Skip to main content
HonestMOS
InvestigationsCongress made VA disability claims free to file. An entire industry charges veterans anyway — and nobody can stop them.
International Tool — Civilian Earnings Guide

Post-Service Civilian Earnings

What do veterans actually earn after leaving? The answer varies enormously by trade and country. Select your country, military trade category, and years of service to see a directional guide based on public salary surveys and veteran community data.

!

Estimates only. These ranges are derived from public salary surveys and veteran community reports. Individual outcomes vary significantly by specialisation, location, employer, time elapsed since service, and personal initiative. Not financial advice. Verify current rates with national statistical agencies and employer benchmarks before making career decisions.

Your Profile
Electronics, mechanical, comms, weapons systems, vehicle/aircraft maintenance
225
Mid-term separation — core skills are marketable; leadership experience is credible
Premium TransferMilitary skills command civilian market premium
Approximate Starting Salary (USD)
$55,000 – $85,000
Base; defence contractors typically pay 20–30% more for cleared candidates
Time to Market Rate
6–18 months
Approx. after leaving
Likely Civilian Job Titles
Field Service EngineerSystems TechnicianMaintenance SupervisorDefence Contractor

Military technical training is well-recognised. Civilian employers — especially defence contractors — actively recruit veterans. Clearance is the multiplier.

Premium Factor

Security clearance from service adds significant market value. Cleared technicians are consistently in high demand.

🇺🇸 United States — Trade Transfer Overview
Sources and Methodology

Salary ranges derived from: ONS Labour Force Survey (UK) · DASA veteran employment outcomes · BLS OEWS (US) · ABS Labour Force Survey (AU) · Statistics Canada LFS · Bundesagentur für Arbeit Entgeltatlas (DE) · INSEE Enquête emploi (FR) · Israel CBS Wages Survey · Statistics Korea Wage Structure Survey · MOM Singapore Occupational Wages Survey · Published career transition authority data (CTP UK, DVA AU, VAC CA) · Publicly available armed forces career literature. All figures are approximate and sourced as at 2024–2025. Verify current rates with national statistical agencies and employer benchmarks.