If you have a Top Secret clearance, a Bachelor’s degree, and no military history, you might be wondering how to navigate the federal job market. The good news is that your Top Secret clearance is a valuable asset, making you eligible for roles in government agencies, defense contracting, intelligence, and cybersecurity. If you are already in the cleared community, jumping from Secret to Top Secret clearance can result in a pay raise of $20,000 to $30,000.
However, landing the right job requires a strategic approach. This guide will walk you through the most effective job boards, federal contractors, networking strategies, and career development tips to help you secure a high-paying, security-cleared position.
Leverage Clearance-Focused Job Boards
Since you already have a TS clearance, you can access a niche job market that non-cleared candidates can’t compete in. Use security clearance-specific job boards to find openings tailored to your qualifications.
ClearanceJobs.com – The most popular job board exclusively for cleared professionals.
Here, employers specifically look for candidates with active clearances, and you can filter jobs by clearance level, location, and industry. Many positions don’t require military experience, just an active clearance.
USAJOBS – The federal government’s official hiring site.
While many federal positions require extensive experience, there are entry-level analyst, cybersecurity, administrative, and security officer roles that you may qualify for.
IntelligenceCareers.gov – A portal for intelligence agencies.
Agencies include the NSA, CIA, FBI, DIA, and NRO. Jobs range from administrative and security support roles to cyber, IT, and data analysis.
Tip: Set up job alerts on these platforms to get notified as soon as new roles matching your background are posted.
Target Federal Contractors
If you don’t want to work directly for the federal government, contracting companies are your next best option. Federal contractors provide services to government agencies and constantly hire cleared professionals, even without military experience.
- Booz Allen Hamilton – Specializes in consulting and IT services for government agencies, often hiring analysts, project managers, and cybersecurity professionals.
- Leidos – A major defense contractor offering positions in intelligence analysis, logistics, cybersecurity, and engineering.
- Northrop Grumman & Lockheed Martin – Both companies support DoD and intelligence community programs, frequently looking for program managers, engineers, and analysts.
- General Dynamics – Works on government IT, cyber, and defense projects.
- SAIC & CACI – Provide intelligence, defense, and cybersecurity support to multiple agencies.
- Raytheon Technologies – Offers positions in security, defense technology, and engineering fields.
- Peraton & ManTech – Focus on intelligence, defense, and cybersecurity contracts.
Tip: Check these companies out on ClearanceJobs.com or go directly to these companies’ career pages and apply through their websites. Many also have referral programs, so networking with current employees can boost your chances of getting hired.
Attend Security Clearance Hiring Events
Job fairs and networking events can connect you directly with recruiters looking for cleared professionals. However, these can become tedious and start to feel like a waste of time. The challenge is to find the value in each of the events you attend, whether that be networking, seeing the same recruiters and building a relationship, or just narrowing down the industry you want to work in. According to CareerFairsPlus, it is recommended that you bring 20-40 copies of your resume to every job fair.
Tip: Bring multiple copies of your resume and be prepared to discuss your clearance and skills without revealing classified details.
Optimize Your LinkedIn & Networking
Your TS clearance is a major asset. Recruiters often look for cleared professionals here on CJ, but here are a few tricks on how to stand out:
- Optimize your profile – Instead of just listing your degree or “Job Seeker,” try:
- “Security-Cleared Professional | TS Clearance | Open to Relocation”
- “Intelligence & Government Contractor | TS-Cleared Analyst”
- List key skills – Include terms like federal contracting, intelligence analysis, cybersecurity, security compliance, project management, or any skills relevant to your target field.
- Engage with industry professionals – Follow government contractors, intelligence agencies, and recruiters. Like, comment, and share posts to stay visible.
- Join LinkedIn groups – Groups like Security Clearance Careers and GovCon Networking can help you connect with hiring managers.
- Reach out to recruiters – Message recruiters directly, expressing interest in TS-cleared roles and asking for job opportunities.
Tip: If you have prior internships, volunteer work, or coursework relevant to federal work, highlight it in your profile and resume.
Consider Federal Agencies
If you’re open to direct federal employment, certain agencies regularly hire TS-cleared civilians, even without a military background.
- FBI, NSA, CIA, DIA, NRO, DHS, DOE – These agencies hire for intelligence analysis, cybersecurity, and program management.
- NASA & FAA – Occasionally hire TS-cleared professionals for technical and security roles.
Tip: Apply early – federal hiring can take months, so start now if you’re considering a government role. According to GoGovernment.com, you could be waiting for months and up to a year before a security clearance is finalized. There are many determining factors to the length of time the process can take.
Highlight Transferable Skills & Get Certified
Even if your degree is generalized, you can improve your job prospects by earning relevant certifications.
- Project Management – CAPM (entry-level), PMP (advanced)
- Cybersecurity & IT – Security+, CISSP, CEH
- Intelligence Analysis – Certified Intelligence Analyst (CIA)
- Contracting & Procurement – DAWIA or FAC-C certifications
- Data Analysis & Programming – Tableau, SQL, Python
Tip: Some government contractors pay for employee certifications, so check employer benefits before paying out-of-pocket. According to OPM.Gov, “Title 5 U.S.C. 5757 allows agencies to pay for professional credentials including professional certification.” This can be helpful if you are already in the federal workforce.
Be Strategic with Relocation
Certain regions have a high demand for TS-cleared professionals and offer more job opportunities.
- Washington, D.C./Northern Virginia (NOVA) – The largest hub for government jobs and contractors.
- Currently, 2.5k+ jobs posted
- Maryland (Fort Meade, Annapolis Junction) – NSA, cybersecurity, and intelligence opportunities.
- Currently, 1.3k+ jobs posted
- Colorado (Denver, Colorado Springs) – Space Force, NORAD, and defense contractors.
- More than half of jobs posted require TS or TS/SCI
- Florida (Tampa, Miami, Orlando) – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), Special Operations Command (SOCOM), and defense contractors.
- Nearly 500 TS jobs posted
Tip: If possible, secure a job offer first before relocating, as some companies provide relocation assistance.
Worth the wait
Breaking into the security-cleared job market can seem long, drawn out, and overwhelming, but by leveraging your TS clearance, targeting the right companies, and networking strategically, you can find high-demand opportunities in government contracting, intelligence, and cybersecurity. Whether you’re looking for a role in defense, data analysis, program management, or IT, the key is to stay proactive, optimize your applications, and take advantage of specialized job boards and career fairs.
If you’re unsure about where to start, consider refining your resume, reaching out to recruiters, or even obtaining industry certifications to increase your job prospects. With persistence and the right approach, you’ll be on your way to landing a career that makes full use of your security clearance and professional skills.
