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Top Secret Clearance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

GNC Engineer - Top Secret Clearance

Hawthorne, CA

$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 ...

SpaceX

GNC Engineer - Top Secret Clearance

Hawthorne, CA

$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 ...

V2X

Senior Engineer - Top Secret Clearance

Patuxent River, MD · On-site

$117K - $161K/yr

The position is required to be onsite and hold an active Top Secret clearance. Responsibilities * What You'll Do : * Integrate new capabilities; define gaps and requirements; develop specifications ...

V2X

Senior Engineer - Top Secret Clearance

Patuxent River, MD · On-site

$117K - $161K/yr

The position is required to be onsite and hold an active Top Secret clearance. Responsibilities * What You'll Do : * Integrate new capabilities; define gaps and requirements; develop specifications ...

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$134.1K

$200K

How much do top secret clearance jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 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 jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

High-level government security roles requiring a Top Secret clearance, such as senior intelligence analysts, defense contractors, or cybersecurity specialists, can sometimes reach or exceed this salary level, especially with experience and specialized skills. These positions often involve sensitive information, require advanced certifications, and may include bonuses or other incentives that contribute to total compensation.

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.

How much does Top Secret clearance make?

Top Secret clearance itself does not determine salary, but jobs requiring this clearance typically pay between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on the role, experience, and location. Positions often involve government or defense contractors and may require specialized skills or certifications.

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 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 jobs can a Top Secret clearance get you?

A Top Secret clearance allows individuals to work in roles involving national security, intelligence, defense, and government agencies. Common jobs include intelligence analyst, cybersecurity specialist, military officer, and federal contractor positions that require access to sensitive information and security protocols.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

High-paying jobs that can reach $10,000 a month without a degree often include specialized roles such as commercial pilots, real estate brokers, or skilled trades like electricians and plumbers with experience. These positions typically require extensive training, certifications, or licenses, and often involve working in high-demand environments or owning a business.
More about Top Secret Clearance jobs
What cities are hiring for Top Secret Clearance jobs? Cities with the most Top Secret Clearance job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Top Secret Clearance jobs? The most popular types of Top Secret Clearance jobs are:
What states have the most Top Secret Clearance jobs? States with the most job openings for Top Secret Clearance jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Top Secret Clearance jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Top Secret Clearance jobs are:
Top Secret Clearance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Top Secret Clearance job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $134,144 per year, or $64.5 per hour.
Business Applications Consultant (Top Secret Clearance Required)

Business Applications Consultant (Top Secret Clearance Required)

Deloitte

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Deloitte rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

58th of 138 rated financial services

Job description

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