Top 5 Best Paid Jobs for UK Veterans in 2025

Leaving the military doesn’t mean starting from scratch.
In fact, veterans often have an edge — leadership, discipline, strategy, and resilience — that employers are crying out for.

In 2025, UK employers are actively seeking veterans for some of the highest-paid, fastest-growing careers on the market.

We’ve listed the five sectors where ex-forces talent earns big — and the Forces-friendly employers actively hiring right now.

1. Defence and Aerospace

Average Salary: £40,000 – £90,000+

Your military background gives you an instant advantage: Veterans are already familiar with defence protocols, military-grade technology, and government operations and your experience coordinating missions and handling classified information makes them ideal candidates in this industry.

In-demand roles

• Defence Contractor
• Aerospace Programme Manager
• Systems Analyst
• Military Liaison Officer

Transferable skills

• Strategic planning
• Secure communications
• Leadership under pressure
• Compliance expertise

Forces-Friendly employers

Babcock International | Airbus | MBDA | BAE Systems | Leonardo

Explore: Live defence and aerospace jobs for veterans

2. Cybersecurity

As cyber threats escalate, companies are increasingly seeking professionals who can anticipate the actions of potential attackers and respond with precision, skills that many veterans honed during their military service. And there are of course, veterans who have direct cyber defence or intelligence experience.

In-demand roles

• Information Security Analyst
• Cybersecurity Consultant
• Threat Intelligence Specialist
• SOC Analyst

Transferable skills

• Secure data handling and encryption
• Threat detection and response
• Experience with security clearance and protocols
• Risk mitigation and critical thinking

Forces-friendly employers

BAE Systems | Northrop Grumman | CGI UK | Capgemini | Leidos UK

Do veterans really earn more in cybersecurity?
Yes — cybersecurity is one of the few industries where salaries start around £45k and quickly climb past six figures. Veterans’ risk-assessment mindset, security clearance awareness and calm decision-making make them ideal defenders in the digital world.

Read: The Ultimate Guide to Getting into Cyber Security for Ex-Military Jobseekers

3. Engineering

Military training frequently includes hands-on experience with technical systems, mechanics, and electrical equipment. This foundation is perfect for engineering roles that demand precision and problem-solving.

Which engineering roles hire the most veterans in the UK?

Mechanical, electrical and systems engineering are particularly strong. Many veterans already have hands-on technical experience that employers look for. Salaries range from £38 k to £85 k +, depending on experience.

In-demand roles

• Mechanical/Electrical Engineer
• Systems Engineer
• Field Service Engineer
• Maintenance Engineering Manager

Transferable skills

• Troubleshooting complex systems
• Systems integration and testing
• Safety and technical compliance
• Reading technical manuals and blueprints

Forces-friendly employers

Expleo | Rolls-Royce | AECOM | Babcock | BAE Systems

4. Project Management

Every mission is a project, from planning to execution. Veterans bring unmatched leadership and the ability to manage resources, timelines, and team dynamics, even in high-pressure situations.

What roles are in demand?

• Project Manager
• Programme Director
• Logistics Coordinator
• Infrastructure Project Lead

Transferable skills

• Leading cross-functional teams
• Budgeting and resource allocation
• Mission planning and execution
• Effective communication and adaptability

Forces-friendly employers

AtkinsRéalis | Network Rail | Capita | Babcock | Leonardo

5. Operations & Logistics

Operations management requires a keen understanding of logistics, workflow optimisation, and team oversight, areas in which many veterans are well-versed. Their experience ensures streamlined, efficient business operations.

What roles are in demand?

• Operations Manager
• Supply Chain Director
• Manufacturing Supervisor
• Logistics Analyst

Transferable skills

• Process improvement and logistics coordination
• Personnel management and training
• Risk and contingency planning
• Operational readiness and efficiency

Forces-friendly employers

BT | Serco UK | Kuehne + Nagel | Amazon | DHL

Retraining & Support – Funding Your Next Step

Are there retraining grants for veterans?
Yes. Schemes such as Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) provide funding for qualifications and resettlement training.

Learn more in Training, Education & Apprenticeships

Your Next Career Starts Here

Veterans bring more than experience — they bring mindset. Leadership, accountability and adaptability are currency in today’s workforce.

If you’re ready to leave the military or change career paths, these five industries offer high pay, growth and purpose.

Your next mission could be your most rewarding yet.

Explore live opportunities for veterans on Troopr
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