National Security Compensation Reaches New High Despite Workforce Challenges

CENTENNIAL, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DHI Group, Inc. (NYSE: DHX) announced today 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.”

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.

Journalists: Email [e-mail] for an ungated link.

Access The 2025 Security Clearance Compensation Report

ClearanceJobs – About Us

Founded in 2002, ClearanceJobs is a modern marketplace for career opportunities in national security. We maintain a strong commitment to connecting security-cleared professionals and employers in a secure and private platform to fill the jobs that safeguard our nation. Our protected career marketplace allows industry employers and candidates the ability to connect, converse, and exchange opportunities. From instant messaging to deep personal and company branding, ClearanceJobs balances participation by giving every user – both employers and candidates – a platform to share, explore, and engage. With offices in Colorado and Iowa, ClearanceJobs (a DHI Group, Inc. brand) is the largest service focused solely on professionals with U.S. federal government security clearances.

DHI Group, Inc. – About Us

DHI Group, Inc (NYSE: DHX) is a provider of AI-powered career marketplaces that focus on technology roles. DHI’s two brands, Dice and ClearanceJobs, enable recruiters and hiring managers to efficiently search for and connect with highly skilled technology professionals based on the skills requested. The Company’s patented algorithm manages over 100,000 unique technology skills. Additionally, our marketplaces allow tech professionals to find their ideal next career opportunity, with relevant advice and personalized insights. Learn more at www.dhigroupinc.com.