Security Clearance Compensation Hits Record High Amid Federal Workforce Turmoil
Event summary
- Average total compensation for security-cleared professionals rose 6% in 2025 to $126,125, a record high.
- 70% of cleared professionals reported base pay increases, with 12% seeing raises over 10%.
- Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. remain top-paying regions, with average compensation exceeding $136,000.
- Intelligence Community roles, particularly at agencies like the CIA, average over $170,000 in compensation.
- 78% of cleared professionals are likely to change jobs in the next year, driven by compensation and mobility.
The big picture
The 2026 ClearanceJobs report highlights a national security workforce in transition, where compensation remains a key differentiator despite federal workforce uncertainty. The data underscores the premium placed on specialized skills, particularly in intelligence and technical roles, as cleared professionals navigate shifting agency priorities and return-to-office mandates. DHI Group’s ClearanceJobs platform continues to serve as a critical marketplace for this niche talent pool, with implications for both government and private-sector employers.
What we're watching
- Compensation Pressure
- How sustained compensation growth will impact government contractor budgets amid federal hiring freezes.
- Workforce Mobility
- Whether the 78% of cleared professionals considering job changes will accelerate industry turnover.
- Geographic Shifts
- The pace at which non-traditional hubs like Colorado will challenge the National Capital Region’s dominance.