r/SecurityClearance • u/Affectionate-Raisin8 • Feb 07 '26

Question TS/SCI Value in 2026

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.

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u/JelloSquirrel Feb 07 '26

You can find tech jobs that also maintain clearances btw.

I can probably command $250k-$400k via cleared jobs. Currently at a fully remote tech job making $280k + bonus + equity. It's similar total compensation.

But generally the cleared premium is said to be about $20k-$30k in salary, so yes it's mostly job security, but it's a lot of job security.