Veterans possess many valuable skills that make them desired job candidates—natural leadership, strong work ethic, and problem-solving abilities. Many companies have made public commitments to hiring veterans, whether in general, at a certain number, or a percentage of their workforce.
We looked at cities that had the highest number of veteran-friendly jobs with the lowest number of job applications from veterans, as well as a low unemployment rate, to determine which cities are the best for veterans right now.
The Opportunity Index is designed to measure the odds that an applicant will be successful in landing a job opportunity. The higher the rating, the greater the chance a candidate will secure a job! View the best veteran-friendly cities below, ranked by Opportunity Index for veterans.
1. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI
(Opportunity Index: 39.12)
As the second largest economic hub in the Midwest and an emerging center for technology, Minneapolis offers opportunities in a wide variety of industries including insurance, finance, education, graphic design, and tech. The city maintains a low rate of both job competition and unemployment, even with a relatively large population.
Top Veteran Jobs Now:
- Special Education Coordinator
- Sales Reset/Relief Representative
- Facility Services Relief Driver
- Tower Top Hand
- Afterschool Program Staff
2. New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-PA
(Opportunity Index: 4.08)
The largest metropolitan area in the United States, the Tri-State Area is a hub for arts, culture, and business. Popular industries include finance, trade, media, real estate, and more. Opportunities are endless—from Wall Street to NY Fashion Week!
Top Veteran Jobs Now:
- Software Engineer
- Solar Brand Ambassador
- Food Manufacturing Workers
- Valet Attendant
- Night Supervisor
3. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA
(Opportunity Index: 3.77)
Nicknamed the “Southland,” the Los Angeles metropolitan area is the second largest in the United States and the 18th largest in the world! Of course, the entertainment industry is prominent in Los Angeles. However, the most popular industries include healthcare and social care, manufacturing, and retail trade.
Top Veteran Jobs Now:
- Account Manager
- Customer Service Representative
- Senior Accountant
- Veterinary Assistant
- Customer Service/Event Coordinator
4. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
(Opportunity Index: 2.50)
The fifth largest metropolitan area in the United States, the Seattle metropolitan area includes three of Washington’s most populated districts. Despite its population, this area has a low unemployment rate and a high number of job opportunities in a range of industries, including sales, production, transportation, and education.
Top Veteran Jobs Now:
- Intake Coordinator
- Dispatcher Customer Service Representative
- Telemarketer
- Warehouse Professional
- Bellperson
5. Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI
(Opportunity Index: 1.78)
Known as Metro Detroit, this region is a major metropolitan area in Southeast Michigan. It is known for sports, arts and culture, and beautiful Great Lake views. With a booming economy and 17 Fortune 500 companies, administration, sales, and management jobs are prominent.
Top Veteran Jobs Now:
- Production Supervisor
- Quality Control Manager
- Customer Service Representative
- Administrative Coordinator
- Maintenance Supervisor
6. Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
(Opportunity Index: 0.94)
A triangular shaped “Metro Plex” in West Michigan, the Grand Rapids metropolitan area is popular for its Lake Michigan shoreline and beaches. Forbes has named this area the fourth most educated locality in the United States, most people involved in administration, sales, or production jobs.
Top Veteran Jobs Now:
- Account Manager
- Customer Care Representative
- Sales Representative
- Teller
- Embedded Engineering Co-op/Intern
7. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
(Opportunity Index: 0.91)
The Washington metropolitan area includes Washington DC and surrounding counties. One of the most educated and affluent areas in the United States, this prosperous metropolitan area is the largest in the Southeast region and the sixth largest in the country. Most popular industries include management, administration, and sales.
Top Veteran Jobs Now:
- Web Developer
- Healthcare Sales Executive
- Project/Program Manager
- Architectural Project Manager
- Systems Administrator
8. Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC
(Opportunity Index: 0.37)
This historical Georgia county is home to many companies and industries, such as Kellogg’s and Starbucks. In 2017, the highest growing organizations in Richmond County were healthcare and social services, retail, accommodation and food services, and education.
Top Veteran Jobs Now:
- Systems Analyst
- Office Assistant
- Inbound Sales Associate
- Customer Care Coordinator
- Unarmed Security Officer
