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Security Clearance Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Program Engineer with Security Clearance

Huntsville, AL · On-site

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S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance Security Clearance Type: DoD ...

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Security Clearance information

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$13

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How much do security clearance jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for security clearance in Decatur, AL is $24.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a security clearance?

Security clearance is a classification status for workers who need to have access to confidential or sensitive information, such as classified military information, information related to utilities and other infrastructure that is of vital importance to the federal government, or secret technical information related to national security measures. There are varying degrees of clearance, and in order to meet the qualifications for them, you must go through a rigorous background check. Specific departments, such as the Department of Energy and the CIA, conduct their own clearance investigations. Typically, you must undergo periodic recertifications to maintain your clearance status or move to a higher level, depending on your job duties.

What is a security clearance?

A security clearance is an official authorization granted by a government agency that allows an individual to access classified or sensitive information. Security clearances are typically required for jobs that involve national security or sensitive government projects. The clearance process involves a thorough background check, including a review of criminal, financial, and personal history. There are different levels of security clearances, such as Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret, depending on the sensitivity of the information involved. Obtaining a security clearance can take several months and requires ongoing compliance with security protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a role requiring a security clearance?

To excel in a role requiring a security clearance, candidates typically need a strong background in their field, a clean personal and professional record, and eligibility for clearance as determined by government standards. Familiarity with security protocols, classified information handling systems, and possibly specialized certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP are often required depending on the specific job. Integrity, discretion, and strong communication skills distinguish standout professionals in these sensitive positions. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure the protection of sensitive information and maintain national security.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in roles requiring a security clearance?

Professionals in positions that require a security clearance often encounter challenges such as strict adherence to confidentiality protocols, ongoing background checks, and limitations on discussing work details with family or friends. Maintaining clearance also involves regular reporting of foreign travel and financial changes, which can feel intrusive but is necessary for national security. Additionally, the work environment may be highly structured with restricted access to information, requiring strong attention to detail and trustworthiness in all interactions.

What is the difference between Security Clearance vs Security Guard?

AspectSecurity ClearanceSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsBackground checks, sometimes polygraph, security-specific trainingBasic security training, possibly licensing depending on location
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractors, sensitive facilitiesPrivate or public venues, retail, events, buildings
Employer & Industry UsageFederal government, defense, intelligenceSecurity companies, retail, corporate buildings
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Security clearance involves obtaining access to classified information after thorough background checks, primarily for government or defense roles. Security guards provide physical security at various locations without requiring clearance. While both roles focus on security, security clearance is a credential for access to sensitive info, whereas security guards are responsible for physical safety.

What qualifies you for a security clearance?

To qualify for a security clearance, an individual must undergo a background investigation to assess trustworthiness, loyalty, and reliability. This process includes checks of criminal history, financial records, and personal conduct, and may require interviews and polygraph tests depending on the clearance level and job requirements.

What are the most commonly searched types of Security Clearance jobs in Decatur, AL?

The most popular types of Security Clearance jobs in Decatur, AL are:

What job categories do people searching Security Clearance jobs in Decatur, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Security Clearance jobs in Decatur, AL are:

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Security Clearance jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Security Clearance job openings:

Infographic showing various Security Clearance job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,890 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Security Specialist with Security Clearance

Department of the Army

Redstone Arsenal, AL • On-site

Other

Posted yesterday

New


United States Army rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 493 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Duties * Serves as the Antiterrorism Officer by coordinating, advising, collecting, interpreting, and providing Protection guidance, policies, and procedures related to physical security, antiterrorism, law enforcement, and operations Security. * Develops, implements, and oversees procedures to protect and safeguard information, property, personnel, operations and materials from unauthorized disclosure, misuse, theft or other criminal depredation, espionage, sabotage, or loss. * Physical Security: Responsible for the physical security of personnel, facilities, Arms Ammunition and Explosives and classified materials. * Information Security: Plans, develops, and implements security policies and procedures to ensure that classified material is received, transmitted, handled, stored and accounted for from the time of receipt until dispatch, return, or destruction. * Personnel Security: Serves as the Personnel Security Specialist. Administers the Personnel Security Program in accordance with current laws, regulations and policy. Requirements Conditions of employment * Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. * This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret clearance level or access for the duration of employment. A background investigation and credit check are required. * This position requires temporary duty travel (TDY) away from its duty station up to 10% of the time. * Appointment to this position requires a one-year probationary period unless the selectee has previously met the requirements in 5 CFR Part 11. During the probationary period, the employee may be terminated with limited appeal rights. Qualifications Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities. * Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is . Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes: 1) identifying hostile threats, sensitive aspects of interest to adversaries, vulnerabilities, and/or countermeasures; and 2) using electronic security systems, conducting staff assistance visits, and/or recommending corrective measures for deficiencies; and 3) conducting preliminary inquiries into security infractions, preparing security reports, and/or providing guidance for adverse information reporting; and 4) conducting investigations, preparing reports of investigation, tracking clearance investigations, determining access eligibility, and/or submitting security incident reports. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower level/grade position in the federal service (NH-02/GS-11). Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted. You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas: * Information Security
* Operations Security
* Personnel Security
* Physical Security Education FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: . Additional information * Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. * You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. * This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest. * Direct deposit of pay is required. * Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. * If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the information sheet. * This is a Physical Security and Law Enforcement Career Field position. * Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. * Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. * Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest. * The U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) is participating in an alternate personnel system known as the Acquisition Demonstration Project (AcqDemo). Among other features, the Demonstration Project replaced GS grade levels with occupational families and pay bands. The NH-03 band is equal to the GS-12 step 01 through GS-13 step 10. This position is subject to the NH-03 Journey Professional/ Evaluator/ Tester/ Analyst equivalent control point of the ATEC Control Point Policy at $121,777 per year (Includes locality pay).

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Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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