What is MyCAA and how do I use it?

MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts) provides up to $4,000 in financial assistance for military spouses to pursue portable career training and certifications. Eligible spouses are married to active duty members in pay grades E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2, or O-1 to O-2. Funds can be used for licenses, certifications, associate degrees, or approved training programs that lead to portable careers.

What are the best portable careers for military spouses?

The best portable careers are location-independent and survive PCS moves: software development, web design, telehealth nursing, teaching (online or certified in multiple states), virtual assistance, accounting/bookkeeping, digital marketing, medical coding, project management, writing/editing, and real estate (with multi-state licensing).

Do military spouses get hiring preference for federal jobs?

Yes! Executive Order 13832 provides military spouses with preference for federal positions. Additionally, spouses of active duty service members can use non-competitive hiring for many federal jobs through the Military Spouse Preference (MSP) program.

How can I explain frequent job changes due to PCS moves on my resume?

Highlight adaptability, quick learning, and consistent value delivery despite frequent relocations. Use a functional or combination resume format that emphasizes skills over chronology. Include a Military Spouse Professional statement explaining PCS moves as career asset (adaptability, diverse experience, quick integration).

Can I work remotely from overseas duty stations?

Yes, but check SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) regulations for your specific country. Many remote jobs allow overseas work, but tax implications and internet connectivity vary. Some companies restrict employment to US-based workers due to labor laws.

Military Career Hub - Portable Careers & Remote Jobs for Military Spouses | Garrison Ledger

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The Military Spouse Career Reality

The Challenge

!21-24% unemployment rate (vs 3-4% national average)

!PCS every 2-3 years disrupts career progression

!State license transfers cost time and money

!Employment gaps damage resume credibility

!Deployment solo parenting limits work hours/flexibility

The Solution: Portable Careers

Remote work survives every PCS move

National certifications transfer across state lines

Freelance/consulting provides location flexibility

Federal employment preference programs help spouses

MyCAA provides $4,000 for training/certifications

Top Portable Careers for Military Spouses (2025)

High Demand

Software Developer

$85K-$120K

✓ 100% remote work standard
✓ High salary, strong benefits
✓ Bootcamps covered by MyCAA
✓ Freelance opportunities abundant

Always Hiring

Registered Nurse (RN)

$70K-$95K

✓ Needed at every base (MTF jobs)
✓ Compact licensure (multi-state)
✓ Travel nursing option ($2K+/week)
✓ High job security

Remote Friendly

Accountant/Bookkeeper

$45K-$75K

✓ Fully remote capable
✓ QuickBooks certification via MyCAA
✓ Freelance client flexibility
✓ Tax season surge income

Low Barrier

Virtual Assistant

$35K-$55K

✓ Start quickly (minimal training)
✓ 100% remote
✓ Flexible hours (deployment-friendly)
✓ Grow to agency model

Growing Field

Marketing Specialist

$50K-$80K

✓ Remote work standard
✓ Digital marketing certifications
✓ Freelance + full-time options
✓ Social media skills transferable

Stable Demand

Teacher/Online Tutor

$40K-$65K

✓ DoDEA schools at every base
✓ Online tutoring (VIPKid, Outschool)
✓ Teaching licenses (check reciprocity)
✓ Summer break for PCS flexibility

Note: Salary ranges shown are industry estimates as of 2025 and vary by experience, location, and employer. Use our Career Opportunity Analyzer to compare specific offers with cost-of-living adjustments.

MyCAA: $4,000 Free Career Training

Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts

Who's Eligible?

▸Spouses of active-duty members in pay grades E-1 to E-6, W-1 to W-2, O-1 to O-3

▸Service member on Title 10 orders (includes activated Guard/Reserve)

▸Must be pursuing portable career field (approved list)

▸Degree, license, or certification program

What's Covered?

$4,000

Maximum funding per spouse (lifetime)

✓Tuition, fees, books

✓Licenses and certifications

✓Associate degrees (up to 2 years)

✓Online and in-person programs

Apply for MyCAA

Career FAQs for Military Spouses

How much does MyCAA provide?

MyCAA provides up to $4,000 for eligible spouses to pursue licenses, certifications, or associate degrees in portable career fields. This is a lifetime benefit that can cover tuition, fees, books, and exam costs.

Who is eligible for MyCAA?

Spouses of active-duty members in pay grades E-1 to E-6, W-1 to W-2, and O-1 to O-3 (including activated Guard/Reserve in the same grades) while the service member is on Title 10 orders. Not available for spouses of retired, separated, or non-activated Guard/Reserve members.

What are the best remote jobs for military spouses in 2025?

Top portable careers with full remote work and transferable skills:

Software Developer: $85K-$120K (bootcamp-friendly, MyCAA eligible)
Virtual Assistant: $35K-$55K (quick start, flexible hours)
Registered Nurse: $70K-$95K (needed everywhere, Compact license)
Accountant/Bookkeeper: $45K-$75K (remote work, tax season surge)
Marketing Specialist: $50K-$80K (digital skills, freelance friendly)
Teacher/Tutor: $40K-$65K (DoDEA schools, online tutoring)
Graphic Designer: $45K-$70K (freelance, portfolio-based)
Customer Service: $30K-$50K (fully remote, many companies hiring)

How do I maintain a career through multiple PCS moves?

5-Step Strategy for PCS-Proof Careers:

1
Focus on remote-first careers - Choose fields where remote work is standard, not an exception
2
Get national certifications - Avoid state-specific licenses that require transfer fees/exams every PCS
3
Build freelance skills - Develop consulting/freelance capability for location flexibility
4
Leverage federal employment - Use military spouse preference programs (PPP, MSEP)
5
Network within military community - Military spouse employment groups share opportunities

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Portable Careers for Military Spouses & Service Members