Salary for Workers with Security Clearances Rises to Record
Workers in jobs that require a security clearance are getting paid more, as the job market remains “strong.”
That’s according to ClearanceJobs, an online community for security-cleared professionals in the defense and intelligence industries.
ClearanceJobs found that cleared employees received an average boost of six percent in compensation in 2023, bringing their average salary to a record $114,946. For the second consecutive year, 67 percent of workers reported an increase in base pay.
Workers in Generation Z received the biggest boost in compensation, reporting a 13 percent rise.
“The state of the national security job market remains strong,” said Evan Lesser, Founder and President of ClearanceJobs. “While much is made of the importance of mission, one should never undercut compensation as the critical factor motivating employees. When asked to pick the things their employer could change to increase their happiness and engagement, higher compensation was more than double the other options.”
The report found the demographics of the national security workforce remain largely consistent. Women once again made-up 23 percent of respondents. However, the number of Generation Z workers in the workforce has grown by about four percent over the past four years.
Work Life Balance
Beyond compensation, the ClearanceJobs survey found that 57 percent of respondents say their employer offers a remote or hybrid option, up from 46 percent in 2021. Respondents with the remote/hybrid option also tended to earn higher compensation, earning $15,000 to $20,000 more over the past three years than peers that have jobs that require them to be in the office more.
When remote is not an option, such as in many national security positions, the survey found that employees want extra vacation and bonuses, to compensate.
Job Market Dynamics
Given demand for clearance workers and the state of the job market, 79 percent told ClearanceJobs they are likely to make some sort of career move in the next year. Just 21 percent said they’re not at all likely to jump ship. That number is actually up four percent from the prior year.
However, those who plan to leave, plan to stay in clearing. Only 13 percent said they are likely or very likely to leave the cleared industry over the next five years, while 59 percent said they plan to stay.
“Strong cleared compensation truly points to the stability and strength of the cleared job market,” said Art Zeile, CEO of DHI Group Inc. “This is a community that’s committed to the mission of defending our country and they can do so from a variety of attractive positions. To hire and retain cleared talent employers need to focus on compensation and engagement. The ClearanceJobs Compensation Report shows employers understand that imperative.”