VA Boston Healthcare System
MAVA health care system serving Massachusetts veterans with medical, mental health, and specialty care services.
Veteran Employment Resources in Massachusetts
Find veteran employment resources in Massachusetts. State hiring preferences, career counseling, job training, and transition assistance for Massachusetts veterans.
Veterans bring exceptional skills to the civilian workforce — leadership, discipline, technical expertise, and the ability to perform under pressure. Massachusetts, home to approximately 310,000 veterans, offers a robust network of employment resources to help service members transition to meaningful civilian careers.
This guide covers federal and state employment programs, hiring preferences, career counseling, training opportunities, and veteran-friendly employers in Massachusetts.
Federal Employment Programs
American Job Centers & DVOP/LVER
The Department of Labor funds Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists and Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERs) at career centers across Massachusetts. These specialists provide intensive career counseling, job placement, and follow-up services. Veterans receive priority of service at all federally funded employment programs.
VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E)
Chapter 31 VR&E provides career counseling, resume development, job training, education, and job placement for Massachusetts veterans with service-connected disabilities who face employment barriers. Contact the VA Regional Office serving Massachusetts to apply.
Massachusetts Employment Resources
Massachusetts provides absolute preference for veterans in state civil service hiring. The MassHire career center system has veteran representatives. Hanscom AFB and multiple defense contractors provide employment opportunities
Skills Translation & Licensing
Massachusetts has taken steps to recognize military credentials and training for civilian licensing. Veterans with military occupational specialties in healthcare, commercial driving, aviation, and other regulated fields should contact the DVS for assistance with credential recognition.
Veteran Entrepreneurship
The SBA's Office of Veterans Business Development provides resources including Boots to Business training, Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs), and SCORE mentoring. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) receive federal contracting preferences. Contact your nearest SBA office in Massachusetts for details.
Key Resources
- VA Careers: VA for Vets at vaforvets.va.gov
- Federal Jobs: usajobs.gov (Veterans' Preference applies)
- DVS: Contact for state employment resources
- DOL Veterans Services: 1-866-487-2365
Employment Resources in Massachusetts
MassHousing
MAState housing finance agency providing mortgage assistance, rental programs, and housing resources for Massachusetts residents including veterans.
Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services
MAMassachusetts state veterans affairs office providing benefits counseling, claims assistance, and connections to state veteran programs.
MassHire Veterans Employment Services
MAEmployment and training services for Massachusetts veterans including job placement and career counseling.
Veterans Legal Services (Boston)
MAFree legal aid for veterans in Massachusetts focusing on discharge upgrades, benefits claims, and housing issues.
Massachusetts Military and Veterans Family Support Program
MASupport services for military and veteran families in Massachusetts including counseling and family readiness programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Massachusetts offer veterans' hiring preference?
- Massachusetts provides absolute preference for veterans in state civil service hiring. Veterans' Preference also applies to all federal jobs.
- What employment programs are available for disabled veterans in Massachusetts?
- VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) provides career counseling, training, and job placement for veterans with service-connected disabilities. DVOP specialists at career centers provide intensive services for disabled veterans.
- How do I translate my military skills to civilian jobs in Massachusetts?
- Use the VA Military Skills Translator at va.gov or O*NET to map military experience to civilian careers. Massachusetts has also taken steps to recognize military credentials for state licensing.
- Where can I get job training in Massachusetts?
- Options include VR&E, GI Bill-funded training, apprenticeships, state career center programs, and community college certificate programs. Contact your local career center or the DVS for specific programs.
- How do I start a business as a veteran in Massachusetts?
- The SBA offers Boots to Business training, SCORE mentoring, and Veterans Business Outreach Centers. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses receive federal contracting preferences. Contact your local SBA office in Massachusetts.
Related guides in Massachusetts
Employment in nearby states
Related resources
Recently verified employment resources serving Massachusetts, ordered by most recent verification.
MassHire Veterans Employment Services
MAEmployment and training services for Massachusetts veterans including job placement and career counseling.