As we move through 2025, it’s essential to acknowledge the significant strides made in employment opportunities for veterans and military spouses. A recent report from Hire Heroes USA, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting U.S. military members, veterans, and their spouses with free job search assistance, sheds light on these trends. The “Top Jobs for Veterans 2025” report reveals the leading industries and job categories where veterans are finding success in the job market.
Defense contracting tops the list, accounting for a notable 13.8% of veteran hires. Other promising sectors include government and public administration (10.5%), information technology (7.1%), health care and social services (6.6%), and retail trade (5.4%). Interestingly, skilled labor and trades have entered the top 10 for the first time, highlighting the evolving landscape of job opportunities for those who have served. In addition, the report identifies notable job categories such as installation, maintenance, and repair (6.1%), safety, security, and law enforcement (5.9%), and training, instruction, and teaching (4.8%).
Veteran Employment Trends
Hire Heroes USA has made a remarkable impact, helping nearly 9,613 veterans and military spouses secure new jobs, which has generated an estimated economic return of over $693 million in just the first nine months of 2025. Founded in 2005, the organization has assisted over 110,000 individuals in transitioning to post-military careers, with an average duration of assistance per candidate ranging from 12 to 16 weeks. Notably, the average starting salary for clients of Hire Heroes USA stands at $72,172, which is above the national average.
For veterans seeking additional support, the Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a wealth of resources. From health care services to educational benefits, veterans can apply for VA health care and manage their services online. The GI Bill provides financial assistance for tuition and training programs, while vocational rehabilitation services are available for those looking to start their own businesses. The VA also assists with housing grants for veterans with service-related disabilities, ensuring they can lead more independent lives. To explore these services, visit the VA website.
Preserving Veteran Narratives
In addition to employment resources, it’s important to recognize the efforts made to preserve the stories of our veterans. The Veterans History Project (VHP), initiated in 2000, collects and preserves personal narratives from U.S. military veterans, offering future generations a glimpse into their experiences from World War I to contemporary conflicts. This initiative plays a crucial role in ensuring that the sacrifices and stories of our veterans are not forgotten. For more information about VHP, visit the Library of Congress website.
As we reflect on these developments, it’s clear that the opportunities for veterans are expanding, and organizations like Hire Heroes USA and the VA are at the forefront of this movement. Whether through job placement, health services, or preserving their stories, the commitment to supporting our veterans remains strong.