may have paid for promotional consideration.

Top High Paying Jobs For Veterans

Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Median Pay: $172,900

Veterans are often hired to direct a company’s IT strategies and manage its infrastructure, a position that pays extremely well. On top of a hefty salary, CIO’s can also be eligible for bonuses and profit sharing payouts between $49,000 and $73,000.

CIO is a top paying job for veterans with a bachelor’s degree.  Most companies prefer their executives to have an undergraduate degree in computer science or similar area and later acquire an MBA.

Schools with Computer Science Degree Programs

Chief Information Security Officer

Median Pay: $156,200

Major data breaches have become all too common these days, which makes the role of chief information security officer more critical than ever. These executives generally oversee a team of employees who are responsible for protecting a company’s information systems and evaluating its security strategies.

Thanks to their background, veterans are four times more likely to hold these positions than other American workers.

CISO is a high paying job for veterans with a bachelor’s degree.  Although there is no specific Chief Information Security Officer degree program, most companies look for those who have an undergraduate degree in Cyber Security or Computer Science and show a concentration in IT Security.

Schools with Cyber Security Degree Programs

Human Resources Manager

Median Pay: $104,440

Human Resources Managers direct an organization’s recruiting, hiring, and administration functions, including the administration of benefits. They serve as the link between senior leaders and employees. This is a great position for those who are great listeners, have experience managing others and enjoy dealing with people on a daily basis.

Human Resources Manager is a high paying job for veterans with a bachelor’s degree.  Also, a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources is currently one of the hot degrees to get! Read more on why, here.

Schools with Human Resources Degree Programs

Air Traffic Controller

Median Pay: $122,950

Air Traffic Controllers issue landing and takeoff instructions to pilots. They monitor and direct the movement of aircraft on the ground and in the air, using radar, computers, or visual references. Lastly, they control all ground traffic at airports, including baggage vehicles and airport workers. This extremely important job is reflected in its high paying salary. 

If you have experience as an air traffic controller in the military then this would be an easy transition for you.

Schools with Air Traffic Controller Programs

Senior Program Manager, IT

Median Pay: $144,000

Lots of companies are putting the communications technology training that veterans have to good use.

Military veterans often have experience leading groups of soldiers at relatively young ages, and can transition those skills into leading an office team in charge of a specific project within an organization. *Most senior program managers (especially in IT) have at least a bachelor’s degree.

Schools with IT Degree Programs

Management Consultant 

Median Pay: $92,600

Here’s another gig that is logistical. Management consultants are brought in to help companies operate more efficiently. They serve as guides and outside experts on everything from manufacturing efficiency and employee scheduling, to finances and supply-chain management. It’s a job for someone who is analytical and can think strategically.

*Management consultants typically have bachelor’s degrees in engineering, mathematics, finance or business.

Most consultants have a bachelor’s degree and experience in the field they are consulting on. If you liked the work you did during your years in the military, consider going into that industry on the civilian side as a consultant. You might also consider getting an undergraduate degree in that field to boost your likelihood of getting the job over other applicants.

Experience & An Education

A lot of high paying jobs for veterans draw heavily on having experience in the field. Some however do require at least a bachelor’s degree. If you are thinking of using your GI Bill, all of the schools mentioned above also have varying student veteran support and outreach. Start a conversation with the schools to see how else they can help support you.

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