Section 06
Veterans In The Tech Sector
For this year’s report, NC Tech was interested in understanding the role that veterans play in the tech sector
The military has a large presence in the state, with several major bases and operations located in North Carolina. Veterans make up 7.2% of the state’s population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This group accounts for an even larger share of the state’s total workforce at 9.2%.
North Carolina Veteran Share
By utilizing the Census’s microdata, we were able to identify the number of veterans working in tech industry or tech occupation jobs. The industry and occupation groupings in the Census microdata mostly align with the NAICS and SOC codes used to create the groupings in this report, with some small exceptions. Using the best available matches, we determined that in 2024 veterans accounted for 9.7% and 10.4% of the tech industry and tech occupations workforce, respectively.
Source: EL calculations based on US Census Bureau microdata
Top Industries Employing Veterans in North Carolina, 2024
The construction Industry employs the highest number of veterans across the state’s economy
However, several tech industries rank in the top ten. The computer systems design industry is the second-largest employer of veterans in the state. There are also strong veteran employment levels in engineering and scientific consulting industries.
Source: EL calculations based on US Census Bureau microdata
Veterans account for about one-tenth or more of employment in six tech industries
Veterans tend to be more represented in the services-based segments of the tech industry compared with tech manufacturing industries.
Source: EL calculations based on US Census Bureau microdata
Key Tech Industries by Percentage of Veterans in NC Workforce, 2024
Veterans in Key Tech Occupations in North Carolina
On the occupation side of the tech sector, the top tech job for veterans in 2024 was software developer. Information security analyst is also a top job for veterans. This occupation aligns well with many veterans’ defense backgrounds and their ability to acquire a security clearance—often a requirement for these roles.
The military also serves as an employer and trainer of tech talent in the state. In 2024, there were 8,870 workers in the military performing tech jobs, according to Lightcast. This was about 2 percent of all tech workers in North Carolina and about 7 percent of all military workers. The increase in automation and AI technology has grown the demand for tech workers in the armed forces. These workers can gain valuable tech skills during their service that can then be translated to the private tech sector.
