Call An Advisor

Student Resources

Military to Trade Career: Best Paths for Veterans

Explore Top Schools

Table of Contents

From Service to Skilled Trades—Build Your Next Mission with Purpose and Pay

Transitioning from military service into civilian life is a big step—but the mission doesn’t end when you hang up the uniform. Veterans across the U.S. are building successful careers in skilled trades, using the discipline, leadership, and technical experience they gained in service to thrive in essential industries. From welding to HVAC to electrical work, trade careers offer fast-track paths, high salaries, and veteran-focused programs that accept GI Bill® benefits. If you’re a service member, reservist, or veteran ready to start your next chapter, this is your guide to doing it with tools in hand and opportunity ahead.
Group of Military Veterans

Explore More Articles

Explore Degree Subjects

Why Skilled Trades Are a Natural Fit for Veterans

Mission-Focused Work, Civilian Rewards

Veterans are no strangers to teamwork, discipline, and problem-solving—all essential traits in skilled trades. Whether you worked with heavy equipment, managed logistics, or repaired critical systems in service, those experiences translate directly into trades like:
  • Electrical and mechanical repair
  • Construction and building systems 
  • Welding and fabrication 
  • Automotive and diesel tech 
  • HVAC and plumbing 
Skilled trade careers give you the chance to continue serving your community—this time through infrastructure, clean energy, transportation, and housing.

Strong Pay, Low Entry Barriers

Unlike a four-year college degree, most trade paths can be started quickly and affordably. Veterans can use GI Bill® benefits to pay for technical training, certifications, apprenticeships, and more—many of which lead to high-paying jobs in under two years.

And thanks to your military background, you may be able to skip beginner levels, fast-track certifications, or gain advanced placement in apprenticeship programs.

Using the GI Bill® for Skilled Trades

What’s Covered?

The GI Bill® can fund a wide range of trade-related programs, including:

  • Vocational and technical training schools
  • Union apprenticeship programs
  • On-the-job training (OJT) programs
  • Non-college degree programs (NCD)
  • Flight, welding, electrical, and HVAC certifications

You may also qualify for:

  • Monthly housing allowances while training
  • Books, tools, and exam fee reimbursements
  • Additional aid through the VET TEC or VRRAP programs

How to Use It

  1. Search for approved programs via the VA’s GI Bill® Comparison Tool.
  2. Submit your VA Form 22-1990 to apply for benefits.

Contact your selected program’s certifying official to enroll and start training.

Trade Career Paths Ideal for Veterans

Salaries provided by BLS.

Medical Records Specialist

Medical Records Specialists

Why it fits: Strong attention to detail, structured processes, and opportunities within VA healthcare systems.

Median Annual Salary:

$50,250

Electrician

Why it fits: Strong overlap with military electrical systems, great union support, and leadership pathways.

Salary:

$60,000–$100,000+

HVAC Technician

Why it fits: Precise technical work, climate systems, and strong growth in residential and commercial markets.

Salary:

$50,000–$90,000+

Welder/Fabricator

Why it fits: Clean, skilled work with certifications available through fast-track programs for vets.

Salary:

$45,000–$85,000+

Diesel/Automotive Technician

Why it fits: Many military mechanics move easily into civilian diesel or auto shops—some with bonus pay for ASE certifications.

Salary:

$46,000–$75,000+

Plumber/Pipefitter

Why it fits: Excellent apprenticeship pathways, job stability, and leadership opportunities.

Salary:

$58,000–$100,000+

Heavy Equipment Operator

Why it fits: Skills from operating tanks, forklifts, or loaders in the military translate directly.

Salary:

$48,000–$85,000+

Veteran-Focused Training Programs & Resources

Helmets to Hardhats

A national program connecting vets to construction careers. Offers direct entry into union apprenticeships across all 50 states, often with advanced credit for military service.

VET TEC

Covers short-term, high-tech training for in-demand fields like HVAC controls, energy systems, and even advanced manufacturing.

SkillBridge (DoD Program)

Available to service members within 180 days of separation. Offers full-time training or internships with employers in trade fields—without using GI Bill® benefits.

Soldier for Life / Marine for Life / Career Skills Programs

Each branch offers transition programs that include trade career pipelines, employer networks, and fast-track certifications.

How to Get Started

Step 1: Identify Your Goals and Skills

Look at your military occupational specialty (MOS) or rating and explore how it translates to trade careers. For example:

  • Combat Engineer → Construction or Welding
  • Avionics Technician → Electrical Trades 
  • Vehicle Maintenance → Auto/Diesel Tech 
Use O*NET’s Military Crosswalk Search to help match your service experience with civilian careers.

Step 2: Choose a Program That Accepts GI Bill®

Make sure the school or apprenticeship is VA-approved and aligned with your desired trade. Use the GI Bill® Comparison Tool to compare pay, placement rates, and housing support.

Step 3: Talk to a Veteran Support Advisor

Most programs have military liaisons or veteran admissions counselors who can help you navigate paperwork, benefits, and funding options.

Fast-Track Options for Vets

Some trade programs allow veterans to skip entry-level training and jump straight into advanced courses or mid-level apprenticeships. Look for:

  • Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

  • Military Skills Evaluations
  • Direct Entry into Year 2+ of Apprenticeships

  • Specialty Certifications (e.g., OSHA, NCCER, ASE)

The best part? Some of these programs pay you to train, while others let you start working while you finish certs.

The Long-Term Advantage

Skilled trades don’t just offer jobs—they offer careers for life. Many veterans find:

  • Job security and growth

     

  • Flexible schedules or self-employment
  • Strong earnings without student debt

     

  • A continued sense of mission and accomplishment

Whether you’re looking to get certified quickly or build toward leadership, trade careers offer you the chance to own your transition and build with purpose.

Conclusion: Build Your Next Mission with Confidence

Transitioning from military to civilian life doesn’t mean leaving your skills—or your drive—behind. In fact, it’s the perfect time to channel your experience into a high-demand, high-respect trade career.

The trades offer more than just a paycheck. They offer structure, respect, and the pride of seeing your work make a real-world impact. With GI Bill® funding, veteran-focused programs, and national demand, you have every resource to succeed.

It’s your time to build something new. Start strong. Start skilled. Start now.

FAQs – Military to Trade Career

Can I use my GI Bill® for trade school?

Yes. The GI Bill® covers vocational training, apprenticeships, and non-degree programs in skilled trades—including tuition, housing, and sometimes tools or exams.

Top trades include electrician, HVAC, diesel tech, welding, plumbing, and construction—all of which align with common military specialties and are in high demand.

SkillBridge allows active-duty service members within 180 days of separation to train or intern with civilian employers full-time. It’s paid by the military and doesn’t use your GI Bill®.

Yes. Many programs offer “credit for prior learning,” letting you skip beginner courses or enter advanced training based on your MOS or service experience.

Start with VA’s GI Bill® tool or organizations like Helmets to Hardhats, VET TEC, or your local union chapter’s veteran outreach program.