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Top Secret Clearance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

GNC Engineer - Top Secret Clearance

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

GNC ENGINEER - TOP SECRET CLEARANCE As a guidance, navigation, and control mission design engineer, you will be responsible for designing and implementing physics-based system-of-systems simulation ...

SpaceX

GNC Engineer - Top Secret Clearance

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

GNC ENGINEER - TOP SECRET CLEARANCE As a guidance, navigation, and control mission design engineer, you will be responsible for designing and implementing physics-based system-of-systems simulation ...

SpaceX

GNC Engineer - Top Secret Clearance

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

GNC ENGINEER - TOP SECRET CLEARANCE As a guidance, navigation, and control mission design engineer, you will be responsible for designing and implementing physics-based system-of-systems simulation ...

GRIMM

Tester - Top Secret Clearance

Arlington, VA

Must be a US Citizen with Top Secret Clearance * Must have a Bachelor Degree in computer science, computer engineering, math, or a related field. LOCATION * Arlington, VA Additional Information We ...

GRIMM

Tester - Top Secret Clearance

Arlington, VA · On-site

Must be a US Citizen with Top Secret Clearance * Must have a Bachelor Degree in computer science, computer engineering, math, or a related field. LOCATION * Arlington, VA Additional Information We ...

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Top Secret Clearance information

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$200K

How much do top secret clearance jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for top secret clearance in the United States is $134,144.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,000.00 and $144,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Top Secret Clearance?

A Top Secret Clearance is the highest level of security clearance granted by the U.S. government. It allows an individual access to information or material that could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security if disclosed without authorization. Obtaining this clearance involves an extensive background investigation, including checks on personal, financial, and criminal history. Only individuals with a legitimate need to know can be granted this clearance, and it must be renewed periodically.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in roles that require a Top Secret Clearance?

Professionals in positions requiring a Top Secret Clearance often encounter challenges related to maintaining strict confidentiality, adhering to rigorous security protocols, and managing the stress of handling sensitive information. Daily responsibilities typically include safeguarding classified materials, following detailed reporting procedures, and undergoing regular security evaluations. Collaboration may be limited to cleared colleagues, which can sometimes restrict information sharing and require careful coordination. Additionally, the need for ongoing background checks and the potential for sudden re-investigations can add to the pressure of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in roles requiring Top Secret Clearance, and why are they important?

To excel in positions requiring a Top Secret Clearance, individuals must demonstrate reliability, integrity, and a clean personal and professional background, often supported by relevant education or military experience. Familiarity with secure communication systems, classified information protocols, and potentially certifications like Security+ or CISSP is essential. Strong judgment, discretion, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are valuable soft skills in these sensitive environments. These qualities are critical because they ensure the protection of national security information and maintain the trust necessary for handling classified material.

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

AspectTop Secret ClearanceConfidential Clearance
Required CredentialsBackground check, polygraph (if applicable), security interviewBasic background check, fingerprinting
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractors, intelligence agenciesSimilar environments but for less sensitive information
Employer & Industry UsageMilitary, intelligence, national securityGovernment offices, civilian agencies

Top Secret Clearance is a higher level of security clearance than Confidential Clearance, allowing access to more sensitive information. While both require background checks and security interviews, Top Secret Clearance involves more extensive vetting, including polygraphs in some cases. Employers in defense, intelligence, and national security sectors primarily use these clearances, with Top Secret being essential for handling highly classified data.

What jobs do you need top secret clearance for?

Top Secret clearance is required for jobs involving national security, intelligence, defense contracting, and military roles that handle sensitive information. These positions often include intelligence analysts, cybersecurity specialists, military officers, and government contractors working with classified data. Candidates typically undergo thorough background checks and security assessments to obtain this clearance.
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Cities with the most Top Secret Clearance job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Top Secret Clearance jobs?

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What states have the most Top Secret Clearance jobs?

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Top Secret Clearance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Top Secret Clearance job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,144 per year, or $64.5 per hour.

Security Specialist - Top Secret Clearance Jobs

ClearanceJobs

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Security Specialist - Top Secret Clearance

Piper Companies is seeking a Security Specialist - Top Secret Clearance for a leading government and defense organization in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. The Security Specialist will support physical security and personnel security operations, ensuring compliance with government security requirements and safeguarding classified environments. An ideal candidate for the Security Specialist - Top Secret Clearance role is a detail-oriented professional with experience supporting cleared facilities, visitor control, and personnel security programs.

Responsibilities of the Security Specialist - Top Secret Clearance:

  • Manage escort duties for visitors, contractors, and employees within secured and restricted areas.
  • Support personnel security processes, including clearance verifications, onboarding, and access control administration.
  • Ensure compliance with government security regulations, policies, and procedures for classified environments.
  • Conduct security briefings, maintain security documentation, and support security audits and inspections.
  • Coordinate with facility management, program teams, and government representatives on physical security requirements.

Qualifications of the Security Specialist - Top Secret Clearance:

  • Active Top Secret Security Clearance required.
  • 2+ years of experience in physical security, personnel security, or facility security operations.
  • Knowledge of government security regulations, access control procedures, and classified environment requirements.
  • Experience supporting visitor management, escorting activities, and personnel security administration.
  • Strong communication, organizational, and documentation skills.

Compensation for the Security Specialist - Top Secret Clearance includes:

  • Salary range: $70,000 - $100,000 depending on experience
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, Sick Leave as required by law

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