Executive Summary
Post-9/11 veterans consistently employed for eight years after entering the civilian labor market experienced faster earnings growth than comparable non-veterans. Despite starting with slightly lower initial earnings, veterans' earnings grew approximately 10 percentage points more over eight years, a trend consistent across various demographic groups. This analysis highlights the long-term economic benefits for veterans in the civilian workforce.
Why It Matters
This report provides critical insights into the long-term economic integration and success of post-9/11 veterans in the civilian labor market, which is vital for defense policymakers and military planners concerned with recruitment, retention, and veteran welfare.
Key Takeaways
- Post-9/11 veterans consistently employed for eight years showed faster earnings growth than comparable non-veterans.
Source evidence · PDF page 5
Post-9/11 veterans’ earnings grew faster than those of comparable non-veterans in our sample of veterans who were consistently employed over the first eight years after they entered the labor market.
- Veterans' earnings grew approximately 10 percentage points more than non-veterans over eight years, despite lower initial earnings.
Source evidence · PDF page 5
Although veterans started with slightly lower earnings than non-veterans, their earnings grew about 10 percentage points more than non-veterans over those eight years.
- This earnings growth advantage was observed across all demographic groups studied, including male, female, Black, Hispanic, and White veterans.
Source evidence · PDF page 5
This earnings growth advantage was present across demographic groups, including male, female, Black, Hispanic, and White veterans.
Strategic Relevance
Understanding veteran labor market outcomes is strategically relevant for military recruitment and retention efforts, as it demonstrates the long-term economic benefits of military service. It also informs policy decisions aimed at supporting successful military-to-civilian transitions, which can impact national readiness and social stability.