5 Degrees for Veterans Who Want to Work in Defense Contracting

Key Takeaways

• Defense contracting is projected to grow steadily, with high demand in cybersecurity, engineering, intelligence, and program management.
• Veterans with degrees in Cybersecurity, Engineering, Intelligence Studies, Business, or Information Technology align directly with top contractor hiring needs.
• Average salaries in defense contracting range from $75,000 to $150,000+, depending on field, clearance level, and certifications.
• Security clearance, industry certifications, and effective translation of military experience are critical to maximizing ROI on your degree.
• The GI Bill and veteran hiring initiatives at major contractors significantly reduce education costs and improve placement opportunities.

Why Defense Contracting Is a Smart Move for Veterans

Defense contractors actively recruit veterans because they understand military culture, operational workflows, and national security priorities. Companies such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, and Booz Allen Hamilton consistently rank among the top veteran employers.

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and Department of Defense workforce reports, fields tied to cybersecurity, systems engineering, and information analysis are expected to see sustained demand through 2030. Veterans often already possess leadership experience, technical training, and active security clearances, giving them a competitive advantage.

Choosing the right degree strengthens that advantage and positions you for higher-paying and more technical roles.

Top 5 Degrees for Veterans Entering Defense Contracting

Degree Top Roles Avg. Salary Hiring Demand Best Certifications Cybersecurity Cyber Analyst, ISSO, SOC Lead $95,000 to $140,000 Very High Security+, CISSP, CEH Engineering Systems Engineer, Defense Engineer $90,000 to $150,000+ Very High PE, PMP Intelligence Studies Intel Analyst, Counterterrorism Analyst $80,000 to $120,000 High CI Training, GIS Certifications Business Administration Program Manager, Contract Manager $85,000 to $135,000 High PMP, DAU Certifications Information Technology Network Engineer, Systems Admin $75,000 to $120,000 High Security+, CCNA, AWS

1. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is the most in-demand field across defense contracting. The Department of Defense continues to prioritize cyber defense under national security initiatives, creating strong hiring demand across government and private contractors.

Best for veterans from: Signals Intelligence, Cyber Operations, IT Specialists, Communications, and Intelligence MOS backgrounds.

Why it pays off:

• Shortage of cleared cyber professionals
• High remote and hybrid work availability
• Fast salary growth with certifications

An entry-level cyber analyst with a clearance and Security+ certification often starts near $85,000. With a CISSP and several years of experience, salaries can exceed $140,000 inside cleared environments.

If your clearance is still active, your market value increases significantly.

2. Engineering (Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace)

Engineering remains foundational to defense contracting. Weapons systems, satellites, aircraft, naval platforms, and emerging technologies all require engineers who understand both technical systems and military requirements.

Best for veterans from: Aviation Maintenance, Combat Engineering, Nuclear Fields, Maintenance Management, Artillery, or Technical Ratings.

Systems engineering is particularly valuable because it connects hardware, software, logistics, and mission objectives. Many defense contractors prioritize candidates who combine a technical degree with real-world operational awareness.

Engineers working on classified programs or advanced weapons systems regularly earn six figures early in their careers.

3. Intelligence Studies or National Security

For veterans with backgrounds in intelligence, targeting, counterintelligence, or analysis, a degree in Intelligence Studies or National Security enhances credibility and promotion potential.

Defense contractors support agencies such as the NSA, DIA, DHS, and combatant commands. Analytical roles involve threat assessments, geopolitical monitoring, and data analysis.

Growth drivers include:

• Increased global competition
• Space and cyber domain expansion
• Counterterrorism and emerging threats

Veterans with TS or TS/SCI clearances are especially competitive for these roles. Pairing an intelligence degree with GIS tools, data analytics, or a language proficiency increases earning potential.

4. Business Administration or Project Management

Defense contracting is not only technical. It also requires program managers, acquisition professionals, and contract administrators who understand federal procurement regulations.

A Business Administration degree with a focus in Project Management or Government Contracting prepares veterans to manage large-scale defense programs.

Best for veterans from: Logistics, Operations, Senior NCO leadership, Acquisition, and Supply Chain roles.

The Project Management Professional certification is highly respected in this sector. Many program managers overseeing multi-million-dollar contracts earn between $110,000 and $150,000+ depending on clearance and scope.

If you led troops, managed equipment, or oversaw logistics in service, this path leverages your leadership at scale.

5. Information Technology

An Information Technology degree offers flexibility across network engineering, cloud support, systems administration, and infrastructure management. Defense systems run on secure networks that require cleared professionals.

Best for veterans from: Communications, IT, Signal Corps, Satellite Operations, and Information Systems roles.

Combining an IT degree with certifications such as Security+, Cisco CCNA, or AWS Cloud Practitioner immediately increases employability. Contractors supporting military bases or federal agencies often seek veterans who already understand secure environments.

Mapping Military Experience to Defense Contract Roles

Example Transitions

• Infantry Squad Leader → Program Manager: Business degree + PMP certification.
• Signals Intelligence Analyst → Cyber Threat Analyst: Cybersecurity degree + Security+.
• Aviation Mechanic → Aerospace Engineer: Engineering degree + PE track.
• Logistics NCO → Defense Supply Chain Manager: Business or Supply Chain degree.

The key is translating mission impact into measurable outcomes. Instead of listing military duties, quantify leadership scope, equipment value managed, systems maintained, and missions supported.

Certifications That Multiply Your Degree’s ROI

In defense contracting, certifications often matter as much as degrees.

• CompTIA Security+ Required baseline for many DoD 8570 roles
• CISSP Advanced cybersecurity leadership roles
• PMP Program and contract management credibility
• AWS or Azure Certifications Growing demand in cloud migration projects
• DAU Certifications Federal acquisition expertise

Many veterans can complete certifications while using GI Bill benefits or through SkillBridge programs.

Education Benefits and Cost Strategy

The Post 9/11 GI Bill can cover up to full in-state tuition at public universities, plus housing allowance and books. This significantly improves ROI compared to civilians paying out of pocket.

To maximize return:

• Choose universities with strong defense industry connections.
• Prioritize programs offering internship pipelines with contractors.
• Consider online degrees from accredited institutions if you need flexibility.

Defense Industry Hiring Outlook Through 2030

National defense budgets and modernization priorities indicate continued investment in:

• Cyber warfare capabilities
• Space command and satellite systems
• AI-enabled intelligence analysis
• Hypersonics and advanced weapons systems

Veterans who combine operational credibility with formal education in these areas will remain in strong demand.

Strategic Steps to Break Into Defense Contracting

1. Confirm or reinstate security clearance if possible.
2. Select a degree aligned with long-term defense modernization priorities.
3. Earn at least one industry-standard certification before graduation.
4. Build a LinkedIn profile translating military experience into contractor language.
5. Network directly with veteran recruiters at major defense firms.

Defense contracting rewards specialization, clearance eligibility, and mission-focused leadership. With the right degree and credential strategy, veterans can transition into high-paying, stable, and impactful civilian careers supporting national security.

Frequently Asked Questions about Degrees for Veterans in Defense Contracting

Which degree is best if you want to earn the most in defense contracting?

Cybersecurity and engineering degrees tend to lead to the highest salaries, often in the $95,000 to $150,000+ range. Your actual pay depends on your clearance level, certifications, and years of experience in cleared roles.

Do you need a security clearance to work for a defense contractor?

You do not always need a clearance to get hired, but many of the best-paying roles require at least a Secret, and often a TS or TS/SCI. An active clearance from your military service makes you more competitive and can raise your starting salary.

Which degrees match common military backgrounds for veterans?

Cybersecurity and IT fit well if you worked in signals, communications, or cyber. Engineering matches aviation, maintenance, and technical roles. Intelligence Studies suits intel and analysis roles, while Business or Project Management fits logistics, operations, and senior NCO leadership experience.

How does the GI Bill affect your return on investment for these degrees?

The Post‑9/11 GI Bill can cover most or all in‑state tuition at public schools, plus a housing allowance and money for books. This reduces or removes student debt, so the salary you earn in defense contracting becomes true financial gain much faster than for many civilians.

Which certifications should you earn with your degree for defense contracting?

For cyber and IT, Security+, CISSP, and CCNA are strong options. For engineering, a PE track and PMP help with senior roles. For business and program management, PMP and DAU certifications are valuable. These credentials often act as hiring filters and can support higher pay.