Today, we’re talking about the five reports that dropped this month to the ClearanceJobs community, highlighting the top-paying cleared occupations. What fields made the list? Let’s find out.
Logistics
Across the board, salaries average about $119,000 (according to the 2025 cleared compensation report). While our number 5 spot falls below that average, those working in cleared logistics are responsible for keeping the mission moving—literally. Whether it’s overseeing supply chains, managing procurement, coordinating pricing, or ensuring timely deliveries across global operations, logistics professionals are the quiet force behind mission success
$91,550 is the average salary for cleared logistics professionals, but for those who stay in the field, compensation builds over time. Management-level logistics professionals average just over $118,00, and those who make it to the executive ranks bring in over $145,000 per year.
Security
Security professionals take the fourth spot, earning just over $95,000 annually. They are the front line of national security operations—whether managing access control, overseeing classified facilities, enforcing physical security standards or serving as Facility Security Officers. Many professionals in these roles start in hands-on positions and grow into leadership—earning additional credentials like the Industrial Security Professional (ISP) certification or Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) training.
Professionals in management or director-level security roles see averages above $127,000—and those who rise to executive levels cross into the $140K–$150K territory. For those who commit to building a long-term cleared security career, the compensation ceiling is high.
Intel
Cleared intelligence professionals are some of the most mission-critical personnel in national security. These roles demand discretion, sharp analytical skills, and a clearance level high enough to access the nation’s most sensitive information. And with average compensation for cleared intelligence professionals coming in at $124,965, pay reflects the responsibility. Senior-level intel roles push compensation close to $134,000. When intel professionals move into management, they average over $162,000.
Engineering and IT Compensation
Tech and engineering professionals continue to raise the bar when it comes to cleared compensation—with IT professionals earning an average of $126,226 and engineers averaging $133,554.
While the average for these technical positions sits well above the national average, pay grows with experience.
For engineers, total compensation grows steadily from just under $83,000 for newcomers to over $177,000 for managers. IT professionals follow a similar arc, starting around $74,000 and reaching beyond $167,000 in leadership roles.
At the executive level, the earnings stretch even higher, with IT executives averaging nearly $240K.
The takeaway? Time in the industry pays off, but the leap to management or technical leadership is where you’ll see the biggest jump.
Management
Management in the cleared world is about leading teams, delivering mission-critical contracts, and navigating the complexity of federal programs. While the work is demanding, the payoff is there. Cleared management professionals have earned the top spot on the list, earning an average of $142,351. That pay boost reflects the value of leadership paired with technical know-how.
Management-level respondents who lead teams or direct staff earn $155,837 on average. Executives and senior executives? They break into the $220K range. Time in the field, combined with the ability to manage people and priorities, turns into serious earning potential.
These whitepapers aren’t just for job seekers—they’re a must-read for recruiters, hiring managers, and anyone navigating the cleared talent market.
