Years ago, my defense contractor decided to throw my name in the hat for a Top Secret clearance. We were eyeing some new contracts, so having more employees cleared at that level made sense. I was told that this clearance would automatically bump my salary by $12,000 a year. Being in my twenties and always eager for more cash, I was all in. This was pre-Snowden, so my interim clearance came through in just a few weeks. Fast forward a few years, though, and I never saw that extra cash. Life took me on a different path, and I never got to see how that experiment would have panned out.
Higher Pay for Top Secret Clearance Holders
Every year, ClearanceJobs surveys cleared candidates about their compensation. The latest results show that just over a third (34%) have a Secret clearance, 12% have a Top Secret clearance, and 34% have a Top Secret/SCI. From a high-level view, Top Secret/SCI holders earn over $30,000 more than those with a Secret clearance. Even those with just a Top Secret clearance make almost $25,000 more. The real game-changer is getting that Top Secret clearance. If you move into the Intelligence Community (IC), the pay bump is even more significant, with IC respondents earning over $50,000 more than their Secret clearance counterparts.
Experience, Education, and Other Factors
Experience and job role also play a part. While education level, experience, certifications, and location all impact compensation, a Top Secret/SCI is still a massive salary booster. For instance, entry-level respondents (less than two years) with a Top Secret/SCI earned over $12,000 more than their peers with only a Secret clearance. At five years, the gap grows to almost $24,000. At 10 years or management levels, it’s over $25,000.
When looking at job types, like IT and engineering, where pay is usually higher, the gap between Secret and Top Secret/SCI is still around $30,000. The same trend applies to education. Respondents with a high school diploma and a Secret clearance earned an average of $76,320, while those with a Top Secret/SCI made $96,705 – about $20,000 more annually. Every education level showed a similar gap, proving that clearance level is a significant factor in compensation.
Negotiating Your Worth
Not all jobs or roles are created equal, but when you’re negotiating your salary, remember that your ability to be trusted with classified documents should be compensated. The good news is that it’s often much higher than the $12,000 I was initially promised. Plus, while the economy can be unpredictable, defense contracting offers a lot of job stability for those with clearances.
If you’re considering going for a Top Secret clearance, the financial benefits can be substantial. Whether you’re just starting or you’re a seasoned professional, having that clearance can be a major advantage in your career and salary negotiations.
