From the mountainous shores of Maine to the historic streets of our nation’s capital, the Northeast is a hub for government and global diplomacy. With the full spectrum of seasons—snowy winters, lush springs, dazzling summers, and vibrant falls, it’s a beautiful place to live with a price tag to match. But with a higher cost of living comes higher salaries. Read the full ClearanceJobs Compensation Report for Cleared Candidates in the Northeast and learn more below.
Unlocking Earning Potential: Clearance and Compensation
In 2023, the Northeast saw a 4% increase in compensation from the previous year, averaging $120,425—over $5,000 higher than the national average, offsetting elevated home prices and inflation. Regardless of clearance level, professionals in the Northeast earn higher salaries, with even those holding Secret clearances reaching six-figures. In this region, location often plays a more significant role in compensation than clearance levels themselves.
Career Growth: Experience and Education Matter
Compensation in the Northeast reflects career growth, with entry-level professionals averaging just under $70,000. Salaries increase significantly with experience, rising by over $15,000 after a few years and another $30,000 at the senior level. Advanced degrees and certifications also provide financial advantages, with 70% of respondents holding an undergraduate degree or higher and certified individuals earning $7,000 to $17,000 more than their peers in other regions.
Navigating the Northeast Job Market
States like Maryland and D.C. lead the charge in national security roles. Maryland represents 44% of respondents, while D.C. accounts for just over 30%. But the region’s landscape is shifting, with D.C. experiencing a 5% drop from last year, while other states are gradually expanding their share. Job hopping is common, but those who stick with their current positions earn roughly $12,000 more than their counterparts.
High-Paying Paths: Top Earning Roles
While cleared candidates in the Northeast are likely to find roles with six-figure salaries, IT and engineering dominate three of the top five highest paying jobs, with project managers securing third place. As the Pentagon ramps up funding to modernize legacy systems, systems and software engineers can expect to see their compensation steadily climb.
Building Your Future in the Northeast
With the numerous government contractors spread across the region, and the tech powerhouses of Boston, New York, and New Jersey, cleared candidates in the Northeast have a wealth of paths to explore. With competitive salaries and a variety of roles across industry, government, and academia, the Northeast is an ideal place to grow a career and build wealth.
