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How much do q clearance jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for q clearance in the United States is $35.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $53.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Q Clearance vs Top Secret Clearance?

AspectQ ClearanceTop Secret Clearance
Required CredentialsBackground check, security clearance process, often with a polygraphSimilar background check, security clearance process, often with a polygraph
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractors, intelligence communityGovernment agencies, defense contractors, intelligence community
Industry UsagePrimarily Department of Energy, defense, intelligencePrimarily Department of Defense, intelligence agencies

Q Clearance and Top Secret Clearance are both security clearances used in government and defense sectors. Q Clearance is specific to the Department of Energy and related agencies, while Top Secret Clearance is used across various government agencies including DOD and intelligence. Both require rigorous background checks and are essential for access to sensitive information, but they are issued for different agency-specific needs.

What is Q clearance?

Q clearance is a type of security clearance offered by the United States Department of Energy. It is functionally similar to the Top Secret clearance granted in other areas—and can generally be used as such—but also provides access authorization to restricted data and special nuclear material. The federal government primarily offers this clearance to outside contractors who need access to specific sites, though it may also be necessary for some positions within the Department of Energy and the military. Q clearance is the highest type of clearance given to contractors and often involves things like armed security escorts—or providing said escorts—when accessing certain types of information.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Q clearance position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Q Clearance position, you need a strong background in your technical field (such as engineering, science, or security), U.S. citizenship, and the ability to pass a rigorous background investigation. Familiarity with classified information systems, cybersecurity protocols, and compliance with Department of Energy (DOE) regulations is typically required. Integrity, discretion, and attention to detail are critical soft skills for handling sensitive information and maintaining trust. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure national security and the safe management of highly classified materials.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in Q clearance positions, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals holding a Q Clearance often face the challenge of working with highly sensitive information, which requires strict adherence to security protocols and can limit the ability to discuss work with colleagues outside of clearance levels. This can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation or difficulties in collaboration. To address these challenges, it's important to build strong communication skills within cleared teams, maintain awareness of security policies, and utilize approved channels for collaboration. Employers typically provide training and support systems to help cleared employees navigate these unique aspects of their roles.

What is Q clearance?

Q Clearance is a type of security clearance issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that allows access to Top Secret Restricted Data, National Security Information, and certain special nuclear materials. It is one of the highest security clearances in the United States and is required for individuals who need access to classified information regarding nuclear weapons and related activities. Obtaining Q Clearance involves an extensive background check, including personal history, financial records, and interviews. The clearance is typically required for federal employees, contractors, and scientists working in nuclear research or national security fields.
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Q Clearance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Q Clearance job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,802 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

Q Cleared Work Control Planner 4

SPECTRA TECH INC

Los Alamos, NM • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Spectra Tech has an immediate need for a Q Cleared Work Control Planner 4 in Los Alamos, NM.

What You Will Do Work Control is a multidisciplinary group, providing deployed support to all Facility Operations Directorates (FODs) for maintenance planning, scheduling, and Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) support. The MSS-Work Control group uses Integrated Work Management to plan, schedule, and perform work in a safe and secure manner. You will be responsible to the deployed Work Control Team Lead for developing and/or reviewing work packages including time, material, and labor estimates, written step-by-step work instructions, procedures, and/or safety and post maintenance testing requirements for the implementation and control of operations, maintenance, construction or modification of work activities within a given facility or area. Specific planning duties may be related to mechanical, electrical, chemical and/or radiological equipment, policies, and procedures and may also include resolving work restraints and bringing work packages to final closure. 

As a Work Control Planner 4, you will develop, monitor, and validate accuracy, audit performance data, reports, and other statistical information. You will also maintain databases and other programs as required for use in the development of performance measurements, and other required data administration. Additionally, you will evaluate processes, programs, and procedures for potential improvements and develop and maintain maintenance policies, processes, procedures, and provide training in support of the conduct of maintenance program. 

Minimum Job Requirements: Knowledge & Expertise: Extensive experience interpreting various mechanical and electrical documents, blueprints, drawings, and schematics. Extensive knowledge of legal requirements and environmental impacts affecting work control and planning. Extensive knowledge and understanding of work hazards, safety practices, operating configuration, and lock-out/tag-out policies and procedures in unique and/or complex facilities. Planning & Prioritization: Unique knowledge of and experience with work control, materials management, and/or mechanical maintenance. Extensive experience and demonstrated skill in conducting research, investigating alternative solutions, and recommending solutions on problems affecting work control and planning. Ability to fully conceptualize and communicate major elements of work control and planning for unique and/or complex activities, both technical and non-technical personnel. Ability to provide mentorship and training to less experienced work control personnel. 

Technology: Ability to utilize and manipulate a computerized work management system in maintaining and tracking work planning activities. Exceptional skill in the preparation and presentation of work control reports. 

Education/Experience: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree and 15 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level, post graduate course work may be expected. DOE Order 426.2 

Desired Qualifications: Extensive knowledge and understanding of the Laboratory's work control and facility policies, practices, and procedures. Experience in nuclear facility maintenance or construction planning. Active Q clearance. 

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Climbing fixed ladders. 

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM.  

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance.

Employment Type: Full-Time Employee

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