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Secret Clearance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Zachary Piper Solutions

$60 - $75/hr

Clearance:Active Secret or TS/SCI highly preferred Location:Scott AFB, IL, Hill AFB, UT, Pearl Harbor, HI This job opens for applications on 8/25/2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for ...

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$40K

$93.7K

$138K

How much do secret clearance jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for secret clearance in the United States is $93,748.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a secret clearance?

A Secret Clearance is a type of security clearance granted by the U.S. government that allows individuals to access information classified as 'Secret.' This level of clearance is typically required for jobs in federal agencies, the military, or government contractors that deal with sensitive but not top-level national security information. To obtain a Secret Clearance, candidates must undergo a thorough background check, including checks on criminal records, financial history, and personal associations. The clearance is valid for up to 10 years, after which it must be renewed. Holding a Secret Clearance demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability in handling confidential government information.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a secret clearance position?

To thrive in a position requiring Secret Clearance, you need a strong background in your professional field, a clean personal and professional record, and successful completion of the security clearance process. Familiarity with classified information handling protocols, secure communication systems, and government compliance regulations is essential. Integrity, discretion, attention to detail, and strong ethical judgment set standout candidates apart in these sensitive roles. These skills are vital to ensure national security, maintain trust, and prevent unauthorized disclosure of protected information.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in roles that require a secret clearance?

Professionals in positions requiring a Secret Clearance often encounter challenges related to handling sensitive information, such as adhering to strict security protocols and ensuring data confidentiality. They must remain vigilant about potential security breaches and comply with regular reporting and training requirements. Additionally, there may be limitations on what they can discuss with colleagues or family members, which can add complexity to daily communication and collaboration. Navigating these demands requires a strong sense of responsibility and attention to detail.

What is the difference between Secret Clearance vs Security Officer?

AspectSecret ClearanceSecurity Officer
Required CredentialsBackground check, clearance processSecurity training, sometimes background check
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractorsPrivate security firms, corporate facilities
Employer & IndustryFederal government, defense industryPrivate companies, security services

Secret Clearance involves a formal background investigation for access to classified information, primarily in government and defense sectors. Security Officers typically perform security patrols and access control, often requiring security training but not a clearance. While both roles focus on security, Secret Clearance is a credential granting access to sensitive information, whereas Security Officers focus on physical security and safety.

How do you obtain secret clearance for a job?

To obtain secret clearance for a job, applicants must undergo a background investigation conducted by the government, which includes a review of criminal history, financial records, and personal conduct. The process also involves completing security clearance forms, submitting fingerprints, and possibly an interview; the clearance is granted if the individual is deemed trustworthy and reliable for access to sensitive information.

How much can I make with a secret clearance?

A secret clearance can enhance job opportunities in government and defense sectors, often leading to higher salaries compared to similar roles without clearance. Salaries for secret clearance positions typically range from $50,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on the industry, experience, and location. Additional skills, certifications, and security responsibilities can influence compensation levels.

What jobs can I get with a secret clearance?

A secret clearance qualifies individuals for roles in government agencies, defense contractors, and intelligence organizations, including positions such as cybersecurity analyst, intelligence officer, systems administrator, and logistics specialist. These jobs often require working with sensitive information and may involve security protocols, background checks, and ongoing clearance maintenance.
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Secret Clearance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Secret Clearance job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,748 per year, or $45.1 per hour.

Security Engineer - Secret Clearance

Zachary Piper Solutions

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$120 - $140/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Piper Companies is hiring a Security Engineer - Secret Clearance for a federal managed services program located in Raleigh, NC. The Security Engineer- Secret Clearance will serve as the engineering connection point across SOC operations, threat intelligence, security automation, Splunk analytics, and case management platforms. The Security Engineer- Secret Clearance will be responsible for integrating security tools, improving data quality, building automation workflows, and enhancing SOC detection and response capabilities. The Security Engineer- Secret Clearance is an open-ended contract position based in Raleigh, NC with 5 days onsite.

Responsibilities of the Security Engineer- Secret Clearance:
  • Engineer and maintain integrations between security platforms, threat intelligence tools, case management systems, and Splunk
  • Develop Python-based automation and SOAR-style workflows to support SOC investigation, triage, escalation, and response processes
  • Build and maintain Splunk applications, searches, alerts, dashboards, data models, and supporting integrations
  • Design and manage data integrity monitoring programs to validate security telemetry, field mappings, and data quality across platforms
  • Create reporting and alerting capabilities to identify data quality issues impacting threat detection, incident response, and compliance efforts
  • Partner with SOC analysts, threat intelligence teams, and platform owners to improve operational workflows and reduce manual effort
Requirements of the Security Engineer- Secret Clearance:
  • 2+ years of experience in SOC engineering, security engineering, Splunk engineering, or security automation roles
  • Hands-on experience with Splunk Enterprise, SPL, dashboards, alerts, custom Splunk applications, indexes, and KVStores
  • Experience integrating security tools and platforms into Splunk environments/li>
  • Strong Python development experience for automation, scripting, and API integrations
  • Experience supporting SOC operations, detection engineering, incident response, or threat intelligence workflows
  • Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field
  • Active Secret Clearance required
Compensation for the Security Engineer:
  • $120,000 - $140,000, based on experience
  • Full Comprehensive Benefits: Health, Vision, Dental, PTO, Paid Holiday and Sick Leave if Required by Law

This job opens for applications on August 31, 2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

Keywords: Security Engineer, Splunk Engineer, SOC Engineer, Security Automation, SOAR, Python, Splunk Enterprise, Threat Intelligence, OpenCTI, TheHive, API Integration, Detection Engineering, Incident Response, Cybersecurity, Secret Clearance

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