DHI Group, announced that ClearanceJobs, its leading online community for security-cleared professionals in the defense and intelligence sectors, has released its 2025 Security Clearance Compensation Report.
Despite economic uncertainty and shifting federal workforce dynamics, compensation for cleared professionals climbed nearly 4% in 2025, reaching an all-time high of $119,131. The demand for security-cleared talent remains strong, with 68% of professionals receiving salary increases—and nearly one in seven seeing pay bumps of 10% or more.
“For candidates, the message is clear: your clearance is your currency, and it’s a career advantage to keep in an uncertain federal job market,” said Alex Schildt, President of ClearanceJobs. “But pay isn’t the only factor—career growth, flexibility, and stability are also important. Employers who recognize that and offer competitive salaries, career development opportunities, and work-life balance will be the ones who win the battle for the best talent.”
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The Evolving Cleared Workforce
Increased competition for cleared talent has led to higher salaries across clearance levels, job roles, and geographic locations. Professionals with Lifestyle or Full Scope Polygraphs reported an average salary of $141,299—nearly $30,000 more than those without a polygraph.
Virginia continues to lead as the highest-paying state for security-cleared jobs, with an average salary of $131,612, followed closely by Maryland ($130,878) and Colorado ($126,936). The Intelligence Community remains the highest-paying sector, with professionals at agencies like the CIA earning an average of $159,350.
While job stability remains a priority for many, 83% of professionals are at least somewhat likely to change jobs in the next year. Compensation remains the top factor in job satisfaction, with 67% of respondents selecting higher pay as their primary motivator for increased workplace happiness.
Future Outlook: Pay Growth Continues, But Challenges Remain
The cleared workforce is in transition. While national security jobs offer strong compensation and stability, federal hiring freezes and shifting agency priorities may reshape the landscape in the coming years. Employers who want to remain competitive must invest in salaries, benefits, and retention strategies to keep top talent engaged.
“Security-cleared professionals are making strategic career moves, and compensation remains their biggest bargaining chip,” said Art Zeile, CEO of DHI Group, Inc. “Employers who grasp market dynamics, offer competitive compensation, and foster opportunities for career advancement will emerge as leaders in securing top talent in the national security sector.”
The 2025 Security Clearance Compensation Report includes a breakdown of cleared compensation by state, occupation, education level, clearance level, polygraph status, and more.
