Veterans in Tech: Education Pathways, GI Bill Options, and Best Tech Jobs

A transition from military service to technology can be direct and rewarding. Veterans bring teamwork, discipline, and mission focus — traits tech teams value — while roles like software development, cybersecurity, and data analysis offer strong pay and long-term demand. This guide explains the most relevant job paths, how to train with the GI Bill®, what changed with VET TEC, and practical ways to evaluate programs and financing without the hype.

Why Pursue a Tech Job as a Veteran

Tech is a strong match for veterans because core military skills transfer well, and several high‑demand roles offer above‑median pay and steady growth.

• High demand, durable pay: Software developers earn a national median salary above $130,000 with faster‑than‑average growth, and information security analysts are projected to grow much faster than average.¹²
• Mission‑aligned work: Cybersecurity, software, and data roles reward clear thinking under pressure, concise communication, and bias for action—strengths common among veterans.
• Multiple training on‑ramps: You can learn via community college or university programs, coding bootcamps, VR&E support, or self‑paced certificate pathways. ¹⁸
• Clear skills translation: Tools like the O*NET Military Occupation Crosswalk help map your MOS/AFSC/Rating to civilian tech roles. ⁹

Use the O*NET Military Crosswalk to search your MOS/AFSC/Rating and see civilian titles and tasks that align (for example, cryptologic technicians often map to security operations center roles).⁹

Things to Consider Before Transitioning From Military to Tech

Start by crafting a concise professional story that connects your service experience to the exact role you want next, then backfill with training that closes any skill gaps.

In your journey to break into a career in tech, you will have to introduce yourself to potential employers and discuss your past experience; knowing how to pitch yourself can mean the difference between success and failure. 

These questions can help you figure out that story:

• What did you accomplish in the military?
• What did you learn from your experience as a serviceperson?
• Why did you leave the military? 
• Why do you want to pursue a career in technology?
• What interests you about technology?

Furthermore, clarify your target role, like SOC analyst, front‑end developer, data analyst, and the skills those jobs list most often. Think about your transferable strengths (leadership, troubleshooting, documentation, operational rigor) and match them to role requirements. 

Choose a training format that fits your timeline, budget, and learning style (degree, bootcamp, short course, apprenticeship). Plan certs and projects you’ll complete along the way to prove skills (e.g., Security+ for entry‑level cyber, portfolio apps for web).

Required Skills for Veterans in Tech

The essentials are problem‑solving, communication, version control, and continuous learning; veterans add composure under pressure, teamwork, and crisp documentation. These skills just so happen to be assets across dev, data, and security.Technical aptitude gained from operating diverse equipment during service complements coding and software proficiency. Veterans might also have developed in-office skills like clear writing, concise stand‑ups/briefs, collaboration tools, and ethical decision‑making.

The Best Tech Jobs for Veterans

The roles below are common entry points for veterans; salaries and outlook are from the most recent BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook and reflect U.S. medians and 10‑year projections.

Cybersecurity Demand Is Real: Across the U.S., employers posted about 514,000 cybersecurity job openings in the most recent 12‑month period. That’s up roughly 12% from the prior year, according to CyberSeek’s federal data partnership.^{11 12}

Tech Jobs for Veterans: A Closer Look

Below, we explore veteran tech jobs in more depth, going over common responsibilities as well as required skills and education.

Software Engineer

Software engineers design, build, and maintain software for an organization. They generally work with a development team, writing code based on the specifications of their team and other stakeholders. Software engineers are often the most hands-on members of the team, constantly making changes to the code of an application.

Cyber Security Specialist

Pursuing a career in cyber security is a great option for veterans in tech. As a cyber security specialist, a typical workday involves defending hardware and software systems. This is done by identifying weaknesses in the systems, creating defensive plans, and sometimes even hacking the system yourself to see how it can be done.

Data Analyst

Data analysts read raw data and analyze it to generate insights that help businesses make better decisions. A data analyst may analyze engagement rates on a web application to determine when users stop using a website. This information is then passed on to the development team so they can make the necessary changes. Fortunately, there are various platforms and services to help you land your first role as a data analyst.

Quality Assurance Analyst

A quality assurance (QA) analyst tests code to ensure it functions correctly and is in line with the project’s requirements. QA analysts look for problems in code, build workflows to ensure problems are caught before an application is published, and test software in multiple

Full Stack Web Developer

A full stack web developer is responsible for building both front end and backend web applications for a company. Full stack web developers need to know about the fundamentals of servers, APIs, and how to code a webpage in HTML. You’ll learn all these skills in a full stack development bootcamp.environments to ensure it functions properly in a variety of cases. With experience, you can work your way up to becoming a quality assurance manager.

Education Options to Transition From Vet to Tech Professional

Choose the fastest credible path that fits your goals: bootcamps for immersion, degrees for breadth and certain roles, apprenticeships for earn‑while‑you‑learn, and VR&E or GI Bill® to reduce out‑of‑pocket costs. ^{6 18}

Coding Bootcamps

Coding bootcamps deliver intensive, job‑focused training in months rather than years, emphasizing hands-on projects and market‑relevant tools.In addition, many established coding bootcamps can be financed using GI Bill benefits. There are also many bootcamps that offer scholarships specifically to veterans, such as Code Platoon and General Assembly.

College Degree

A degree offers a broader academic foundation and can expand long‑term options, but it takes longer and costs more than short‑format training. Some roles (research, certain leadership tracks) and some employers still prefer or require degrees.Computer science and IS programs cover theory, math, and systems that some roles prefer, but you’ll have to budget for multi‑year tuition unless you leverage community college pathways or benefits. ⁶

VR&E, Apprenticeship, and Other Veteran Pathways

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E, Chapter 31) may fund training and support services if you have a qualifying service‑connected disability. Registered apprenticeships combine paid work with training and may be GI Bill®–eligible. ^{18 20}

• VR&E can cover tuition, supplies, and coaching based on your rehabilitation plan; apply and work with a VR&E counselor. ¹⁸
• Registered Apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn; some programs pair with GI Bill® housing stipends. ²⁰

Coding Bootcamps for Veterans

Several providers tailor services to the military community; always confirm benefit eligibility and outcomes directly with the school and the VA before enrolling. ⁸

• Code Platoon focuses on veterans and military spouses and publishes dedicated scholarship options and VA benefit guidance.^{16 18}
• General Assembly lists select GI Bill®–eligible programs and locations; confirm eligibility via the VA Comparison Tool.^{14 8}
• Skill Distillery states that it accepts GI Bill® benefits and supports veteran learners; verify specifics with VA and the school.^{2 18}

Other options include:

• Claim Academy
• DSDT
• Divergence Academy
• Galvanize
• Operation Code
• Vets Who Code
• Zip Code Wilmington

How Can I Finance My Coding Bootcamp as a Veteran in Tech?

First use your earned benefits where eligible (GI Bill®, VR&E); then compare scholarships and cautious use of loans based on total cost, not just monthly payments. ⁶¹⁸

• GI Bill®: For VA‑approved non‑college programs, benefits can cover tuition and fees and provide a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) based on the E‑5 with dependents rate for your training location.^{6 7 8}
• VR&E (Chapter 31): If eligible, VR&E may fund training, supplies, and job placement support.¹⁸
• Scholarships: Many schools offer veteran‑specific scholarships; review criteria and amounts directly.^{16 15}
• Private loans and payment plans: Compare APRs, total repayment, deferment rules, and outcomes. Avoid high‑pressure financing or opaque terms.
• Outcomes due diligence: Look for audited results (e.g., CIRR) and ask for employer partner examples rather than relying on broad placement claims.¹⁷

Top Bootcamps That Accept the GI Bill

GI Bill® eligibility is school‑ and program‑specific; use the VA’s GI Bill® Comparison Tool to verify current approval and benefits for your exact cohort and location, then confirm with the school.⁸

Code Platoon.
General Assembly
Skill Distillery
Claim Academy
DSDT
Divergence Academy
Galvanize
Operation Code
Vets Who Code
Zip Code Wilmington

"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"

Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot

Find Your Bootcamp Match

How to Verify GI Bill® Eligibility Fast: Go to the GI Bill® Comparison Tool, search the provider name, and review the “Institution type” and benefit details for your program start date and modality; then ask the school’s certifying official to confirm your specific eligibility in writing.⁸

From Military Vets to Tech Professionals: The Post-Graduation Experience

Landing your first role typically takes focused applications plus targeted projects and certifications; use your program’s career services and veteran communities to shorten the path.

• Leverage career services: resume reviews, mock interviews, and employer spotlights are worth the time.
• Network with military‑friendly employers and communities (e.g., Operation Code) to find opportunities and mentors.²⁰
• Target veteran‑friendly programs like Cisco’s military initiatives and nonprofit training such as NPower or USO Transition resources.^{22 23 24}

Veterans in Tech FAQ

Sources

1. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm
2. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm
3. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers-digital-designers.htm
4. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/data-scientists.htm
5. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-quality-assurance-analysts-and-testers.htm
6. https://www.va.gov/education/
7. https://www.va.gov/education/benefit-rates/post-9-11-gi-bill-rates/
8. https://www.va.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool/
9. https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/
10. https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/vettec-high-tech-program/
11. https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2025/06/new-cyberseek-updates-reveal-57000-increase-cybersecurity-job-openings
12. https://www.cyberseek.org/heatmap.html
13. https://careerkarma.com/blog/state-of-the-bootcamp-market-report-2024-statistics-and-share-analysis/
14. https://generalassemb.ly/gi-bill
15. https://info.codingdojo.com/scholarships/
16. https://www.codeplatoon.org/scholarships/
17. https://www.cirr.org/schooldata
18. https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/
19. https://news.va.gov/129949/vet-tec-update-the-pilot-program-concludes-this-april/
20. https://www.npower.org/
21. https://www.uso.org/programs/uso-transition-program
22. https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/about/purpose/social-impact/education/veterans-program/index.html
23. https://prelogin-authoring.netacad.com/region/north-america/military
24. https://uso.tfaforms.net/f/coursera