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Top Secret Clearance information

See Rutherford, NJ salary details

$99.9K

$136.8K

$203.9K

How much do top secret clearance jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for top secret clearance in Rutherford, NJ is $136,751.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,200.00 and $146,800.00 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.

What job categories do people searching Top Secret Clearance jobs in Rutherford, NJ look for?

The top searched job categories for Top Secret Clearance jobs in Rutherford, NJ are:

What cities near Rutherford, NJ are hiring for Top Secret Clearance jobs?

Cities near Rutherford, NJ with the most Top Secret Clearance job openings:

Top Secret Clearance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Top Secret Clearance job openings in Rutherford, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,751 per year, or $65.7 per hour.

Entry Level Background Investigator- Northeast Region (TOP SECRET CLEARANCE REQUIRED)

CACI International, Inc.

New York, NY • On-site

$50K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Entry Level Background Investigator- Northeast Region (TOP SECRET CLEARANCE REQUIRED)
Job Category: Service Contract Act
Time Type: Full time
Minimum Clearance Required to Start: Top Secret
Employee Type: Regular
Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 25%
Type of Travel: Continental US
* * *
The Opportunity:
At CACI, background investigation is more than research and reports-it's a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of our nation. By joining our team, you'll be part of an organization that values trust, integrity, and professionalism in everything we do. As an industry-leading provider of federal background investigations since 2004, CACI employs full-time and part-time investigators across all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and other U.S. territories.
CANDIDATES WITH TOP SECRET CLEARANCES WILL BE CONSIDERED THROUGHOUT THE NORTHEAST REGION.
Responsibilities:
  • Conduct comprehensive interviews with subjects, employers, associates, references, and other knowledgeable individuals and review appropriate records to obtain facts to resolve all material issues in a case or to establish the background, reputation, character, suitability, or qualifications of the subject under investigation. Document all information and submit a detailed report of investigation within a strict required timeline.
  • Interviews for this position will be conducted using a variety of methods, including in-person meetings, phone interviews, and Virtual Teleconference (VTC) discussions to accommodate different scheduling and geographical requirements.
  • Attend a multiweek intensive virtual, online training with additional in-field shadowing and mentorship with a Senior Investigator
  • Travel to locations across the U.S. for temporary duty assignments (TDY), typically lasting 2 or more weeks
  • Gain exposure to various field investigation contracts, broadening your experience in the field

Qualifications:
Required:
  • A Bachelor's Degree or 4 years of general experience demonstrating progressive responsibility in problem solving, planning and organizing work, and communicating effectively orally and in writing.
  • Clearance: Active Top Secret Clearance based on a T5
  • A current driver's license, reliable personal vehicle, and willingness to extensively travel locally on a daily basis dependent on assignment location
  • A home office equipped with high-speed Internet ($50 monthly internet stipend is provided)
  • Ability to walk, type, sit, or stand for extended periods of time
  • Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize effectively
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including the ability to:
    • Communicate complex or sensitive information effectively to individuals or groups
    • Listen attentively to others, respond appropriately to nonverbal cues, and make clear and convincing oral presentations
    • Maintain strong relationships with diverse individuals and handle challenging situations with tact and professionalism
    • Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material that is appropriate for the intended audience

Desired:
  • A strong sense of mission in supporting national security initiatives
  • An impeccable work ethic, integrity, and a positive, can-do attitude

This position is contingent on funding and may not be filled immediately. However, this position is representative of positions within CACI that are consistently available. Individuals who apply may also be considered for other positions at CACI.
What You Can Expect:
A culture of integrity.
At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you'll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer's missions and driven by a higher purpose - to ensure the safety of our nation.
An environment of trust.
CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You'll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.
A focus on continuous growth.
Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground - in your career and in our legacy.
Pay Range:
This posting is for a position covered by the Service Contract Labor Standards (SCA). The pay and benefits provided for this position will meet or exceed the minimum required amounts detailed in the wage determination issued by the Department of Labor and made applicable to this position, as incorporated into CACI's government contract for the work location.
Since the position can be worked in more than one location, the rate shown is the Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors. The actual rate will be based on contract, location and job classification.
Minimum Required Hourly Wage:
There are a host of other factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographical location, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.
CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.

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