Nine Jobs for Military Spouses That Move with You

Finding a job that moves with you is tantamount to reaching the brass ring of military spouse employment. After talking to dozens of spouses in various fields, we know that this is what everyone wants: real jobs that become real careers that make real money. Not many spouses are interested in a gig that’s ‘fine for right now.’ With your wisdom and the newest data on fields experiencing the most growth this year, we’ve compiled a list of professions that are actually portable – and that you’d actually want to do.

The following professions are all brass ring worthy: a job you can start where you are, develop into a career, and build into something you can take with you, no matter where you’re stationed next. 

ABA Therapist

Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapists work with patients to overcome mental and social disabilities—especially with kids on the autism spectrum. The Center for Disease Control indicates that 1 in 88 children in the United States have received a diagnosis on the autism spectrum. That figure applies to military kids, too. ABA therapists can work full or part-time in K-12 schools, doctor’s offices, and therapy centers. The job requires formal education in psychology, behavior analysis or a related field of study, and compensation runs between $23,200-$51,660 annually. ABA Therapists are certified, but the boards also certify behavioral therapy assistants.

 Computer Support Specialist

You can’t throw a stone in today’s business world without hitting a computer support specialist.  Luckily for you, there are jobs opening everywhere because every sector of the market needs them. The projected growth for this job field by 2018 is supposed to be 78,000 jobs… that’s a lot of new jobs.  So if you’re decent with computers (you know who you are), this could be a great career path for you. Computer support specialists are specially trained and usually work in IT departments in all kinds of offices. Because everyone has an IT department these days, you have a lot of flexibility about what industry you’ll work in.  Car dealers, colleges, yogurt companies, and large fitness conglomerates all rely on inside IT help. So if you want a job with a company you love, pursuing a job in IT could actually mean combining your skills and your passions.  Expect the job to pay somewhere between $26,600 - $55,500.

Graphic Designer

If you have an eye for design or know your way around Photoshop, consider a career as a graphic designer.  This is a field where you can absolutely get hired without formal training, but even an associate’s degree in graphic design can be an added boon in your job search (and is something you can get with MyCAA). Most entry-level graphic designer jobs pay $25,000-$57,000.  While you’ll start out as a junior designer or an associate, you can work your way through the ranks to senior designer – and then you can start thinking about bringing in $83,000 a year. 

Healthcare —Especially Concerning The Elderly

The need for registered nurses and Healthcare employment is expected to grow. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, there is also opportunity in healthcare on the business side of the house. With a growing elderly base, training for specialized elderly care positions will only make you more covetable in the job market. Jobs as a home health aide or ambulatory therapist are in high demand, and while many of these jobs require Master’s level training, becoming a home caregiver is something you can do without much formal experience. Many home care organization offer on the job training, an enjoyable workday (if you like working with the elderly, of course), and compensation beginning in the low 20’s and going as high as the mid 40’s. There are usually military retirees near bases, and no one would be more better suited to understand their lives and needs than an eager, helpful military spouse.

For more great jobs that move with you as a military spouse, continue reading this article HERE.