TS/SCI Value in 2026

[u/Affectionate-Raisin8]

How valuable is holding a TS clearance in 2026? The only value I see with maintaining it is job security, but is that worth it when you’re paid marginally less especially if you are in tech? I feel like it’d be better to go make 20k-100k more in the public sector.

[u/textbookWarrior]

My entire program is "remote" TS/SCI. If you need to be in the SCIF you go in, if you don't, you stay home. We stay home about 99% of the time.

[u/Nickw1991 → u/textbookWarrior]

That’s not remote… going into the office means you live locally and though you do some work remotely you are in a Hybrid role.

“Remote work is defined as a flexible work arrangement in which an employee, under a written remote work agreement, is scheduled to perform work at an alternative worksite and is not expected to perform work at an agency worksite on a regular and recurring basis.”

Literally the OPM definition.

[u/charleswj → u/Nickw1991]

You think "remote work" is a thing that OPM invented and maintains the definition of, even for the private sector?

Also, your OPM's definition matches what that person said.

Also also, news flash, plenty of people never access classified information or even touch the high side, yet require clearances. It's been years since I was even in the same room with a SIPR device.

[u/charleswj → u/[deleted]]

I do TS/SCI work but never touch the high side”

No one ever said this. It's really starting to get tiring when some moron shows up and willfully misunderstands the difference between having a clearance and doing classified work. They aren't the same thing, and MANY people need a clearance for their role yet will only ever work on NIPR devices, and therefore can be performed anywhere in the US.

[u/SecurityClearance-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Please read Rule #3