Employment

There are limited employment opportunities in Guam due to the local economy. The unemployment rate is 5.6% as of 2020. With a loss of a second income and Guam's high cost of living, there is the potential for military families to experience financial hardship or a reduced quality of life from what they may be accustomed to at other duty stations. With a bit of effort and persistence, however, employment vacancies for qualified people can be found. Prospects are good for employment in the administrative, healthcare, education, hospitality and construction fields.

Spouses who are successful in obtaining employment generally report that the job-seeking process was lengthy (taking between two to four months to secure any employment and taking much longer to secure ideal employment) and that the wages are not comparable to what they had been earning previously in comparable jobs stateside.

Because Guam is a popular destination for Japanese tourists, many local businesses are tourist- and service-oriented. The ability to communicate in the Japanese language will be welcomed at hotels, tour companies and restaurants.

Many local businesses are within a 30-minute commute of the military bases and are located in the northern and central sections of Guam.

The Fleet and Family Support Center Guam has a Family Employment Readiness Program that family members can use as a resource in their job search. The following websites may assist you in job hunting and/or provide you with an overview of jobs available on Guam:

• USAJOBS
• Government of Guam's Department of Labor

The following organizations may be of some assistance in your job search:

• Joint Region Marianas Human Resources Office: 671-349-4063/1030
• Nonappropriated Funds Human Resources Office: 671-349-1155
• Navy Exchange Human Resources Office: 671-339-6588/6589/6592
• Army and Air Force Exchange Service Human Resources Office: 671-653-1136 ext. 113 or 118

Many jobs in Guam are contractor positions. Contact FFSC at 671-333-2056/57 to find out about the major contractors on base.

U.S. citizens seeking employment on Guam must present a passport or birth certificate as proof of citizenship. The United States Labor Law requires employers to request proof of work eligibility prior to employment. There are no employment limitations for U.S. citizens.

Foreign-born military members, spouses and other family members who are not U.S. citizens may work for private employers or other non-appropriated fund NAF agencies if they have working papers or a green card.

Please ensure that you hand carry all employment records and documents such as:

• resumes
• certificates
• licenses
• security clearances
• original social security cards
• school transcripts that may assist in your job seeking process.

Separating or retiring service members and their families may visit the Fleet and Family Support Center to utilize the Transition Assistance Program. TAP provides comprehensive transition assistance services. Services include information on resources and benefits such as the Transition workshop, one-on-one career and transition support and career planning workshops. TAP will help you plan for your future as you progress from military to civilian life. Call 671-333-2056/57, Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Educational opportunities to further your education or become a certified professional in certain fields are available both on and off base. Contact the Guam Fleet and Family Support Center for more information, 671-333-2056/57.

MyCAA

For information on MyCAA and Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, visit Military OneSource.

Guam does not have an "Unemployment Agency". You may want to seek advice from the state employment office in your state prior to coming to Guam regarding your benefits.

Prospects are good for employment in the following areas: administrative, healthcare, teaching, and hospitality. Unemployment rate on Guam is 7.2%, as of December 2021. Per the 2010 census, the median household income is $48,274.