Your TS/SCI clearance could boost your salary by over 40%. Professionals with TS/SCI clearance earn an average of $131,907, compared to $93,748 for Secret clearance – a 40.6% increase. Adding a Full Scope Polygraph can push that up to $148,314, a 58.2% premium. Location also matters: Washington, DC offers the highest salaries at $149,398, while Tampa averages $124,654. Use this data to negotiate better pay and maximize your earning potential in the cleared job market.
Will a Secret Security Clearance INCREASE Your Salary? 🧐
How Clearance Levels Affect Your Salary
Holding a TS/SCI clearance can significantly boost your earning potential, especially for roles that involve handling sensitive information.
Secret vs TS/SCI: A 40% Pay Boost
The salary difference between clearance levels is striking. On average, professionals with TS/SCI clearance earn $131,907 annually, compared to $93,748 for those with Secret clearance. That’s a 40.6% increase. This pay bump reflects the extensive vetting process and the smaller pool of candidates qualified for TS/SCI roles.
Polygraph Requirements: A $40K Salary Difference
Adding polygraph requirements to your TS/SCI clearance can lead to even higher earnings:
- Full Scope Polygraph: Average salary rises to $148,314, which is 58.2% higher than Secret clearance roles.
- CI Polygraph: Pays an average of $135,442, a 44.5% increase over Secret clearance.
- TS/SCI without polygraph: The baseline remains $131,907.
These polygraph-related premiums can add anywhere from $15,000 to $40,000 to your base salary, with the Full Scope Polygraph offering the largest boost due to its rigorous lifestyle evaluation.
Clearance Salary Comparison Chart
Here’s a breakdown of salaries by clearance level:
| Clearance Level | Average Salary | Premium Over Secret | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secret | $93,748 | Baseline | Standard background check |
| TS/SCI | $131,907 | 40.6% | SCI eligibility, enhanced vetting |
| TS/SCI + CI Polygraph | $135,442 | 44.5% | Counterintelligence polygraph |
| TS/SCI + Full Scope Polygraph | $148,314 | 58.2% | Comprehensive lifestyle polygraph |
TS/SCI clearance holders earn an average of $131,907 annually, with salaries ranging from $110,500 (25th percentile) to $168,000 for top earners [1]. Agencies like the NSA, CIA, and Space Force often require TS/SCI clearance for their most sensitive roles.
For specific job roles, the numbers are even more compelling. Software engineers with TS/SCI clearance average $147,524 annually. Entry-level cleared cyber professionals start at $107,009, while experienced individuals can earn up to $175,482. These figures highlight how both clearance level and experience significantly impact earning potential in the security clearance job market.
Calculate Your True Market Value
Your TS/SCI clearance premium hinges on several factors that shape your overall compensation. These elements play a crucial role in salary negotiations and determining your position in the job market.
The Salary Formula That Works
Here’s a simple formula to estimate your market value:
Base Salary × Clearance Multiplier × Location Factor × Experience Modifier
Start with a base salary – say, $95,000 to $120,000 for software engineers. Adding a TS/SCI clearance typically increases your pay by 15–20%[2]. If you also hold a Full Scope Polygraph, your earnings can climb even higher.
Location matters too. High-demand areas like Washington, DC, often pay more due to local market conditions and cost of living, while cities with lower living costs may offer smaller premiums. Your level of experience also plays a big role, with seasoned professionals commanding higher salary multipliers.
For example, a senior software engineer with TS/SCI clearance and a Full Scope Polygraph working in a competitive region can earn significantly above the average pay range.
How Contract Vehicles Affect Your Pay
Government contract vehicles, such as CIO-SP3 and DISA Encore III, also impact salaries in the cleared cybersecurity sector. These contracts establish specific Labor Category (LCAT) ceilings and billable rates, which directly affect the salary contractors can offer their employees. Roles requiring a Full Scope Polygraph typically come with additional pay premiums due to the specialized nature of the clearance.
Pay differences also arise between contracts tied to the Intelligence Community and those under the Department of Defense. TS/SCI clearances generally offer higher salary premiums compared to lower-level clearances. By understanding these factors, you can better position yourself to negotiate higher pay.
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Location Matters: Where Your Clearance Pays Most
The value of a TS/SCI clearance can vary significantly depending on where you’re located. For instance, in Tampa, the average salary is $124,654, while in Washington, DC, it jumps to $149,398 – a difference of 19.8%, which can mean thousands of extra dollars each year. Let’s break down how salaries compare across key cities, factoring in both nominal pay and real income.
City-by-City Salary Breakdown
Your location is a critical factor in determining your earning potential, alongside your clearance level and polygraph type.
Washington, DC sets the standard for TS/SCI salaries, with professionals in cleared cybersecurity roles averaging $149,398 in 2025. The city’s high salaries are fueled by the concentration of intelligence agencies, defense contractors, and an intense demand for cleared talent.
Colorado Springs comes in as a strong contender, offering salaries between $135,000 and $145,000 for TS/SCI holders. This city benefits from the presence of major military installations like Peterson Space Force Base and Cheyenne Mountain. Plus, living costs are far less burdensome than in DC.
San Antonio provides a balanced option, with salaries ranging from $128,000 to $138,000. The city’s demand for cleared professionals is driven by NSA Texas and several Air Force bases. Combined with moderate living expenses, it offers a compelling package for many.
Huntsville, Alabama rounds out the list with TS/SCI salaries between $125,000 and $135,000. While the absolute salaries are lower, the city’s significantly reduced living costs mean professionals often enjoy higher real income compared to more expensive coastal areas.
At the lower end of the spectrum, Tampa offers an average salary of $124,654. However, the absence of state income tax helps maximize take-home pay.
Real Income After Living Costs
When it comes to true purchasing power, adjusted income – factoring in living expenses, taxes, and housing – paints a clearer picture. Here’s how major cleared markets compare:
| Location | Average TS/SCI Salary | Cost of Living Index | Adjusted Real Income | State Income Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $149,398 | 152.1 | $98,223 | 8.95% |
| Colorado Springs | $140,000 | 108.3 | $129,278 | 4.40% |
| San Antonio | $133,000 | 96.2 | $138,253 | 0% |
| Huntsville | $130,000 | 89.7 | $144,929 | 5.00% |
| Tampa | $124,654 | 102.8 | $121,252 | 0% |
Huntsville stands out as the top performer in terms of real purchasing power, with an adjusted income of $144,929 after accounting for living costs. San Antonio follows closely, offering $138,253 thanks to its lack of state income tax and relatively low housing expenses.
Colorado Springs strikes a strong balance between high salaries and manageable living costs, while Washington, DC, despite its impressive nominal salaries, sees much of its advantage eroded by exorbitant housing prices that can consume up to half of one’s income.
For cleared professionals, evaluating total compensation now goes beyond just the paycheck. Considering factors like cost of living, remote work opportunities, and real purchasing power can make all the difference when choosing where to work.
Getting Past the $150K Salary Cap
If you’re a cleared cybersecurity professional, you might find yourself stuck at the $150K salary mark. While location and contract terms influence your base pay, breaking into the $200K range takes deliberate career planning. Even with the added boost from TS/SCI premiums, many professionals hit a ceiling due to structural barriers in the industry.
Why Salary Growth Stalls
Several factors can hold your earnings back. Standardized job classifications and rigid contract structures often set strict salary limits, leaving little room for negotiation. On top of that, limited recognition of certain clearances and regional market conditions can restrict your options. These challenges make it harder to move up the pay scale or secure roles with higher compensation.
How to Push Beyond the Ceiling
To increase your earning potential, you’ll need to take proactive steps. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Pursue higher-paying roles within your current contract framework. Look for opportunities that align with your clearance and technical expertise.
- Develop specialized skills in high-demand areas. Technical expertise in niche fields can help you qualify for senior positions.
- Time your career moves strategically. For example, explore new opportunities when contracts are being awarded, as this can give you more negotiation power.
- Expand your professional network and keep your clearance active. Staying connected and maintaining up-to-date credentials can open doors to better-paying roles.
- Consider direct government positions or consulting roles. These paths often sidestep the salary caps imposed by traditional contracts.
Use These Numbers to Get Paid What You’re Worth
The 40.6% pay premium for TS/SCI clearance over Secret clearance isn’t just a fun fact – it’s a powerful tool for salary negotiations. For example, Full Scope Polygraph holders earn an average of $148,314, compared to $93,748 for professionals with only Secret clearance. That’s a difference worth knowing. If you’re currently earning $100,000 with Secret clearance, your TS/SCI market value could jump to around $140,600. Don’t settle for less than what the market says you’re worth.
Location matters – use it to your advantage. There’s a $24,744 pay gap between Washington, DC ($149,398) and Tampa ($124,654) for TS/SCI holders. That’s a big difference, and it highlights how geography can play a role in your earning potential. If remote work or relocation is an option, consider how you can use these numbers to negotiate a higher salary. Pair these figures with data on living costs to make a compelling case for better compensation.
Capitalize on contract transitions. Contracts like CIO-SP3 and DISA Encore III can be your secret weapon during negotiations. Your LCAT (Labor Category) classification determines what contractors bill for your work, which means you have leverage to demand pay that reflects your true market value. Timing your discussions around contract renewals or transitions can give you an edge.
Be specific about your polygraph type. Polygraph details matter – a lot. The difference between clearance levels can exceed $40,000, so don’t leave this information out of your resume or discussions. Full Scope Polygraph holders earn the highest premiums, but even a CI Polygraph adds significant value over a standard TS/SCI clearance. Make sure employers know exactly what you bring to the table.
Highlight continuous evaluation. Employers value reliability, and continuous evaluation is proof of yours. By maintaining your clearance under this system, you show you’re dependable and low-risk – qualities that justify higher pay, especially for roles requiring immediate deployment. Use this as another talking point to strengthen your negotiation position.
For cleared cyber roles, entry-level salaries start at $107,009, with experienced professionals earning up to $175,482. If your pay falls short of these benchmarks, you’re likely being undervalued. This data isn’t just for your next job search – it’s also ammunition for conversations with your current employer about adjusting your compensation.
When you approach salary discussions, present these numbers with confidence. Don’t frame them as personal demands; instead, describe them as industry standards and market realities. Employers who understand the value of a TS/SCI clearance will recognize the logic and compensate accordingly.
FAQs
How does job location influence the TS/SCI salary premium, and which cities offer the best earning potential?
Job location has a significant impact on the salary premium for TS/SCI clearance holders. Take Washington, D.C., for instance – professionals there make an average of $149,398, which is 19.8% more than their peers in Tampa, where the average stands at $124,654. Cities like Colorado Springs, San Antonio, and Huntsville also provide strong salary opportunities, but the cost of living in these areas can heavily influence how much of your paycheck you actually keep.
If boosting earnings is your main focus, Washington, D.C. clearly leads the pack for TS/SCI professionals with its higher salary averages. That said, it’s crucial to weigh cost-of-living considerations to figure out where your money will go the farthest.
How can I negotiate a higher salary with a TS/SCI clearance and Full Scope Polygraph?
To boost your earning potential, leverage the market premium associated with holding a TS/SCI clearance and a Full Scope Polygraph. These credentials can lead to salaries 44.5% to 58.2% higher compared to professionals with only a Secret clearance. For context, the average salary for someone with TS/SCI clearance is $131,907, while adding a Full Scope Polygraph can push it to $148,314 or even higher.
When negotiating your salary, focus on your specialized expertise, the strong demand for cleared professionals, and regional salary variations. For example, in Washington, DC, salaries average close to $150,000, which is significantly higher than in many other areas. Use this information to underscore your value and support your case for a higher offer. Also, highlight how your clearance allows you to work on critical contracts and contributes to increased project billing rates.
How do government contract vehicles like CIO-SP3 and DISA Encore III impact salaries for cleared professionals?
Government contract vehicles like CIO-SP3 and DISA Encore III play a key role in shaping salary trends for cleared professionals. These contracts influence critical factors such as the scope of work, billing rates, and the level of competition for in-demand roles – all of which directly affect compensation. For instance, positions tied to DISA Encore III often offer 5–15% higher pay compared to those under CIO-SP3, with cybersecurity engineers earning an average of $156,844 per year.
The renewal and availability of these contracts also impact salary offers and job stability. Professionals holding TS/SCI clearances often see higher pay premiums because of the specialized skills required and the competitive nature of these roles. Gaining a solid understanding of how these contract vehicles work can be a powerful advantage for salary negotiations and planning a successful career path.
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