Employment

Hampton Roads traditionally falls below the national unemployment average. The area possesses a broad and competitive job market within the military, municipalities, financial institutions, retail and service industries. A few of Hampton Roads' major employers are:

• The various public school districts
• Bank of America
• GEICO
• Northrop Grumman
• Sentara Health Systems
• Portsmouth Naval Hospital
• Norfolk Naval Shipyard
• QVC

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

Virginia's minimum wage is $12.00 (2024). Examples of current wages in the area are:

• Clerical: $7.70 - $19.35/hour. Bilingual skills, advanced computer skills and/or certification may command higher hourly rate.
• Unskilled Labor: $13.66 - $27.59+
• Teachers: $48,926 - $82,917/year, median is $63,103.
• Professional (white collar): $50,000+

The Fleet and Family Support Center maintains available job listings for non-appropriated funds and defense contracts at the Northwest installation. The employment specialist at FFSC Northwest can assist you when looking for employment.

The Fleet and Family Support Center Northwest's Family Employment Readiness Program can assist all eligible family members with their job search and career planning. Our Career Development Resource Center provides up-to-date job leads(on and off base opportunities), local college information and computers to assist in your job search.

FFSC Northwest offers the following employment classes:

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.

Federal Employment System

In this single-session workshop gain the advantage in your job search with the federal government by learning how to find vacancies and job listings, complete the application process and how to understand standard qualifications and testing requirements.

Interviewing 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 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.

Career Planning

A self-assessment workshop to guide you in making career choices based on life goals, personal skills, abilities, preferences and work values.

Employment specialists are available to provide individual consultations and mock interviews. Call 757-421-8770 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 Standard Form-50.

Deckplate Resource Awareness Training is a two-day class specifically for Second Class Petty Officers in supervisory positions. This workshop will provide information on Navy and community resources available to military personnel. Through solution-focused exercises, participants learn techniques to effectively address personnel concerns brought to their attention

To sign up for any of these classes, you will need to contact your command career counselor.

Tuition Assistance

Navy College Counselor 833-330-6622, Option 3 (Education & Training, then Option 1 (Navy TA & Counseling) or for Live Chat at 877-838-1659. 

My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program

For information on My Career Advancement Account Scholarship program and Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, visit Military OneSource.

Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is a three-day workshop for separating military and pre-retirees. It covers military to civilian crosswalk, financial planning, job search and career validation, federal hiring, resumes, programs and Veteran Affairs benefits and other topics that facilitate a smooth transition from the military to the civilian community. If space is available, spouses may accompany the transitioning member.

All classes are held Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (weekly). 

See your command career counselor for a quota and workshop requirements to attend TAP (Transition Assistance Program). Call Fleet and Family Support Center for additional information at 757-444-6089 or visit our website.

Transition assistance services available at all FFSCs:

• Workshops and counseling on all financial aspects of transition
• Individual transition planning counseling
• Transition information and employment referral
• Capstones

Career Options and Navy Skills Evaluation Program

Deckplate Resource Awareness Training  is a two-day class specifically for Second Class Petty Officers in supervisory positions. This workshop will provides information on Navy and community resources available to military personnel. Through solution-focused exercises, participants learn techniques to effectively address personnel concerns brought to their attention.

To sign up for any of these classes, you will need to contact your command career counselor.

Hampton Roads Workforce Council 757-461-7537.

My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program

For information on My Career Advancement Account Scholarship program and Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, call 800-342-9647 or visit Military OneSource.

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 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.

The Unemployment rate is traditionally below the national average. Median Household Income $85,873.