Symone B joined the podcast last year for Unlocking Success in GovTech: Insider Tips to Make Over $200,000 and Navigate the Cleared Job Search, sharing personal stories of climbing up the ladder in this industry from a really young age.
For this episode, we dive in a little bit more into the national security tech industry and talk about many of the hottest GovTech (Government Technology) jobs that pay really well.
Now, the commercial tech industry is obviously different from government for number of reasons including processes, rules and regulations, and pay to name a few. But similarly between commercial and government, software / cloud architects, developers, network or information security engineers, DevOps engineers, or those working in machine learning or AI make the most amount of money. It obviously depends on location and cost of living.
Higher security clearances offer a level up for your pay potential within the government space, and while commercial tech companies can offer higher salaries and sign-on bonuses, the peace of mind you can savor working in national security can outweigh what you may lack in salary, because we’ve seen national security or government be insulated things like layoffs that we see in the commercial tech space.
Pivoting careers, especially when your upward mobility has plateaued, or you have an outdated skill is important. But really hard. Symone offers recommendations for this episode on how listeners may be able to pivot to more in-demand and high paying gigs.
Make more money by deploying overseas
Compensation is always going to be customer, contract, and employer dependent, but there are many benefits to deploying overseas. First, there could be a sign-on bonus involved if a contractor is having difficulty filling the position. Second, contractors that deploy are eligible for benefits like hazard pay, rest and recuperation (R & R), or housing being covered to name a few. Lastly, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) is adjusted from year to year based on inflation but the maximum exclusion for the 2023 tax year is set at $120,000 and increased to $126,500 for the 2024 tax year.
TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP ROLES SHOULD BE YOUR END GOAL
In the field of GovTech, there are several high-paying job opportunities available for individuals with the right skill set and experience. Some of the highest paying jobs in GovTech include Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Chief Information Officer (CIO), Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Specialist, and IT Project Manager.
Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) and Chief Information Officers (CIOs) are responsible for overseeing the technological infrastructure and strategies within government agencies. They play a crucial role in implementing innovative solutions to improve government services and operations. Data Scientists analyze complex data sets to provide valuable insights for decision-making, while Cybersecurity Specialists ensure the protection of sensitive information from cyber threats. IT Project Managers are responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing technology projects within government agencies.
These roles often require a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of government operations. Individuals with experience in fields such as information technology, computer science, data analytics, and cybersecurity are well-positioned to pursue high-paying opportunities in GovTech.
