Which are the best-paying military jobs once you leave service?

I'm considering joining the military, but I'm also thinking ahead to life after service. What are some of the best-paying jobs available to veterans? Are there specific skills or roles I should focus on while in the military?

First off, it's commendable that you're thinking ahead about career opportunities after your service. In terms of transitioning to civilian careers and getting well-paid jobs, some of the best fields for veterans often align with their military roles because the skills and experiences gained align well.

1. Information Technology: If you have a knack for technology, roles in the military dealing with information security and cyber defense can provide quite marketable skills for a civilian career in IT. Jobs such as security analysts, network administrators, and database managers are not only in high demand, but also relatively high paying.

2. Healthcare: Healthcare roles can be quite lucrative. For instance, medics and corpsman in the military can transition into roles such as nursing, paramedics, or even into more specialized fields like radiology and respiratory therapy with additional certification or education.

3. Engineering: Military service trains individuals in different types of engineering skills, especially in the Navy and Air Force. Veterans can seek jobs in civil, mechanical, electrical, or aerospace engineering, among others, depending on their experience in the service.

4. Project Management: Many leadership roles in the military equip veterans with strong project management and organizational skills. These skills are in demand in many sectors, such as manufacturing, construction, IT, and consulting.

5. Defense Contracting: Many veterans transition to jobs within defense contracting, as companies value the insider knowledge they bring. Consulting roles in companies like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, or Northrop Grumman can pay well and leverage your military experience.

Remember, these are just a few examples. Many other fields value military experience, and a lot will depend on your specific role in the military, your interests, and the additional training and education you pursue. Best of luck with your career planning!