Security Clearance Jobs Salaries
It is widely published that security-cleared candidates have more earning potential due to a burgeoning defense industry. How is your salary? Are you satisfied? If you aren’t happy with your present salary, why?
It is widely published that security-cleared candidates have more earning potential due to a burgeoning defense industry. How is your salary? Are you satisfied? If you aren’t happy with your present salary, why?
Comment Archive
What I would be curious to learn is the difference in salary between government and private sector… is there a huge difference in salary or benefits? Furthermore, does working in government and then transitioning into private sector increase your marketability, and thus salary?
In general, public sector pays more. The government always says “we offer better benefits” but who knows if that’s true. The other benefit of working for the government is job security. How many government employees do you know that got fired for poor results?
DoDContractor –
Thanks for the response. Is the salary difference between private and government the same across all disciplines (i.e, engineering, sales, etc…). It seems to me that a number of the government agencies are having to up their salaries to compete for technical individuals (IT or engineering).
My pay looks great on paper, however, I am young and I missed the 2000-2004 housing boat here in DC. At this rate, I will not be able to support a family to live in a decent single family home. Sure, the clearance gives me almost 100% job security, however, there are talks of others my age of moving elsewhere, and letting their clearance expire because they would rather live somewhere else where it is more cost efficient. Do you think companies will continue to raise salaries to keep people from leaving the industry?
Contractor: There are security clearance jobs all over the USA. DC is expensive. Moving to some other location may save you a lot.
I have a security clearance making 42k per year in a very secured job , but really can’t afford to live in this area (since I too missed out buying a house during the boom years). I’m looking to 1. making more $$$ in this area or leaving the area and someplace else where cost of living is cheaper , (such as Raleigh NC where one can find a single family home priced at only 150k). I have a B.S. degree in Business and have my TS clearance for 2.5 years, any ideals ?
RE: DoDContractor
I agree it would save ME a lot by getting a job elsewhere, but what will the contractors in the DC area plan to do to keep any of their employees?
I have heard that people job hop quite often in California to compensate for the housing prices. Do you think people will job hop more often in DC?
A lot of jobs are moving out to the suburbs, which while expensive, are cheaper than living in Arlington, Alexandria, and DC proper.
Loudoun county is looking a lot more appealing..
I’m currently considering taking a contractor position. I have an offer for about 60k per year as a recruiter at an IT firm, recruiting people for contracts in Iraq or wherever else the firm is awarded contracts and when a contract comes up that I feel I would like to work on, I can always take one of those for the contractor pay.
Also my employment is fairly secured with my background in security, as I will also be a good back-up Facility Security Officer.
Location in in the DC/Herndon VA area. Any comments?
Typical – IT recruiter/FSO sounds like a good career move. $60k sounds a bit low though for metro DC. Would that be an increase or a reduction in your current pay?
It would be a temporary increase. I’m in a developmental position slowing jumping up 2 GS pay grades a year, in the final year. This time next year i will be making about that.
Still have a bit to think about.
Typical – Would this be your first move from government employee to government contractor? If so, are there any motivations other than salary? This is a subject we are studying.
This is my first move from civil service to non-civil service. I havent worked outside the government since I was 17.
My motivations are salary and dissatisfaction with the way I have been treated at work. The situation is currently being cleared up but over the last year or so it’s been rather rough.
So salary and unpleasant working enviroment.
I just finished my investigation and am awaiting adjudication on my secret clearence. Can anyone tell me some of the companies hiring for iraq deployments that might have multiple year contracts available I looked at one but I want to make sure they have the best deal For me. Sorry if this is off topic.
You guys are selling yourself short! When I work which is all the time, my min is $100K for normal areas and a min of $120K for high rent areas.
Anything less than that, the contracting companies are keeping all the money to themselves! Their bid rates are over $100/hr min! Watch yourselves!
Re: Bob-contractor
Bob, couldn’t agree more. These companies need cleared workers and they have a lot of money, they’re not paying you more because you haven’t asked for it.
Reference, Bob-contractor:
Bob appears to be much more experienced in contracting also may have advanced degrees in IT/ other high tech area(s) of concentration.
I don’t think for one minute that someone without a DEGREE, or a B.S. in any field can start out demanding $120K in the Wash Metro area. Yes it’s quite expensive out here; overpriced as a matter of fact. But many of the contractors have the credentials to make the big $$$, and several (at least 15 to 20)years of esperience in the GS13/14/15 or SES equivalent(s)in the public sector.
It’s a constant self-improvement, motivating force that drives the salaries up.
I just received an interim clearance through the Army. I had a 4 year break in service. I submitted forms to HRC, DA in July 02, (for a civilian contract position), October 03 for a GS13 position at a federal agency 5 blocks from my home. Those cases remain ‘open’ with Washington Headquarters Service (WHS)… I was required to fill out three separate SF86s for the Army. It still took from February 05 to February 07 just to get the interim.
Ironically, I had gotten tentatively hired by the same federal agency, a couple of surely HRC civilians told me “… that Army Interim does not translate to a DoD type interim.” In other words, it’s not transferable; at least not for me. Before I got the latest tentative offer (formerly GS14-now NPSI IV, negotiable)-I was ASSURED THAT the Army Interim TS could be used by that particular federal agency.
I’m working on a Ph D in biochem, molecular bio and biotech–credentials are key. Plus I’ve served in two back to back deployments and served several years of military; 17+ RA and 15 months reserves. Again, many of the federal agencies want people who have been in some theater of combat.
What recourse, if any; beside the Special Councel in downtown DC, do I have to try to reclaim or protect myself from the ‘security hold mode’ again?
Currently looking for a job with a gov’t contractor (moving out of the gov’t). I have a M.S. in EE with 6 years full time experience in DSP software development with a TS/SCI clearance. Any advice for a reasonable starting range will be appreciated. (Is the 120k unreasonable for someone with my experience?)
RE: BOB-Contractor or Contractor or any Contractors…
I just left active duty after 6 1/2 years as an officer. I have a TS w/SCI by DOD. I was an arty officer and intelligence officer, and now I’m looking at doing some contracting before I go to grad school. What am I “worth” salary wise? Or what should I ask for? Is there some sort of mathematical formula to follow?
Thanks for any info.
?? about CONTRACTING:
Based on our security clearance salary survey, Intel folks are making $60,625 on average each year. Note that this is a nationwide average. Some areas of the USA definitely pay more than others. Also, if you have specialized skills like humint or Arabic language proficiency, those can boost your pay. Good luck!
RE: admin
Thanks! Actually I live in Germany right now. The contract is also in Germany.
The average Intel salary for Germany is $57,857. Also, the $60,625 is the worldwide average, not the USA average.
RE: admin
So is the salary in Germany less because there are typically other financial compensations? housing, cost of living, etc?
Re: ?? about CONTRACTING
Yes, most likely salaries in Germany are slightly lower since other expenses are often paid for or subsidized.
Thanks!
Whatever you do,don’t go to work at a governemet job!!!
I worked for the DMV here in NC for 7 years and it was the worst experience of my working life.No only are you paid next to nothing,but the benefits suck and the coworkers are mean and unprofessional.When you work for government you always see people that are less qualified getting promoted because they are for political/friendship reasons.No one gets fired unless they steal money from the state and if you are willing to work,I guarantee you that you will be doing your work and other’s that are lazy dead wood that should be fired.Also once you take a government job,it comes with a stigma.Employers think you are lazy and rude because that is the general feeling about government workers and has fueled many many jokes through the years.You will have a hard time getting back out of there once you get in!
Don’t mislead yourself about the pay either.Many people still falsely believe that government work is the highest paying,the best benefits and the most stable. It may have been in 1953,but it took a cue from private industry over the years to keep cutting back on pay and benefits up to now and so government jobs are a waste of time and effort.
Also government jobs operate above the law and put you into situations that are dangerous for your health.The building I worked in was full of asbestos.Smokers in the buiolding were forced to sign a waiver stating that if they ever developed any health problems from working in that building that they wouldn’t take legal action in the future.I also saw pesticide people come in and spray for bugs around mine and other coworker’s desks during the day without warning when we had open cans of soda and coffee on our desks soaking up the sprayed chemicals.Many people that were older folks retired and then died of various cancers and had spent many years working in our building.
I left the government almost 2 years ago and never looked back.I am now respected at my job and treated fairly and the same as other coworkers.I doubled my pay and benefits in doing so, and the best advice I can give anyone is to not go to work there in the first place.
Does anyone have an idea how to get a software engineer/developer contract in Iraq?
Pam – There aren’t too many software jobs in Iraq. A suggestion would be to view
https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/overseas
and note the companies posting these positions, as well as individual recruiters. If you can contact them and let them know you are willing to go to Iraq, and what your primary skills are, you will get responses back from these folks. This technique has worked for others recently.
Good luck!
Thank you for the good information. I will try it.
-Pam
I am looking for an Analyst job in Iraq but I dont want to go for a full year. Does anyone know of one that is out there. I have 7year of Analyst experience.
Bob,
Which companies or websites do you know of that have good paying jobs for contractors? I have a secret clearance as well but I’m new to this.
Well. I just got out of 8yrs enlisted military service with a TS/SCI clearance. I have no degree or cetifications. I have only 3 years of IT experience and have offer letters from contracting companies in the 75-85k range. I am now asking for 90k. I know for a fact they are billing the govt 250-300k for these positions we fill.
Runnen560 – Good for you. No doubt, you probably didn’t make a great salary while in the military. It’s time you got back a little for some hard work. Good luck to you.
Would anyone know of career opportunities in the Raleigh-Durham, NC area for cleared positions?
I just got out of the Army with 7 years, TS/SCI CI-scope poly. I’m looking at taking a contract job in Iraq with L3 GSI. I know there’s a way to look up the rate at which the company charges the government, but I can’t find anything under the contract (MNF-I) that I’ll be hired onto. I found all sorts of schedules at gsaadvantage.gov. Are the intel. ones classified or something? By the way, not counting the Hazardous duty and Hardship pays, what can kind of salary could I reasonably demand for an intel job?
Kevin – with that level of clearance, plus poly, and 7 years experience, you should be able to earn a base salary of $100 to $120 in Iraq. This is base only, and doesn’t include Hazardous Duty or Hardship Pay. Total annual salary could jump to $150 including bonuses and the fringe pay noted above. Our suggestion would be to start at the high end of base pay, and work your way down. Unlike jobs in the States, cleared contractors in Iraq have most of the bargaining power.
See https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/overseas for more jobs that might suit you, and some salary ideas.
I am looking for a job overseas, I currently work as an SSO with an SCI clearance. I do not want to work in IRAQ or IRAN. I’ve been in this field for about 6 years and I’m in the 80k range now living in VA. Please help.
Rachelle – see https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/overseas for overseas clearance jobs.
With someone who JUST received Top Security Clearance LVL3,
How & Where & WHO do I apply to utilize my Top Security Clearance LVL3 and my Military (3yrs / 7months) backround?
Kevin – are you a US citizen?
Kevin – are you a US citizen? Yes. Born in Cherry Pt.,NC
I obtained my first clearance in the military (Army) but, didn’t know the level of that clearance
Top Security Clearance w/out poly graph
Kevin – without posting your resume here, what is your speciality? What do you do and want to do?
Admin – Nice site here. I am currently trying to research Average Salaries for Postions that require a TS/SCI clearance. I found the data from the March 07 salary survey and was wondering if there is an update to that yet?
I am expecting to get a job offer from a large Defense contracting company shortly. I want to make sure I am getting fair market value for my services.
The Nation wide salary average is a nice thing to know, but that will not go very far in my Contract negotiations for an Omaha posiion. Can you point me to a website that breaks salary down by region?
Thanks.
JD – New salary survey will be out in a few weeks. Keep checking back here and at ClearanceJobs.com for updates. Registered job seekers on ClearanceJobs.com will receive advanced copies of the survey results. Thanks!
I CURRENTLY just RECIEVED my Top Secret Clearance from my CURRENT employer.
Kevin – looking at your resume, it appears you left military service June 2001. That would mean in the eyes of a defense contractor, your clearance expired June 2003 making it not currently useful for employment. Please let us know if this date is not correct.
Kevin – thanks for the update. What type of position would be your “dream” job?
For most candidates, posting a resume on ClearanceJobs.com is the key first step. The service has a large number of employers, both the Federal government and Federal contractors using the site to find new hires.
Searching and applying for jobs is important, but not as important as posting a resume and making sure it is refreshed often. At this point, approximately 90% of the candidates hired from ClearanceJobs.com come from employer resume searches and establishing contact with potential candidates.
11432 Ledbury Way, Germantown, MD 20876
E – Mail: [email protected]
Home #: (301) 515 – 1450
Cell #: (301) 326 – 7605
Objective: To obtain a Federal Government Position utilizing my Military experience and my Top Security Clearance LVL3 received on 11/21/2007: from Current Employer & with out Poly Graph. L & Q Security Clearance Processing.
Military:Army: 01/98 to 06/01 Honorable Discharge DD214: Available Upon Request.
Education:Quince Orchard High School Diploma 1990
Computer Learning Center 6295 Edsall Rd., Suite 210, Alexandria, VA
1997 Associates Degree in Computer Systems, Networks and Hardware Technology
Experience: 11/05 to Present
Bankers Business Management Services, Inc.
Corporate Office 8121 Georgia Ave. Suite 609 Silver Spring, MD 20910
NIH Contractor / NIH 2 Mailroom General Clerk III
2115 East Jefferson St. MSC 8500 Rm. 4B – 432 Bethesda MD 20852
Supervisor / Alexander D. Wright (301) 496 – 1460
Provide mail and messenger services for all of OFM (Office of Financial Management). Maintain accountable mail receipts for Vendors and OFM Internal Inquires. Draft and send out general correspondence in support of the OFM invoice(s) processing function. Scan various sensitive and confidential documents into an image data base using the View Star / Batch Scan software for the OFM using a high speed Fujitsu Scanner M4097D. Scan and conduct quality control for the processing of all invoice documents for the NIH (National Institute OF Health) into the OFM database and maintain a computerized filing system for batches scanned. Interface with Vendor inquiries concerning invoices and invoice status. Manage the Records Retention Program for the OFM in accordance with appropriate NIH policy for record archiving. This includes receiving, sorting, labeling, logging and preparing for storage existing records management requests. Retrieve, receive and scan documents in preparation for recovery; sort, date, stamp and route incoming and outgoing documents for both External and Internal applications. Deliver Mail/reports and other documents to rooms/ individuals within OFM, including picking up incoming, outgoing material and sorting, processing for external sources. Daily pick-up and deliveries normally confined to the NIH Campus will now take extra time and oversight as OFM will be located off campus. Provide routine support receipt of documents and items. Organize and set up meeting rooms for the OFM Directorate. Provide Special messenger services on and off the NIH campus for the OFM.
06/04 to 10/07
E. B. Games
13042 Midlebrook Rd. Ste. 230 Germantown, MD
Sales Associate / Assistant Manager
Supervisor / Manager Kyle (301) 916 – 7982
Open and close the store. Bank drops. Cashiering. Maintaining clean work environment. Count out the registers. Arrange and display all / new merchandise. Assisting customers with questions and concerns. Making price changes. Making the work Schedule.
Filing the paper work appropriately. Answering phone inquiries. Setting up Vender’s Monthly Marketing. Listening on the Conference calling for weekly up dates. Checking and processing incoming shipment daily. Checking inventory on a daily basis.
Kevin – thanks for the update. What type of position would be your “DREAM†job?
I live in Germantown, Maryland.
My “DREAM” job would be: Working in an OFFICE or in the field serving my COUNTRY (as a civilian Federal Gov’t employee). Someone would take the TIME to train someone for the position: working for the Federal Government making $90,000 or more a year. I’m willing to travel 2 to 3 times a year.
Being NEW at this, obtaining a TOP SECRET CLEARANCE, I’d thought I would’ve been scooped up already. I know the Gov’t doesn’t hand these clearances out like candy. I just thought I would have been hired by now. I obtained my
TOP SECRET CLEARANCE on November 21, 2007. How can you help me?
I live in Germantown, Maryland.
Also, What is an L & Q Clearance? My current Employer also has me in for an L & Q Clearance.
I live in Germantown, Maryland.
My “DREAM†job would be:
Working in an OFFICE or in the field serving my COUNTRY (as a civilian Federal Gov’t employee). Someone would take the
TIME to train someone for the position:
Working for the Federal Government making $90,000 or more a year. I’m willing to travel 2 to 3 times a year maybe more.
Being NEW at this, obtaining a TOP SECRET CLEARANCE, I’d thought I would’ve been scooped up already. I know the Gov’t doesn’t hand these clearances out like candy. I just thought I would have been hired by now. I obtained my
TOP SECRET CLEARANCE on November 21, 2007. How can you help me?
Are you able to help?
Are you able to help?
ReVised Resume 02/21/2008 9:03am:
11432 Ledbury Way, Germantown, MD 20876
E – Mail: [email protected]
Home #: (301) 515 – 1450
Kevin J McCarthy Jr
Cell #: (301) 326 – 7605
Objective: To obtain a Federal Government Position utilizing my Military experience and my Top Security Clearance LVL3 (with out Poly Graph).
Military:Army: 01/98 to 06/01 Honorable Discharge DD214: Available Upon Request.
Awards: The Good Conduct Medal
Military Coins(s): Basic Training Coin, Jag Coin Attention to Detail and Battalion Coin for Hard Work
Education:Quince Orchard High School Diploma 1990
Computer Learning Center 6295 Edsall Rd., Suite 210, Alexandria, VA
1997 Associates Degree in Computer Systems, Networks and Hardware Technology
Experience: 11/05 to Present
Bankers Business Management Services, Inc.
Corporate Office 8121 Georgia Ave. Suite 609 Silver Spring, MD 20910
NIH Contractor / NIH 2 Mailroom General Clerk III
2115 East Jefferson St. MSC 8500 Rm.4B–432 Bethesda MD 20852
Supervisor / Alexander D. Wright (301) 496 – 1460
Provide mail and messenger services for all of OFM (Office of Financial Management). Maintain accountable mail receipts for Vendors and OFM Internal Inquires. Draft and send out general correspondence in support of the OFM invoice(s) processing function. Scan various sensitive and confidential documents into an image data base using the View Star / Batch Scan software for the OFM using a high speed Fujitsu Scanner M4097D. Scan and conduct quality control for the processing of all invoice documents for the NIH (National Institute OF Health) into the OFM database and maintain a computerized filing system for batches scanned. Interface with Vendor inquiries concerning invoices and invoice status. Manage the Records Retention Program for the OFM in accordance with appropriate NIH policy for record archiving. This includes receiving, sorting, labeling, logging and preparing for storage existing records management requests. Retrieve, receive and scan documents in preparation for recovery; sort, date, stamp and route incoming and outgoing documents for both External and Internal applications. Deliver Mail/reports and other documents to rooms/ individuals within OFM, including picking up incoming, outgoing material and sorting, processing for external sources. Daily pick-up and deliveries normally confined to the NIH Campus will now take extra time and oversight as OFM will be located off campus. Provide routine support receipt of documents and items. Organize and set up meeting rooms for the OFM Directorate. Provide Special messenger services on and off the NIH campus for the OFM.
06/04 to 10/07
02/08 to Pres.
E.B.Games 13042 Midlebrook Rd.Ste. 230 Germantown, MD
Sales Associate / Assistant Manager
Supervisor/ Manager ROB (301)916–7982
Open and close the store. Bank drops. Cashiering. Maintaining clean work environment.
Count out the registers. Arrange and display all / new merchandise. Assisting customers with questions and concerns. Making price changes. Making the work Schedule.
Filing the paper work appropriately. Answering phone inquiries. Setting up Vender’s Monthly Marketing. Listening on the Conference calling for weekly up dates. Checking and processing incoming shipment daily. Checking inventory on a daily basis.
R U there?
I’m a ROTC cadet who is going reserve and looking for jobs in DC. I’ve worked in DC already for an Intelligence Oversight organization, so I’ve been granted a DoD TS/SSBI with SCI eligibility. I was asked to come to DC for an interview and have a salary number ready to ask for an Intelligence analyst contractor job… what should I consider reasonable. Is the national average for this really still $60+ even if I’m just out of school, with some experience and abroad time in the AO I would be working on? Thanks!