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Military Spouse Preference Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Navy

POLICE OFFICER

Yuma, AZ · On-site

$43K/yr

Military Spouse Preference applicants will be placed at the highest grade for which they have applied and are determined Best Qualified (BQ). A BQ military spouse possesses knowledge, skills ...

US Department of the Navy

POLICE OFFICER

Everett, WA · On-site

$43K/yr

Military Spouse Preference applicants will be placed at the highest grade for which they have applied and are determined Best Qualified (BQ). A BQ military spouse possesses knowledge, skills ...

US Department of the Navy

$52K/yr

Military Spouse Preference applicants will be placed at the highest grade for which they have applied and are determined Best Qualified (BQ). A BQ military spouse possesses knowledge, skills ...

US Department of the Navy

$43K/yr

Military Spouse Preference applicants will be placed at the highest grade for which they have applied and are determined Best Qualified (BQ). A BQ military spouse possesses knowledge, skills ...

US Department of the Navy

POLICE OFFICER

Beaufort, SC · On-site

$43K/yr

Military Spouse Preference applicants will be placed at the highest grade for which they have applied and are determined Best Qualified (BQ). A BQ military spouse possesses knowledge, skills ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Cook

Fort Liberty, NC · On-site

$21.31/hr

Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible * Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement * Priority Placement ...

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Military Spouse Preference information

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$10

$35

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How much do military spouse preference jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for military spouse preference in the United States is $35.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $34.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Military Spouse Preference?

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) is a hiring program in the United States federal government that gives eligible spouses of active duty military members preferential consideration for certain federal job vacancies. The goal is to help military spouses maintain employment when their families are relocated due to military orders. To qualify, the spouse must meet specific eligibility criteria and apply for positions announced as open to military spouses. If qualified, the applicant may be given priority over other candidates, though hiring is not guaranteed. This program helps support the career continuity of military families.

How does Military Spouse Preference impact the hiring process and what should applicants know before applying?

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) gives eligible spouses of active duty service members priority consideration for certain federal positions. When applying, it's important to clearly indicate your MSP eligibility and provide all required documentation, such as PCS orders and marriage certificate. While MSP does not guarantee a job offer, it can move you ahead in the candidate pool if you meet the minimum qualifications. Be aware that some positions may be exempt from MSP, so review job announcements carefully. Understanding the process can help you take full advantage of this valuable benefit.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Military Spouse seeking employment through Military Spouse Preference, and why are they important?

To thrive as a job seeker utilizing Military Spouse Preference, you need a strong understanding of federal hiring processes, relevant work experience, and eligibility documentation such as marriage certificates and PCS orders. Familiarity with USAJOBS.gov, federal application systems, and possibly certifications related to your desired field is important. Flexibility, resilience, and strong networking skills help military spouses adapt to frequent relocations and changing job markets. These skills and qualifications are essential for successfully navigating federal employment opportunities and maintaining career continuity despite the unique challenges faced by military families.

What is the difference between Military Spouse Preference vs Federal Job Certification?

AspectMilitary Spouse PreferenceFederal Job Certification
Required CredentialsNo specific credentials needed, eligibility based on military spouse statusVaries by certification, often requires passing exams or training
Work EnvironmentGovernment or civilian jobs, often in federal agenciesOfficially recognized qualification for federal employment
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in federal hiring to give preference to military spousesRequired or advantageous for certain federal positions
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding benefits for military spouses in federal jobsLearning about certifications to qualify for federal employment

Military Spouse Preference provides eligible military spouses with hiring advantages in federal jobs, while Federal Job Certification refers to official credentials needed to qualify for specific federal positions. Both are important in federal employment but serve different purposes: one offers preference, the other ensures qualification.

What cities are hiring for Military Spouse Preference jobs? Cities with the most Military Spouse Preference job openings:
What states have the most Military Spouse Preference jobs? States with the most job openings for Military Spouse Preference jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Military Spouse Preference jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Military Spouse Preference jobs are:
Military Spouse Preference jobs near you
POLICE OFFICER

POLICE OFFICER

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

New Orleans, LA • On-site

$43K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 529 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill positions at various Department of the Navy Commands, including but not limited to Marine Corps and Commander, Navy Installations.Qualifications:In order to qualify for this position, your resume must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are being considered. Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to be clear and specific when describing your experience.
Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-06 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate a knowledge of a body of basic laws and regulations; knowledge of law enforcement operations, practices, and techniques; knowledge of maintaining order and protecting life and property. Examples of the specialized experience must encompass and/or pertain to one of the following: seizing and protecting evidence, interviewing witnesses and taking statements, or conducting preliminary investigations or conducting traffic stops or detaining citizens for violations of law; or subduing or disarming individuals.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0000/police-series-0083/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:Additional Information Continued:
Military Spouse Preference applicants will be placed at the highest grade for which they have applied and are determined Best Qualified (BQ). A BQ military spouse possesses knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies comparable to others who meet the competitive referral criteria for the specific position.
PPP applicants will be placed at the FPL, if determined Well Qualified (WQ). To receive priority consideration, the FPL must be the same grade level or equivalent of the retained grade or the grade held immediately prior to separationEmployment Type: OTHER

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