Working in the security clearance world: How security clearances impact jobs

We recently published an article about the importance of security clearances for roles across various sectors, particularly those associated with national security and defense.

But obtaining a clearance is only part of the journey. Maintaining and potentially expanding your clearance over time requires continued diligence and adherence to stringent guidelines.

This brief explainer discusses the duration of security clearances, the recurring processes involved in maintaining them and possibilities for expansion, as well as the economic benefits of these credentialed positions.

Security clearances are never indefinite; the validity of a security clearance largely depends on the level of clearance and the specific regulations of the issuing agency.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Confidential level clearances: The most basic level of security clearance, typically reevaluated every 15 years.
• Secret level clearances: Requires reinvestigation every 10 years.
• Top secret level clearances: The highest level of clearance often involves sensitive and critical information; reinvestigations are required every 5 years.

These intervals are set to ensure all clearance holders are periodically vetted to manage risks associated with changes in their personal circumstances or risk profiles.

Maintaining a security clearance typically involves regular background checks and, depending on the clearance level, continuous monitoring or evaluation.

Key components of the maintenance process include:

• Periodic reinvestigations: Similar to the initial vetting process, these investigations may involve checks into financial records, personal behavior and foreign contacts.
• Self-reporting obligations: Clearance holders are often required to report any significant life changes, including financial difficulties, foreign travel or changes in marital status.

Expanding a clearance means upgrading the level of accessible information due to changes in job roles or responsibilities. This process can be similar to gaining initial clearance, especially in terms of the depth of background checks conducted.

Jobs that require a security clearance often command higher salaries compared to non-cleared positions. The better compensation is due to the limited pool of qualified candidates and the extra responsibilities associated with such roles.

Average salary ranges vary significantly based on clearance level, industry and job location, but here are some general trends:

• Non-cleared positions: Typically see average industry-standard salaries.
• Confidential and secret clearances: Can expect a salary increase of 5%-15% over non-cleared positions.
• Top-secret clearances: Often command premium pay that can be 15%-25% higher than similar roles without clearance.

Of course, one needs to consider years of experience.

For example, a software engineer position requiring a top-secret clearance can earn about USD 128,000 annually in San Antonio, Texas. Higher responsibility roles such as a cyber training and exercise manager at Booz Allen Hamilton or a FORGE C2 program manager at Lockheed Martin can command up to USD 212,000 per year and USD 267,000 per year, respectively.

These financial incentives recognize the additional loyalty and integrity required by roles that handle sensitive information.

The process of maintaining or expanding a security clearance is continuous and rigorous and reflects the high standards expected of those in trusted positions. The payoff, however, includes monetary benefits as well as career advancements within privileged sectors.

As global and domestic landscapes evolve, so do the criteria for security clearances.

Those at the forefront of national and corporate security must be both capable and dependable, traits typically reflected in compensation. For individuals in these roles, a proactive approach and a clear understanding of the expectations can make a significant impact on their career trajectory and success.