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$46K

$95.1K

$164K

How much do homeland security jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for homeland security in the United States is $95,100.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Homeland Security professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Homeland Security professional, you need a strong background in security protocols, risk assessment, and emergency management, typically supported by a relevant degree or experience in law enforcement, public safety, or criminal justice. Familiarity with surveillance technologies, cybersecurity tools, and federal information systems is often required, along with certifications such as FEMA's Emergency Management Institute credentials. Critical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork are essential soft skills for responding to threats and coordinating with diverse agencies. These skills and qualities are crucial for protecting national security, ensuring public safety, and managing crisis situations efficiently.

What is the difference between Homeland Security vs Customs Officer?

AspectHomeland SecurityCustoms Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; security or law enforcement trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; customs enforcement training
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, security checkpoints, border securityBorder crossings, ports, airports, customs facilities
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of Homeland Security, federal governmentU.S. Customs and Border Protection, federal government

Homeland Security professionals focus on national security, terrorism prevention, and emergency response, often working in various security settings. Customs Officers primarily enforce import/export laws, inspect goods and travelers at borders and ports. While both roles serve federal agencies and require security-related training, Homeland Security roles are broader in scope, whereas Customs Officers specialize in border and customs enforcement.

What are Homeland Security jobs?

Homeland Security jobs refer to a wide range of roles within government agencies and related organizations that focus on protecting the United States from threats such as terrorism, natural disasters, and cyberattacks. These positions can include border patrol agents, transportation security officers, cybersecurity specialists, emergency management professionals, and intelligence analysts. Employees in these roles work to ensure the safety and security of the nation’s people, infrastructure, and resources. Careers in homeland security can be found at the federal, state, and local levels, and often require background checks and specialized training.

What are some typical challenges faced by Homeland Security professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Homeland Security professionals often navigate complex and rapidly evolving threats, such as cybersecurity risks or natural disasters, which require adaptive thinking and ongoing training. They frequently collaborate with multiple agencies and stakeholders, making effective communication and coordination essential for success. To address these challenges, professionals should stay current with industry best practices, participate in inter-agency exercises, and continually develop both technical and soft skills. Embracing a proactive mindset and fostering strong professional networks can also enhance their ability to respond effectively to emerging threats.
More about Homeland Security jobs
What cities are hiring for Homeland Security jobs? Cities with the most Homeland Security job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Homeland Security jobs? The most popular types of Homeland Security jobs are:
What states have the most Homeland Security jobs? States with the most job openings for Homeland Security jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Homeland Security jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Homeland Security jobs are:
Homeland Security jobs near you
Infographic showing various Homeland Security job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,100 per year, or $45.7 per hour.
Homeland Security and Policy Planner ll or lll

Homeland Security and Policy Planner ll or lll

Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Description:

SUMMARY

The Homeland Security and Policy Planner position is a professional position in regional homeland security and public safety within COG, inclusive of activities within the domains of emergency management, fire and rescue, law enforcement, public health, transportation, among others. Daily activities for this position include providing technical expertise, planning, and coordination support to regional stakeholders and conduct research and analysis for a variety of working groups within COG’s Department of Homeland Security and Public Safety (DHSPS).


The Homeland Security Planner series includes three levels, this position may be filled by a Planner II or Planner III. Specific responsibilities vary slightly at each level and depend on background and work experience.


DESCRIPTION

Based on level of experience and needs of the department, specific work responsibilities of the Homeland Security include:

  • Facilitating (or assisting in facilitating) meetings with high-level stakeholders, while documenting and tracking action items and decision-making.
  • Drafting and preparing agendas, meeting materials, and summaries for inter-disciplinary and executive committees and working groups.
  • Organizing, coordinating, documenting, tracking outcomes, and conducting follow-up activities for meetings, working groups, committees, and similar entities.
  • Drafting and preparing reports, fact sheets, and other documents on topics related to homeland security and public safety.
  • Assisting in the development, maintenance, and review of regional plans and policies.
  • Supporting the development and implementation of project work plans for inter-disciplinary and executive committees.
  • Drafting PowerPoint presentations, briefing documents, talking points, and other materials for use by internal and external stakeholders.
  • Researching and synthesizing information on technical matters related to homeland security and provide the information in the form of oral and written reports and summaries, presentations, and responses to requests from stakeholders.
  • Moving stakeholders forward on identified action items and decisions.
  • Providing input on policy and strategy matters in the form of oral and written reports and responses to requests for information or data.
  • Creating easily accessible data visualization and graphics for use in stakeholder documents and products.
  • Maintaining positive, trusting work relationships with coworkers and regional stakeholders.
  • Managing (or assisting in managing) a variety of highly specialized and technical problems in support of local officials and the public.
  • Assisting in planning and hosting homeland security and public safety related exercises, conferences, seminars, training sessions, and other special events.
  • Attending professional conferences and training sessions as a representative of COG.



Requirements:

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Education and Professional Experience

Planner II: Possess a bachelor’s degree in a relevant professional field with a minimum of two years office experience or equivalent combination of education and experience,


Planner III: Bachelor’s degree in relevant professional field with a minimum of three years work experience in homeland security or related field, such as emergency management, public safety, defense, politics, public health, or public policy. Master’s Degree in related field, with one to two years post-graduate work preferred.


Supervisory Responsibilities

Planner II and Planner III positions will not include supervisory responsibilities.


Communication Skills

Demonstrated strong skills in verbal, written, and interpersonal communication, including experience condensing complex topics to concise summaries appropriate for the public; ability to present information one-on-one and groups of stakeholders and other employees of the organization. An understanding of boundaries in the presence of stakeholders, including politicians and agency leadership, and when/where to add a value-adding opinion.


Preferred: experience in data visualization, the development of process figures, and graphic design; experience developing original drafts of governmental doctrine and/or policy; and/or experience with public outreach methods.


Critical Thinking/Reasoning Ability

Demonstrate working knowledge of principles and practices of homeland security, public safety, and emergency management; ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical documents; ability to respond to common inquiries from stakeholders, and a thorough understanding of when to escalate issues.


Computer Knowledge and Skills

In-depth understanding of the Microsoft Office Suite of programs, including Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, and SharePoint. Experience with Adobe InDesign or comparable desktop publishing software.


Quality of Work/Organization

Demonstrated accuracy and thoroughness in written documents and communications, looking for ways to improve and promote quality of work. Demonstrated strong organizational skills, ability to maintain accurate files; ability to multi-task; detail-orientated with high degree of accuracy.


Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Professional certification will be included in consideration of acceptable experience and training.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel objects or controls and talk or hear. Work is also occasionally performed in the field, requiring the ability to operate a motor vehicle to travel to various locations.


WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions