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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.

Program Manager Maintenance and Weapons Operations

Coastal International Security, Inc

Los Alamos, NM • On-site

$86 - $89/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Program Manager 3 - Maintenance and Weapons Operations (DOE/LANL)
Location: Los Alamos, NM (100% Onsite) Compensation: $86-$89/hr
Schedule: 9/80s Duration: Long-term opportunity with strong potential for extension and conversion
Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship Required Clearance: Active Q Clearance preferred, ability to obtain required
WHY THIS ROLE
This is a senior program management role at one of the most technically demanding and mission-critical institutions in the world. As a Program Manager 3 supporting Maintenance and Weapons Operations at Los Alamos National Laboratory, you will own the full lifecycle of complex, multi-year programs, working directly with federal agencies, research groups, and internal LANL organizations to define scope, manage budgets and schedules, and deliver results that directly support national security objectives.
This is not a coordination role. You will be the program authority, brokering between customers and technical teams, managing change control and risk, reporting cost and schedule variance, and building the institutional relationships that sustain and grow program performance over time. At $86 to $89/hr with strong long-term potential, this is an opportunity to do the most consequential work of your career alongside world-class scientists and engineers.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Provide leadership and overall management of an assigned technical or operational portfolio within Maintenance and Weapons Operations
  • Broker with customers and research groups to determine work scope, timeframes, and funding requirements
  • Define program work scope, schedules, budgets, priorities, and performance milestones
  • Develop and maintain cost, scope, and schedule baselines; report cost and schedule variance to leadership and customers
  • Manage change control and risk across the full program lifecycle
  • Develop and nurture working relationships with internal and external customers spanning existing missions and new opportunities
  • Interact effectively with all levels of internal and external personnel; build trust, gain consensus, and resolve conflicts
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory and Laboratory requirements related to programmatic work
  • Communicate program status, risks, and performance clearly through oral and written presentations
  • Identify and pursue new program opportunities as policies, missions, and funding landscapes evolve

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of related program management experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Advanced knowledge of all aspects of program management including scope definition, scheduling, budgeting, performance milestones, baseline development, variance reporting, change control, and risk management
  • Advanced knowledge of the technical or operational discipline of the assigned portfolio
  • Advanced knowledge of regulatory and Laboratory requirements related to programmatic work
  • Successfully demonstrated experience developing and nurturing effective internal and external customer relationships
  • Successfully demonstrated experience interacting effectively with all levels of personnel; building trust, gaining consensus, and resolving conflicts
  • Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Post-graduate coursework or advanced degree in a relevant technical or management discipline
  • Experience supporting DOE, NNSA, weapons programs, maintenance operations, or national security mission areas
  • Familiarity with LANL program governance frameworks, DOE regulatory requirements, and Laboratory-specific reporting standards
  • Experience managing multi-year, multi-stakeholder programs with both external federal agency and internal organizational customers
  • Active DOE Q Clearance or equivalent DoD security clearance
  • Demonstrated ability to identify and develop new program opportunities within an evolving mission environment

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS - READ BEFORE APPLYING
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen, required for Q Clearance eligibility, no exceptions
  • Must have a Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of program management experience, or equivalent combination
  • Must be able to obtain a DOE Q Clearance, subject to federal background investigation
  • Must be available 100% onsite in Los Alamos, NM, no hybrid or remote

Apply