Many veterans return home from active duty with years of experience, but no formal degree. The lack of a university degree can translate into difficulty getting hired, especially for veterans in certain parts of the country.
If you are returning home, looking for work, and are willing to travel, you may consider relocating to a state where veterans are hired more frequently than the general public. But what makes certain areas better than others for veterans?
Large Military Presence
States with a large military presence and multiple military bases are often more friendly towards hiring veterans in general. Employers in these areas have likely worked with other returning veterans before, and veteran-owned businesses often look for veterans as potential employees.
States like North Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia are all very veteran-friendly because of large military installations in the states. Similarly, Texas and California have a large military presence, which is helpful for newly-returned vets.
Low Percentage of College Grads
One relatively surprising factor affecting veteran unemployment is the number of college-educated workers in a particular area. Parts of the country with economies that require advanced degrees are unwilling to hire most veterans who do not have at least a Bachelors degree. For example, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts are some of the states with the worst veteran unemployment rates, because many jobs in these states require an advanced degree.
In contrast, areas of the country whose economies are based around less technical fields, like construction, agriculture and mining, often have jobs available for veterans and more willing to overlook a persons lack of a college degree.
Jobs that Need Military Skills
The military trains its veterans in multiple skill areas which translate well to the civilian world. Jobs in industries like telecommunications, emergency medical services, engineering and construction all require skills that military training provides.
For that reason, states like Florida, Texas, Minnesota and Oklahoma have lower rates of veteran unemployment than most other states.
Top Ten Best Places for Veterans
After looking at these factors and more, the USAA and Hiring Our Heroes compiled a list of the top ten cities for veterans looking for work. If you are returning from service and thinking of moving, you may want to consider one of these locations:
- Houston, Texas
- Dallas, Texas
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Austin, Texas
- Norfolk, Virginia
- Tampa, Florida
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Orlando, Florida
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The skills veterans learn in the military are invaluable. If you are seeking work, dont give up! Know that many employers need what you have to offer. If you need additional help searching for work, try the resources compiled on the VAs website specifically for veterans like you.
