Employment

Hampton Roads, with a 3.5% unemployment rate (as of June 2026), possesses a broad and competitive job market within the military, municipalities, financial institutions and the retail and service industries.

Employment opportunities on base include Morale, Welfare and Recreation; Non-Appropriated Funds; Navy Exchange and the Commissary.

A few of Hampton Roads' major employers are:

• The various public-school districts
• Insurance companies
• Sentara Health Systems
• Dominion Energy
• Norfolk Naval Shipyard

Many telemarketing companies and call centers for major companies call Hampton Roads home.

Virginia's minimum wage is $12.77 as of Jan. 1, 2026.

Workers in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC Metropolitan Statistical Area had an average (mean) hourly wage of $30.14 in May 2025, slightly lower than the national average of $32.66.

Go to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to learn more about Occupational Employment and Wages in Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News.

The Fleet and Family Support Center's Oceana/ Dam Neck's Family Employment Readiness Program can assist all eligible family members and transitioning service members with their job search and career planning. Our Career Development Resource Center provides up-to-date local college information and computers to assist in your job search.

Once a month, FFSC Oceana offers “Career Week,” which consists of the following employment classes:

• Career Development - This three-hour self-assessment workshop is designed to help you make career choices based on life goals, personal skills, abilities, preferences and work values.
• Effective Resume Writing - These days, only a top-notch resume will get you an interview. Learn how to market your skills, knowledge, accomplishments and experience with an impressive resume. This single-session workshop includes tips on translating military terminology.
• Interview Techniques - Want to feel more confident at your next job interview? This workshop teaches you how! Topics include positive answers to difficult questions, dressing for success and the importance of body language and a positive attitude. Interview follow-up and salary negotiations are also discussed.
• Job Search Strategies - Learn more about the crucial steps in the job search process. This workshop covers everything from assessing the hidden job market to finding a job long distance, as well as job searching on the internet. Many of the resources and services available to job seekers are also discussed, including major employers in the Hampton Roads area and the Virginia Employment Commission.
• Federal Employment System - In this single-session workshop, gain the advantage in your job search within the federal government by learning how to find vacancies and job listings, complete the application process and understand standard qualifications and testing requirements.

Employment Specialists are available to provide individual consultations and mock interviews. Call 757-433-2912 for an appointment.

To start your job search off on the right foot, remember to hand-carry all your employment records and information, references, resumes, federal resumes, transcripts, certificates and licenses. If you are civil service and you transferring with the service member, don't forget to bring your SF-50. 

CONSEP is now My Navy Career Options.

My Navy Career Option is a 16-hour course that guides Sailors through the career opportunities available in the Navy and through civilian career paths. This course enhances mission readiness by giving Sailors the tools to make informed decision about their educational and career options. Topics include education benefits, health insurance, professional networking, financial planning, career opportunities, and professional skills.

Interested Career Counselors and Sailor can contact FFSC Oceana/Dam Neck to learn more and register. Call 757-433-2912.

Transition Assistance Program

This is a three-day mandatory DOW workshop for retiring or separating military members making the transition to the civilian sector. The workshop provides instruction on skills identification, resume preparation, interview techniques and veterans' entitlements. Transition Track is a two-day program. Speak to your Navy Career Transition Counselor to ask if it is a requirement for you.

Uniform of the day is required. It is no-cost orders if command required. Spouses are welcome to attend as space permits.

TAP classes are held once monthly, Monday-Wednesday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Transition Track classes are held Thursday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Registration is Monday at 7 a.m. See your command career counselor for a quota and workshop requirements to attend TAP events at NAS Oceana. For additional information, call 757-433-2912.

Active Duty

Inform your chain of command of you interest in Tuition Assistance. Complete required trainings through the Navy Training and Education Command website. Refer to NAVADMIN 243/17 for instructions.

SECO

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

Most military spouses are eligible to file an unemployment claim in Virginia as long as you meet the required 680 hours of covered employment. For information and questions regarding filing your first claim, contact the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) at 866-832-2363. For a complete listing of the documents and information you will need in order to file a claim, visit their website.

Keep in mind you may be initially considered ineligible for unemployment benefits and may have to file an appeal because you left your job voluntarily to accompany your service member. This is normal and most military spouses win the appeal.

Hampton Roads, with a 3.5% unemployment rate (as of June 2026), possesses a broad and competitive job market within the military, municipalities, financial institutions and the retail and service industries.

Employment opportunities on base include Morale, Welfare and Recreation; Non-Appropriated Funds; Navy Exchange and the Commissary.

A few of Hampton Roads' major employers are:

• The various public-school districts
• Insurance companies
• Sentara Health Systems
• Dominion Energy
• Norfolk Naval Shipyard

Many telemarketing companies and call centers for major companies call Hampton Roads home.

Virginia's minimum wage is $12.77 as of Jan. 1, 2026.

Workers in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC Metropolitan Statistical Area had an average (mean) hourly wage of $30.14 in May 2025, slightly lower than the national average of $32.66.

Go to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to learn more about Occupational Employment and Wages in Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News.