Guide
VeteransMilitarySide HustleUSA202614 Side Hustles for Military Veterans (Leverage Your Service Experience)
Military service develops skills that command premium rates in the civilian market — leadership, discipline, technical training, security clearances, and the ability to perform under pressure. These 14 side hustles help veterans monetize their service experience. VA benefits and GI Bill resources that support side hustle development are included.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Step-by-Step Guide
Translate your MOS to civilian skills
Use the DoD SkillBridge program resources or O*NET's military crosswalk to identify how your military training translates to marketable civilian skills.
Leverage free veteran resources
Contact your local VBOC for free business counseling. Explore Boots to Business if you're recently transitioning. These are high-quality resources specifically designed for you.
Use GI Bill strategically
If you have remaining GI Bill benefits, use them for certifications or courses that directly support your side hustle. Coding bootcamps, digital marketing, or business courses are smart investments.
Start with what you know
Your first side hustle should leverage existing military skills. Security consulting, fitness training, IT work, or logistics — these require no additional training.
Explore SDVOSB certification if eligible
If you have a service-connected disability rating, SDVOSB certification opens up billions in federal contracting opportunities. This alone can turn a side hustle into a significant business.
Veteran advantages in the side hustle economy
Veterans bring unique assets to side hustles that civilians often lack:
- Discipline and consistency — The #1 predictor of side hustle success. Military training builds exactly this.
- Technical training — IT, logistics, mechanics, medical, communications. These are directly marketable skills.
- Security clearances — An active clearance is worth $15,000-$25,000+ in salary premium (ClearanceJobs data). Cleared consultants earn $100-$300/hr.
- Leadership experience — Veterans who managed teams command higher rates in consulting and coaching.
- VA and GI Bill benefits — Free education, healthcare, and business loan programs reduce side hustle barriers.
According to the SBA, veterans are 45% more likely to be self-employed than non-veterans. The veteran unemployment rate is 3.2% (BLS 2024), below the national average — reflecting high employability of veteran skills.
14 veteran-friendly side hustles
Leveraging military training:
1. Security consulting — Physical security, cybersecurity, or risk assessment. $50-$200/hr. Clearance holders earn premium rates.
2. IT consulting — Many MOS codes translate directly to IT certifications. $50-$150/hr.
3. Fitness training/coaching — Military fitness expertise is highly marketable. $40-$100/hr.
4. Logistics consulting — Help businesses optimize supply chains. $60-$150/hr.
5. CDL driving (weekends) — If you drove military vehicles, commercial driving pays $25-$40/hr.
Leveraging leadership experience:
6. Executive coaching — Help professionals develop leadership skills. $100-$250/hr.
7. Corporate team building — Lead team-building events for companies. $500-$2,000/event.
8. Motivational speaking — Share leadership lessons at corporate events. $500-$5,000/event.
Content and digital:
9. Veteran lifestyle content — YouTube, podcast, or blog about veteran experiences and transition. $300-$3,000/month.
10. Online courses — Teach skills from your MOS or leadership experience. $500-$5,000/month.
11. Freelance video production — Use FluxNote to create content for businesses. $500-$2,000/month.
Veteran-specific opportunities:
12. VA benefit consulting — Help other veterans navigate benefits. $50-$100/hr (non-attorney, non-accredited advising on process).
13. Military transition coaching — Help service members transition to civilian careers. $75-$150/hr.
14. Government contracting (small) — Veteran-owned small businesses get preference in federal contracts.
VA and GI Bill resources for side hustlers
Veterans have access to resources most side hustlers don't:
GI Bill for skill development: Use remaining GI Bill benefits for courses that build side hustle skills — coding bootcamps, digital marketing certifications, business courses. The GI Bill covers tuition plus provides a housing allowance.
SBA veteran programs:
- Boots to Business — Free entrepreneurship training for transitioning service members and veterans
- Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) — Free business counseling and mentoring
- SBA 7(a) loans — Reduced fees for veteran-owned businesses
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB):
If you have a service-connected disability rating, you may qualify for SDVOSB certification. The federal government sets aside 3% of all contracting dollars for SDVOSBs — that's over $20 billion annually.
VA healthcare: Veterans with VA healthcare coverage don't need to worry about the health insurance gap that stops many people from going full-time with their side hustle.
Veteran business grants: Organizations like StreetShares Foundation, FedEx Small Business Grant, and National Veterans Small Business Coalition offer grants specifically for veteran entrepreneurs.
Pro Tips
- Your security clearance is worth significant money — don't let it expire without exploring cleared consulting opportunities first
- Military leadership experience translates directly to premium consulting and coaching rates — don't undersell yourself
- The veteran network is one of the strongest professional networks in America — use it for referrals, clients, and partnerships
- VA healthcare coverage removes one of the biggest barriers to full-time self-employment — factor this advantage into your planning
- Federal contracting preferences for veteran-owned businesses are real and substantial — even small contracts can be worth $10,000-$100,000+