Finding a job as a military spouse shouldn't require a second job just to navigate the resources available to you. Between federal programs, nonprofit organizations, corporate initiatives, and military-specific benefits, there are dozens of employment resources — but they're scattered across different websites with different eligibility requirements and application processes.

This guide consolidates every major military spouse employment resource into one reference. Bookmark it and come back whenever you PCS, need training funding, or want to explore new career options.

Federal Government Programs

MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Account)

MyCAA provides up to $4,000 in financial assistance for education and training in portable career fields. This is real money for certifications, licenses, and associate degrees that lead to employment you can take to any duty station.

Military Spouse Hiring Authority (Executive Order 13473)

This gives military spouses noncompetitive hiring preference for federal jobs. Instead of competing through the standard USAJOBS process, you can be hired directly by federal agencies — similar to how veterans preference works but specifically for spouses.

Eligible spouses: Active duty spouse relocating on PCS orders, spouse of 100% disabled service member, or surviving spouse of service member killed on active duty. You must apply through USAJOBS and attach your PCS orders and marriage certificate.

SECO (Spouse Education and Career Opportunities)

SECO is the DoD's primary career resource for military spouses. It provides free career coaching, education and training guidance, and connections to employment resources. Every military spouse should know about SECO — it's the central hub that connects you to most other programs on this list.

Services include: One-on-one career counseling, resume review, interview preparation, education funding guidance, and networking opportunities. Access through Military OneSource at no cost.

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) for DoD Civilian Jobs

Separate from the Executive Order hiring authority, MSP provides priority consideration for DoD civilian positions at military installations. When PCSing to a new duty station, you get priority placement consideration for GS positions on the installation. Register through your installation's civilian personnel office within 30 days of arriving at your new duty station.

Employment Organizations and Nonprofits

Hiring Our Heroes (U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation)

One of the most active veteran and military spouse employment organizations. They run career fairs, fellowship programs, and employer networking events nationwide. Their Military Spouse Fellowship Program places spouses in 12-week fellowships with major employers — many convert to full-time positions.

Key programs: Military Spouse Fellowship Program, Career Fairs (virtual and in-person), Amplify career advancement program, Corporate Fellowship Program

Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families focuses broadly on military family quality of life, including employment resources. Their annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey drives policy changes that benefit spouse employment. They also provide career development workshops, networking events, and community connections at duty stations nationwide.

National Military Spouse Network (NMSN)

NMSN focuses specifically on military spouse professional development and networking. They host an annual conference, maintain a job board, and run mentorship programs connecting established professional spouses with those just starting their careers or transitioning to new duty stations.

Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP)

MSEP is a DoD program that connects military spouses with over 500 partner employers who have committed to hiring military spouses. Partner companies include Amazon, Hilton, USAA, Booz Allen Hamilton, Starbucks, and hundreds more. The MSEP job search portal lets you filter opportunities specifically from companies that understand and accommodate military spouse employment challenges.

Spouse-ly

A platform built by military spouses for military spouses. Spouse-ly connects spouse-owned businesses with the military community and provides business development resources for entrepreneurial spouses. If you're interested in starting a business that moves with you, this is a strong starting point.

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Corporate Programs Worth Knowing

Major employers have built programs specifically for military spouses. These companies don't just tolerate employment gaps and frequent moves — they actively recruit spouses because they understand the value you bring.

Education and Training Resources

Free Certification Programs

Several companies offer free or subsidized training specifically for military families:

• Salesforce Vetforce: Free Salesforce platform training and certification for veterans and spouses. Salesforce admins earn $65K-$95K and work remotely
• Google Career Certificates: IT Support, Data Analytics, UX Design, Project Management. 3-6 months, recognized by 150+ employers
• AWS re/Start: Free cloud computing training with job placement support
• Coursera for Military: Free access to thousands of courses for military families
• Syracuse University IVMF: Free online programs including entrepreneurship and technology training for military spouses

Portable License Support

If your career requires state licensing (teaching, nursing, real estate, cosmetology), PCS moves can disrupt your ability to work. The Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act has made progress on interstate license reciprocity, and many states now offer expedited licensing for military spouses. Check your specific profession's compact agreements before your next PCS.

Remote Work Platforms

These platforms specifically feature remote jobs suited to military spouse lifestyles:

• FlexJobs: Curated remote job listings (subscription-based, but quality is high)
• Remote.co: Free remote job listings across multiple industries
• Upwork/Fiverr: Freelancing platforms for building independent client bases
• We Work Remotely: Tech-focused remote job board
• Virtual Vocations: Remote job listings with military family discount

On-Installation Employment

Every military installation offers employment opportunities for spouses. These positions often come with spouse hiring preference and eliminate commuting concerns.

• NAF jobs: Non-Appropriated Fund positions at MWR, exchanges, and recreation facilities
• DODEA: Department of Defense Education Activity schools on base — teaching, substitute teaching, and administrative positions
• GS civilian positions: Federal civil service jobs on the installation with spouse preference
• Military Treatment Facility: Healthcare positions at the base hospital or clinic
• Child Development Centers: Childcare positions with built-in access to on-post childcare for your own children

Using These Resources Effectively

Having access to resources means nothing if you don't use them strategically. Here's the recommended approach:

The resources exist. The programs are funded. The employers are hiring. What most military spouses need isn't more information — it's a clear path through the information that already exists. Use this guide as your roadmap, start with the resources that match your immediate needs, and build from there. Your career doesn't have to take a backseat to military life — it just needs the right support system to thrive alongside it.

For resume help, see our military spouse resume guide. Also explore best remote jobs for military spouses and military spouse employment programs.

Related: How to write a military spouse resume that gets hired and every military spouse employment program in 2026.