National Security Compensation Sets Record High
- DHI Group, Inc. releases the 2024 Security Clearance Compensation Report by ClearanceJobs.
- Cleared candidates received a 6% compensation increase in 2023, reaching an average salary of $114,946.
- 57% of respondents report availability of remote work options, correlating with higher compensation.
- Generation Z sees a 13% pay increase and increased representation in the industry.
- Compensation, training, and remote work are crucial for employee happiness and retention.
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Insights
The release of the 2024 Security Clearance Compensation Report by DHI Group's ClearanceJobs platform is a significant indicator of the current labor market dynamics within the defense and intelligence sectors. The report's findings, highlighting a 6% increase in compensation for cleared candidates, underscore a competitive market where employers are actively seeking to attract and retain top talent. This is particularly relevant in a year characterized by inflationary pressures and fiscal uncertainties, suggesting that firms within this space are prioritizing human capital investments despite broader economic challenges.
From a market analysis perspective, the data points to a potential upward pressure on operational costs for companies requiring security-cleared personnel. This could affect profit margins and, consequently, investor returns in the short term. However, the long-term benefits of investing in skilled labor may lead to improved project execution, enhanced company reputations and stronger competitive positioning, which could positively influence stock valuations.
The financial implications of the reported salary increases for security-cleared professionals are twofold. Firstly, the higher average cleared salary of $114,946 represents a surge in labor costs for firms in the defense and intelligence industries. This could lead to a reevaluation of project budgets and potentially tighter margins. Investors should monitor how these increased costs are managed, as they could impact earnings reports and forecasts.
Secondly, the report suggests a robust demand for cleared professionals, which could signal growth opportunities within the sector. Companies successfully navigating the balance between higher compensation and operational efficiency may emerge as attractive investment opportunities, particularly if they can leverage the talent to secure lucrative contracts and expand market share.
The emphasis on compensation as a primary motivator for employee happiness and engagement, as reported, reveals critical insights into human resources strategies in the defense and intelligence sectors. The data suggests that companies are recognizing the need to offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain the best talent. This is particularly important given the specialized nature of the work and the limited pool of candidates with the necessary clearances.
Furthermore, the report indicates a growing preference for remote work, which has been linked to higher compensation levels. This trend may necessitate a reevaluation of traditional work models within the industry. Companies that can offer flexible work arrangements without compromising security protocols may gain a competitive edge in talent acquisition and retention, ultimately impacting their business performance and attractiveness to investors.
Photo from the cover of the 2024 Compensation Report (Graphic: Business Wire)
In a year marked by inflation and budget uncertainties, companies took bold action by implementing significant salary hikes. In 2023, cleared candidates received a noteworthy
“The state of the national security job market remains strong,” said Evan Lesser, Founder and President of ClearanceJobs. “As the commercial sector struggles, the benefits of national security work are clear. While much is made of the importance of mission, one should never undercut compensation as the critical factor motivating employees. When asked to pick the things their employer could change to increase their happiness and engagement, higher compensation was more than double the other options.”
The Evolving Cleared Landscape
As time moves us farther away from the COVID-19 pandemic, the preference for remote work remains. In 2023,
However, in national security, remote or hybrid work is a luxury that many employers cannot afford, due to the nature of the work. When asked what employers could provide to entice workers to stick to the SCIF (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility) side, respondents overwhelmingly ranked extra vacation days (
While national security demographics remained consistent, small changes each year paint the picture for future adjustments. Women remain at
Happiness, Satisfaction, and Commitment to the Cleared Industry
As part of this survey, respondents were asked to pick up to three options that would contribute to increased happiness in their roles. For the third year in a row, compensation was selected by over two-thirds of respondents. Next in line were training options, certifications, and remote work.
With the state of the economy, respondents remained a little less motivated to change jobs.
Meanwhile, over half of respondents (
“Strong cleared compensation truly points to the stability and strength of the cleared job market,” said Art Zeile, CEO of DHI Group Inc. “This is a community that’s committed to the mission of defending our country and they can do so from a variety of attractive positions. To hire and retain cleared talent employers need to focus on compensation and engagement. The ClearanceJobs Compensation Report shows employers understand that imperative.”
The Security Clearance Compensation report includes cleared compensation by state, occupation, education, security clearance level and other criteria.
Access The 2024 Security Clearance Compensation Report
The 2024 Security Clearance Compensation Report
Journalists: Email phoebe.wells@clearancejobs.com for an ungated link.
ClearanceJobs – About Us
Founded in 2002, ClearanceJobs is a modern marketplace for career opportunities in national security. We maintain a strong commitment to connecting security-cleared professionals and employers in a secure and private platform to fill the jobs that safeguard our nation. Our protected career marketplace allows industry employers and candidates the ability to connect, converse, and exchange opportunities. From instant messaging to deep personal and company branding, ClearanceJobs balances participation by giving every user – both employers and candidates – a platform to share, explore, and engage. With offices in
DHI Group, Inc. – About Us
DHI Group, Inc (NYSE: DHX) is a provider of AI-powered career marketplaces that focus on technology roles. DHI’s two brands, Dice and ClearanceJobs, enable recruiters and hiring managers to efficiently search for and connect with highly skilled technology professionals based on the skills requested. The Company’s patented algorithm manages over 100,000 unique technology skills. Additionally, our marketplaces allow tech professionals to find their ideal next career opportunity, with relevant advice and personalized insights. Learn more at www.dhigroupinc.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240313757707/en/
Investor Contact
Todd Kehrli or Jim Byers
MKR Investor Relations, Inc.
212-448-4181
ir@dhigroupinc.com
Media Contact
Phoebe Wells
PR & Partnerships Manager, ClearanceJobs
cjmedia@clearancejobs.com
Source: DHI Group, Inc.
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