Austin ranks among best U.S. cities for military veterans to find work or retire

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Austin is ranked among the top 10 as the No. 2 destination for military retirees, according to a study commissioned by USAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Greg Barr

Managing Editor- Austin Business Journal

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Austin is ranked as the No. 2 destination for military retirees, according to a study commissioned by USAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The study, titled "Best Place s for Veterans: Military Retirement," identifies 10 U.S. metros that offer more opportunities to maximize military retiree benefits and offer employment that aligns with military skills.

San Antonio, which is also home to the headquarters of USAA, a financial services provider to the military community, topped the list for military retirees.

The study also ranked U.S. cities in a category dubbed "Starting Out," which measures local unemployment rates, the presence of higher education facilities, in order to identify cities where military veterans might have the best chance to get jobs. Austin also ranked No. 2 using that measurement, while College Station, Texas, ranked No. 9. San Antonio didn't make that list.

The final study ranking looked at "Mid-Career" measurements such as job growth in the top local industries that employ veterans, veteran wage growth and certification/license transfers. Austin ranked No. 5 in that category, while Houston ranked No. 1, San Antonio was No. 2 and Fort Worth, Texas, was No. 9.

Earlier this year, Austin Business Journal profiled former veteran Joshua Lien, who saved up his U.S. Army pay to acquire a Mosquito Joe franchise in the area.

Greg Barr is the managing editor of Austin Business Journal, responsible for day-to-day digital and print coverage.