Hire Heroes USA has unveiled its Top Jobs for Veterans 2024 report, pinpointing the best job markets for veterans and military spouses this year. The report, which spans January through September 2024, highlights cities near military installations, where veterans find accessible resources, strong job opportunities, and supportive communities.
The top five markets include Washington, D.C., San Diego, Colorado Springs, Virginia Beach, and San Antonio. These cities offer abundant jobs in government, defense contracting, and aerospace — industries known for their alignment with veterans’ skills. With nearby VA health centers, transitioning veterans also benefit from accessible healthcare.
Veterans have been in high demand, with government and public administration leading hiring (15%), followed by defense contracting (14%) and IT (8%). The report shows veterans taking on roles in administration, maintenance, security, and training, with average starting salaries around $69,263.