What job opportunities are out there for retired E8's and E9's?

I retired as an Air Force Master Sergeant (E-7). I chose a government civil service career. I started overseas as a GS-11, got promoted to a GS-12 14 months later, GS-13 15 months after that, and became a GS-14 after 8 years in the civil service. Based on my experience, I'd say that yes there are career opportunities out there for senior NCO's. However, one has to meet the educational requirements and be able to translate their military experiences into something relevant. In my case, I emphasized completing my bachelor's and master's degrees while on active duty rather than worrying about the nonsense necessary for promotion to the E-8 and E-9 grades.

I've steered great senior enlisted to Not For Profits, NGOs, and fraternal organizations if they were thin on technical skills in demand like construction, diesel, etc. These organizations typically have a good mission statement, dislike distractions, and more often than not, keep money in its place.

Other senior enlisted many times go to work for contractors that are affiliated with the stuff you used or maintained in the service. Amazing how many of our ex-Trident folk now work for Boeing or Raytheon.

Nothing wrong with using your good senior officer connections to break some of the ice for you. They may have some good ideas too.

I retired after 32 years active duty. If I wanted a 9 to 5, entry level, those jobs were available. I applied to nearly 40 fortune 500 or equivalent companies, have 10 yrs senior Operations experience, a BS degree...no bites. I slapped a sign on the side of my truck and went into the home repairs business. I rolled that together with my affiliation with ChooseVets.com, and my association with AMVETS, and stay quite busy...or as busy as I want to be. Sometimes you just have to go out and do it yourself. Get a license, get bonded to protect yourself, and go get it done.

I retired in 2004 as an E-7, SFC. In 2006 I was hired on as a firefighter and love the job. No, it is not executive level, however is a great second career, with good benefits and great people to work with. Also, I can continue to serve. I first served my country, now I am serving my community. One great benefit is another retirement. I retire again at 55 and while I won't be rich, I will be very comfortable and have a secure income for the rest of my life.
The main plus in being a firefighter is the same sense of camaraderie and pride that I experienced in the Army. Fire departments love vets because of the discipline and dedication we bring from the military.

If an E-8/9 doesn't have at least an 4 year degree, the opportunities for executive positions will be slim to none. Sure, they can find a job but they are not going to get a Director-level position or above with no degree with the possible exception of a military contractor hook up. The majority of E-8/9s that I know of end up stuck in mid-level management positions at best for two reasons. 1) They lack social skills and 2) they lack education. It's sad but true.

SSgt Alegria, I just retired after 32 years. Army E-9, Battalion and Brigade Command Sergeant Major, 2 years Joint Command Major General Senior Enlisted Advisor, 5 years Corps Level Senior Staff Sergeant Major to a 3 star Command. What does that equal to the civilian world? Nothing. Enlisted anything doesn't equate to even a Junior Officer to corporate America.
What matters is, Civilian education. Get your Master's at least, if you can before leaving the service or be prepared to take a position well below your accustomed military position of responsibility. 2nd, what matter's, is your military occupation. Infantry doesn't translate. Leadership roles, don't matter. Intelligence, communications, or medical jobs go a long way. Good luck.

As with any rank, it all depends on how well an individual has prepared for the afterlife. If you haven't finished school (perhaps you want to pursue a terminal degree), take advantage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Let the VA support you while you concentrate on school. If you're done with school and are determined to jump right into the workforce, prepare for a culture shock. Nobody cares if you were an E8 or E9. It means nothing to them. It's all about the preparation and the translation. Be ready to start lower than you expect and work your way back up. Good luck!

There are plenty of jobs out there, but the key is the skills that are needed, do they posses them? There are also plenty of DoD jobs out there too. What the biggest drawback is the individuals themselves and that is where as there may have been an impressive military carreer with a lot of responsibility and the thinking is this position is too low and so on. I always say get your foot in the door, show what you can do and the cream always rises to the top! Me I did 10 years after service as a DoD civilian left as a GS13 and started my own business. I have not looked back. So, people need to look at their own business and being their own boss too! There are plenty of people out there to mentor and get one started on that journey!

As a veteran and business owner (small business), a person's rank is not really that important. I'm looking for someone that has the background I need, and can come in and go right to work with little additional training. I know I don't need a manager, I need a worker that will help me generate income for the business. An added person is an added expense, and that has to be offset as rapidly as possible. The more private industry certifications in your field that you have, the better. Unless you get in with a large company, or a government position, it is unlikely that a person will start at an executive level. You have to learn the business, and you have to learn how private sector companies work. I'm not demeaning any person's experience in the military, I'm just laying out what I found to be true when I got out many years ago, and what I look for now in my business. Get certifications that mean something in the private sector, network with people that have already gotten out, recognize that you are starting over in a new environment.

Lots of great advice here, so only a few things to add.
Networking is key, both my post-retirement jobs came because I knew the people hiring me and they knew my ability and potential.
Keep updating your resume. Don't worry too much about it being too long; most places use scanners to pick out key words and experiences, so the more you have, the better chance you have of making the first cut. I've never been told my resume was too long; I have been told that information that I initially left off for brevity was key.
Teaching credentials (instructor, drill sergeant, etc) can go a long way and not only for being a teacher. You can do curriculum development or training. For a SNCO, that should be an easy sell.
Technical skills matter. Most places already have leaders in place or want to promote from within.
Be ready to start over. As many have pointed out, you'll move up quickly. The SNCOs seem to enjoy suggesting how to do things better, explain why it's better for the organizationr, and how to implement it without coming off as a whiner. Good skills for the post-retirement.
Buy a suit. If you want to stand out in a good way, dress the part. If you want to save some money, hit up thrift stores. I spent about $100 buying seven fairly new suits at thrift stores after I retired.