Security Cleared Jobs

Being able to continue to use your security clearance in the job market today is a good way to ensure future employability. If you have been in the military, it also enables you to continue to serve your country. The need for people with security clearances of all levels is in increasing demand, and many security cleared jobs are available – even though other types of jobs may be hard to get.

Security Cleared Jobs Are Available

The good news is that there are plenty of job opportunities for those who already have a security clearance at any level. Having a clearance will enable you to consider your options about where you want to work, and you may even have an opportunity to select between different agencies or employers. It can also enable you to make between $5,000 to $15,000 more annually than if you did not have one.

Depending on the type of training and experience you already have, as well as the type of clearance, there are many companies looking for people with clearances. This can range from the giant defense contractors such as Northrop Grumman, Space Systems Loral, Boeing, Raytheon, and more, to the top government agencies like the CIA, NSA, FBI, DIA, DoD, DOE, DoJ, Homeland Security, airport security (TSA), and many more.

Having a Security Clearance Enables You to Get the Job Much Faster

If you are currently in the military and are looking to get out soon, you will want to apply for security cleared jobs some time prior to exiting the service. Competition is increasing for security clearance jobs, and you will want to get your resume in before your clearance expires – 24 months after you no longer need it. Military personnel often have a greater advantage in the job marketplace because employers often prefer them. If you have a clearance, that will give you an additional advantage.

If you do not yet have a security clearance, then you will have to go through a process which could take up to two years to complete. Depending on the level of clearance needed, it will probably involve investigating your finances, job and travel history, relationships, criminal record, and much more. There is currently a large backlog of background investigations that have to be performed for the current list of applicants – which is continually growing longer.

Finding Security Cleared Jobs

Government security clearance jobs, or those in the private sector, can often be found online, as well as at a security clearance job fair. There is a wide variety of work available, and security cleared jobs may include jobs in the IT field (cybersecurity), intelligence gathering and analysis, defense engineers, linguists, and more. Certain jobs with Homeland Security also require a clearance, including airports, ports, biometrics, and counterintelligence.

Don’t forget, too, that there are also many security cleared jobs overseas. These can be just as wide-ranging, enabling you to choose between many locations and types of work.

Quick Facts About Security Cleared Positions

Job Title: Security
Tasks: Protect property, an area, people, or computer systems by walking around area, watching monitors, driving, or working on computers. These are highly restricted areas.
Training: Each position requires specialized training and only certain ranks may be eligible for some positions and tasks.
Special Skills Required: Need security clearance, possibly a college degree, and military or law enforcement experience may be necessary.
Salary: Starts out at $33,000 and goes up to $155,500.

Helpful Links:

Find Clearance Jobs (Clearance Jobs)
Find More Clearance Jobs (Cleared Connections)
Instructions on How to Apply for Homeland Security Jobs
Official Website of Open Homeland Security Jobs
Learn more about National Cyber Security Division of HS