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Personnel Security Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Personnel Security Specialist Reports To: The Customer and Project Manager Clearance Type: Active ... analysis of data collected • Experience understanding exceptions codes, such as waivers ...

Dive into exciting opportunities in Cybersecurity, IT, Data Analytics and more. Propel your career ... The Personnel Security Specialist's will provide day-to-day PERSEC services for Collateral ...

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Personnel Security Analyst information

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$39.5K

$107.3K

$141K

How much do personnel security analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for personnel security analyst in the United States is $107,334.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a personnel security analyst?

Personnel Security Analysts are professionals responsible for evaluating and managing the security clearances, background investigations, and trustworthiness of individuals within an organization. They ensure that employees, contractors, or affiliates meet the necessary security standards to access sensitive or classified information. Their duties often include reviewing background checks, monitoring for security risks, and ensuring compliance with government or organizational policies. By doing so, they help protect an organization's assets and information from potential threats. This role is vital in industries that handle confidential or sensitive data, such as government, defense, and large corporations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a personnel security analyst?

To thrive as a Personnel Security Analyst, you need a solid understanding of security clearance processes, risk assessment, and background investigation procedures, often supported by a degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with security management systems, investigative databases, and knowledge of relevant federal regulations such as NISPOM is typically required. Attention to detail, discretion, and strong analytical and communication skills are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the integrity of personnel vetting, safeguard sensitive information, and help organizations maintain compliance and mitigate insider threats.

What are common challenges faced by personnel security analysts, and how can new hires overcome them?

Personnel Security Analysts often encounter challenges such as managing high volumes of background investigations, navigating complex federal regulations, and handling sensitive information with discretion. New hires can overcome these obstacles by staying organized, familiarizing themselves with relevant security policies, and seeking mentorship from experienced team members. Developing strong communication skills is also essential, as the role requires frequent collaboration with HR staff, government agencies, and applicants to resolve clearance issues efficiently.

What is the difference between Personnel Security Analyst vs Background Investigator?

AspectPersonnel Security AnalystBackground Investigator
CredentialsSecurity certifications (e.g., PSP, CPP), security clearanceInvestigator licenses, security clearance
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractors, corporate securityPrivate investigation firms, government agencies
Employer & IndustryDefense, intelligence, corporate securityBackground checks, security clearance processing

Personnel Security Analysts focus on managing security protocols, conducting risk assessments, and overseeing security clearance processes. Background Investigators primarily conduct detailed background checks and investigations to verify individuals' histories. While both roles require security clearances and related certifications, Personnel Security Analysts typically handle broader security programs, whereas Background Investigators focus on individual assessments.

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What states have the most Personnel Security Analyst jobs?

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Infographic showing various Personnel Security Analyst job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,334 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Personnel Security Analyst / Adjudicator - Senior w/ TS/SCI with FSP

Mclean, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description

Personnel Security Analyst / Adjudicator – Senior
The Senior Security Analyst is a subject matter expert who independently applies ICD 704 and EO 12968 to the most complex cases involving significant derogatory information. Requiring rare guidance from Senior Case Managers, the Senior Analyst leads by example in production, data integrity, and team leadership. They serve as a primary liaison between stakeholders and the Adjudication Board.
Clearance: TS/SCI w Full Scope Polygraph
Location: Herndon, VA
Responsibilities: 
  • Expert Case Management: Independently manage a caseload of over 100 cases in parallel stages, consistently meeting the 23 completed cases per month production standard.
  • High-Level Adjudication: Evaluate complex cases with significant derogatory information, rendering expert decisions based on ICD 704 standards.
  • Leadership: Lead teams of security professionals across multiple disciplines and take the initiative to collaborate with stakeholders for expanded investigative actions.
  • Data Integrity: Ensure all new information generated is electronically captured and uploaded to the official electronic file (iSTARS/STARgate).
  • Subject Interviewing: Conduct independent interviews to resolve complex adjudicative issues.
 Minimum Requirement:  
  • Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree (in a related study) + 5 years of relevant experience OR High School Diploma/GED + 7 years of relevant experience.
  • Expertise: Expert-level knowledge of ICD 704 regulations and the Sponsor’s counterintelligence concerns.
  • Leadership Skills: Advanced ability to lead teams and provide high-level briefings to senior executive-level stakeholders.
  • Information Mastery: Expertise in eliciting, articulating, and documenting sensitive information in a well-organized, cogent manner.