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Government Security Clearance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Facilities Security Officer

Virginia, MN ยท On-site

$80 - $130/hr

Serve as the primary point of contact for facility clearance administration and government security matters. * Maintain the organization's Facility Clearance (FCL) and support all required compliance ...

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Government Security Clearance information

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$61.5K

$152.8K

$205.5K

How much do government security clearance jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for government security clearance in the United States is $152,773.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $143,000.00 and $158,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a government security clearance?

A government security clearance is an official authorization that allows individuals to access classified information or restricted areas within government agencies. It is granted after a thorough background check to ensure the individual can be trusted with sensitive data. There are different levels of clearance, such as Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret, depending on the sensitivity of the information involved. Obtaining a security clearance is typically required for certain federal jobs, military positions, and government contractors. The process can be lengthy and involves reviewing personal, financial, and criminal history.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a government security clearance role?

To thrive in a government security clearance role, you need a thorough understanding of security protocols, background investigation procedures, and legal compliance, typically supported by relevant experience or education in security or law enforcement. Familiarity with security management systems, database tools for background checks, and certifications such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or CompTIA Security+ are often required. Integrity, discretion, strong analytical skills, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for maintaining confidentiality and assessing sensitive information. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure the protection of classified information, maintain national security, and uphold public trust.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in roles requiring a government security clearance?

Professionals in positions requiring government security clearance often encounter challenges such as strict adherence to confidentiality protocols, frequent background checks, and ongoing monitoring of personal conduct. Maintaining a high level of personal integrity and discretion is essential, as even minor infractions can impact clearance status. Additionally, collaboration with colleagues may require careful handling of sensitive information, making clear communication and trust within the team vital to success. These roles can also involve navigating complex regulations and adapting to periodic changes in security policies.

What is the difference between Government Security Clearance vs Security Officer?

AspectGovernment Security ClearanceSecurity Officer
Required CredentialsBackground checks, clearance levels (Confidential, Secret, Top Secret)Basic background check, security training
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractors, sensitive facilitiesPrivate businesses, retail, corporate buildings
Employer & Industry UsageFederal government, military, intelligence agenciesPrivate security firms, retail stores, event venues

While both roles involve security, a Government Security Clearance grants access to classified information and requires extensive background checks, typically within government or defense sectors. Security Officers focus on physical security and access control without requiring clearance. The key difference lies in the level of access and credentials needed, with security clearance being more specialized and sensitive.

Do government security clearance jobs pay more?

Government security clearance jobs often pay higher salaries compared to similar roles without clearance due to the specialized nature of the work and the additional requirements for background checks and certifications. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the level of clearance required, such as Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret.

How do I get security clearance for government jobs?

To obtain security clearance for government jobs, applicants must undergo a background investigation, which includes checks of criminal history, employment, and personal conduct. The process often involves submitting detailed personal information, completing security forms, and possibly an interview, with the level of clearance (Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret) depending on the job requirements.

Is it hard to get a government security clearance?

Obtaining a government security clearance can be a rigorous process that involves background checks, interviews, and review of personal and professional history. The difficulty varies depending on the level of clearance required and the individual's background, but it generally requires thorough documentation and a clean record. Clearances are granted based on trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the government.

What kind of jobs can you get with a government security clearance?

Government security clearances are required for a variety of roles in national defense, intelligence, cybersecurity, law enforcement, and federal agencies. These jobs often involve handling sensitive information, working in secure environments, and may require specialized skills or certifications such as background checks and polygraph tests.
More about Government Security Clearance jobs

What cities are hiring for Government Security Clearance jobs?

Cities with the most Government Security Clearance job openings:

What states have the most Government Security Clearance jobs?

States with the most job openings for Government Security Clearance jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Government Security Clearance jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Government Security Clearance jobs are:

Infographic showing various Government Security Clearance job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,773 per year, or $73.4 per hour.

Information Systems Security Manager

1872 Consulting

Santa Monica, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
1872 Consulting is seeking an Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) to oversee the protection of classified information. The ISSM will implement security policies, ensure compliance with government regulations, and serve as the subject matter expert for classified systems security.
Responsibilities:
โ€ข Performs the ISSM responsibilities and role for our company's collateral classified networks, TS/SCI, and SAP/SAR activities for the Santa Monica site; performs oversight administration of classified systems activities.
โ€ข Performs computer systems security activities, implementing security controls for our Santa Monica's systems processing classified information including initial approval, re-approval, decertification, and audits with responsibility for the Santa Monica site.
โ€ข Coordinates with the Defense Intelligence Agency and other elements of the U.S. intelligence community on inspections, reviews, investigations, and other reportable issues; coordinates with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Service (DCSA) and Department of Defense sponsors on inspections, reviews, investigations, and other reportable issues.
โ€ข Responsible for the classified computing protection program at the collateral, TS/SCI, and SAP/SAR levels for the Santa Monica site, as well as the classified computing hardware/software and voice/data communication audits.
โ€ข Supports the FSO as related to classified processing for maintaining secure facility accreditations and joint and co-use agreements with applicable government agencies.
โ€ข Writes, coordinates, and conducts classified systems security education briefings (SAP, SCI, and CLAN) and the User Acknowledgment statement as required.
โ€ข Supports the Manager, Security Administration in maintaining detailed records of Security department functions and activities for monthly reports to our company's management regarding classified systems; conducts classified security investigations as required.
โ€ข Other duties and special projects as assigned.
Qualifications:
Required:
โ€ข In-depth knowledge of the NISPOM (32 CFR, Part 117), DCID/ICD documents and applicable government security regulation experience in classified security government programs.
โ€ข Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD 8570.01-M (Information Assurance Workforce) IAM level 2 certification (e.g., GSLC, CISM, or CISSP) within the first 6 months of employment.
โ€ข Established relationships and a positive reputation with industrial and government security counterparts.
โ€ข An understanding of principles and methods used in developing, establishing, and maintaining a local, state, and federal government compliant program in classified security.
โ€ข Thorough knowledge of information security systems and the classified network.
โ€ข Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications.
โ€ข Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
โ€ข Must be able to pass a background check.
โ€ข High School Diploma or GED equivalency required.
โ€ข A minimum of six years' relevant experience required.
โ€ข Must possess and maintain a Top Secret U.S. government security clearance, or if Top Secret U.S. government security clearance is no longer active, must have possessed a Top Secret U.S. government security clearance within the past 24 months.
Preferred:
โ€ข BA/BS degree highly preferred
โ€ข Nine years relevant experience preferred
Company:
1872 Consulting is a recruitment and IT consulting company. Founded in 1872, the company is headquartered in Chicago, USA, with a team of 11-50 employees. The company is currently Early Stage.

1872 Consulting logo

About 1872 Consulting

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

1872 Consulting, based in Chicago, IL, USA, operates within the IT consulting industry. Armed with a diverse team of experts, the company offers specialized IT consulting services, focusing on modernizing business technologies and driving innovative business strategies. Established in 1872, the company has a rich history marked by its commitment to bridging the gap between businesses and technology. Its mission is to empower organizations to surpass their business goals by providing state-of-the-art IT solutions and service. The company prides itself on its core values of integrity, excellence, and innovation, instilling these principles in every project they undertake.

Industry

It services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2014