Best Navy Jobs for Civilian Life (2023)

Finding the best navy jobs for civilian life can sometimes be daunting. But if you’re like most sailors, you might have a general idea of what type of job you want before leaving the service. People often find themselves wondering what type of jobs they will be able to find after they leave the Navy.

If you are a veteran looking for a job, you may be thinking about the skills you’ve learned during your time in the Navy. You might be wondering what type of jobs you will be able to find after your service that is related to your military experience.

The first step in determining which navy jobs can lead to civilian employment is knowing some of the types of jobs available and which ones might fit into your future career plans. Make a list of the qualifications that you would like to use by identifying skills from your resume and experiences gained in Navy service that could lead to other career choices.

Once you have a list of relevant qualifications, research the job market and determine what type of jobs are available in your city. Look at the number of people who are looking for a job in that industry and a list of their related skills to see how many people with your specific qualifications have applied for similar positions. This will give you an idea of which types of jobs you might be able to find after leaving the Navy, but it won’t necessarily lead you directly to them.

Since different types of jobs require different degrees of skill, it’s important to research what types of jobs can be found by researching the requirements for each type of job listed in local newspapers and online job sites. You may be able to find state-specific listings and employment agencies that specialize in matching job candidates with employers.

Today there are many options to consider for different types of jobs and even for different skill levels. Some types of jobs require only a high school degree, but others may require more advanced training or even a specific college degree. Once you have narrowed down the types of jobs that you are interested in, it is important to research all of the possible options before choosing one to pursue after leaving the Navy.

If you are thinking about researching different job options, make sure you take into account suggested salary figures on top Navy federal jobs lists as well as estimates specific to occupations that match your skills and qualifications.

That being said, the following are some of the best Navy jobs for civilian life. Many can be done without going back to school.

Best Navy Jobs for Civilian Life in the United States

1. Oceanographer

Fisheries officers are highly educated naval professionals who make sure that fishing grounds are properly managed for the betterment of both fish and humans through extensive operations on the water, including a collection of sea life samples, preparation of data, and development of recommendations based on scientific research. Fishery officers become wildlife managers with a diverse set of responsibilities.

This profession is also one of the high-paying marine biology jobs.

The average salary for an oceanographer in the United States of America is $51,897 per year.

2. Biologist

The job of a biologist is very complex. At the heart of this career are two major responsibilities:

• Finding ways to help people, animals, and plants.
• Making scientific discoveries for the benefit of humans or the betterment of life on Earth.

Biologists use advanced computers, equipment, and laboratory materials to do this work. They must be scientifically knowledgeable about the human body and their work involves taking samples from things such as animals to determine how they process nutrients, grow and move.

They usually focus on areas such as plant science or animal behavior, but some specialize in human health or environmental issues.

The average salary for a biologist is $77,570 per year, making it one of the best navy jobs for civilian life in the United States of America.

3. Nurse Practitioner

If you’re looking for a job that is highly specialized but will still allow you to work in the medical field, then you might want to consider a career as a nurse practitioner. Providing compassionate care for patients is what motivates many nurses, but this career offers even more.

The ability to set your schedule and make additional money working from home are two reasons why this choice is so popular for former Navy officers.

It is also one of the in-demand healthcare certifications that pay well.

The average salary for a nurse practitioner is $121,183 per year. This makes it one of the best navy jobs for civilian life in the United States of America.

4. Firefighter/EMS Officer

With the right training, skills, and certification, former Navy members can find work as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) officers. This position combines the knowledge obtained in EMS school with experience gained from serving our country in the armed forces.

After leaving the Navy, former service members can apply for an EMS program in their local community and obtain a degree in emergency medical care. This allows them to continue their service to those who need it and protect the environment.

5. Air Traffic Controller

Air traffic controllers usually need a minimum of three years of experience with another air traffic control agency (such as the Navy) and a degree from an accredited college or university. If you have completed any training within the last two years that prepares you for this line of work, you may want to check with your local airport to see if they are hiring.

Since this type of work does not require extensive training in a specific field, it is possible to find jobs in this area without having to complete a four-year degree.

The average salary for an air traffic controller in the United States of America is $55,625 per year.

6. Police officer/Sheriff

If you prefer working with people instead of technology, then a career as a police officer or sheriff may be the career for you. Both jobs require much interaction with the public and constant vigilance on behalf of the police force or sheriff’s office.

Read Also: Highest Paying Navy Jobs

It’s also important for former Navy members to consider the fact that both law enforcement jobs offer job security and an opportunity to serve your local community while remaining flexible and able to work from home if necessary.

The average salary for a police officer in the United States of America is $61,406, while that of a sheriff is $48,816 per year.

7. Facilities Maintenance Mechanic

For those looking for a career that is rarely outsourced, the position of facilities maintenance mechanic might be the perfect choice. These highly skilled workers are responsible for several different job duties such as installing and repairing mechanical systems, elevators, heating and air-conditioning equipment, plumbing systems, and electrical wiring.

This allows the facilities maintenance mechanic to become a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to their ability to manage complex repairs on site. Many people who enter this field find work at a trade school or through an apprenticeship program.

The average salary for a facility maintenance mechanic in the United States of America is $49,334 per year.

8. Commercial Pilot

Commercial pilot is one of the best navy jobs for civilian life. The pilot’s job is highly technical and requires high levels of education, so it is wise to choose an aviation career that allows for flexibility. Depending on the type of aircraft you prefer to fly, this job may include flying cargo or passenger planes, helicopters, or even unmanned aerial vehicles (also known as drones).

Pilots must have a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics from an accredited college or university with 10 years of experience in the field.

The average salary for a commercial pilot in the United States of America is $114,790 per year.

9. Information Security Analyst

For the technical-minded person who wants to work with computers and networks, an information security analyst career is a great choice. This job is similar to that of a programmer, but these professionals are responsible for protecting networks, systems, and other devices rather than software.

They are also responsible for creating computer security policies and procedures, as well as assisting in the design of new systems. Computer and network security companies in the private sector are always looking for former Navy personnel with strong computer skills.

Read Also: Best Military Jobs That Transfer to Civilian Life

Information security analyst is one of the best navy jobs for civilian life in the United States of America.

According to Indeed, the average salary for professionals in this career is $90,959 per year.

10 Certified Executive Chef

For those who love to cook, becoming a certified executive chef may be a good choice. The duties of this position are diverse, ranging from cooking meals in the finest restaurants to directing food services for large corporations.

Becoming an executive chef usually involves attending a culinary school or culinary arts program and completing an apprenticeship under established chefs. Former service members would have already had plenty of experience working as a chef while on active duty.

The average salary for a certified executive chef in the United States of America is $68,117 per year.

11. Secret Service

The secret service is always looking for former military members who served in different forces, so an opportunity could present itself in a few years. Most of those that join the secret service are former service members, but some civilians find this job very exciting.

Although these jobs may not pay as much as you were expecting, they can be rewarding. You may even be able to build savings for a long-term career change you plan on or provide for your family after you leave the service.

According to GlassDoor, the estimated total income for a Special Agent in the U.S. Secret Service is $107,666 per year.

12. Commercial Diver

If you have a passion to dive, then a career as a commercial diver might be a good fit for you. This career requires the ability to stay underwater for long periods and assess hazards underwater.

After attending training at a vocational school such as American Samoa Technical College, you can obtain your commercial diver license and begin searching for work in this field.

Conclusion

Though we have highlighted some of the best Navy jobs for civilian life, it is important to note that there are many other options available for former service members.

This can be a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of your newfound skills and freedom and find work that will allow you to continue serving your country.