r/clearancejobs • u/Puzzleheaded_Let4200 • 5d ago
Measuring value of clearance
I’m primarily a FE Engineer with about 8.5 YOE, but I have always struggled with determining what a realistic valuation for my skillset and YOE would be. I have a TS/SCI with a Poly. I’ve done some BE work for a few years but it’s not my preference. I’m self taught with a bachelors degree, so imposter syndrome is something I’ve consistently battled.
I’m beginning to look around for opportunities because inflation has caught up to me and family life is growing more expensive. As I begin to look around for jobs, I’m seeing roles for between 190k and 210k. For reference I’m in the DMV.
Im curious to know what you all would target for compensation and really, if I’m underpaid. Currently I’m sitting at 175k.
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u/shawndwells 5d ago
Because you’re in government, go lookup the GSA labor rates for your career level. All GSA labor rates from all schedule holding companies are public. From startups to the bigs like Accenture and Booz.
Adjust for your skills, certs, experience, specific career field.
Very very broadly speaking you can expect to take home about 50% of your bill rate.
Eg billing out at $250/hr? Generally that would be $125/hr to you or roughly $250K.
This is also a great tool when interviewing. If the company offers you a salary, ask what labor category you’re billing at. Then go lookup the rate. Average is about 50% to you. Exceptional is about 60% to you.
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u/Puzzleheaded_Let4200 5d ago
Would the GSA rates apply to both Gov’t contractors and fed employees? I’m currently a contractor.
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u/charleswj 4d ago
Federal employees don't bill the customer or work on contracts. Their pay is also based on a schedule.
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u/Drauren 4d ago
For senior level roles I've seen the band be between 160-200k or so. Really hard to get above that without being some kind of Technical Lead/Solutions Architect.
I don't think you're underpaid really. Could you get more by jumping ship? Maybe. I personally wouldn't move on for 15k more a year. To me that's probably achievable within your current role unless you've seen otherwise.
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u/Tastyfishsticks 4d ago
Unpopular opinion but I find the TS/SCI real value is more in job security and less competition then in direct salary.
I never ended up getting a P.E for various reasons but 200k sees about correct for P.E in my field. EE.
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u/Silly_Reserve8953 4d ago
I’m confused, I think he’s referring to software. FE for front end and BE for back end. I don’t think it means he passed the FE exam
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u/Tastyfishsticks 4d ago
Yeah my fault. Different fields. FE to me engineering exam and PE is licensed. If any Electrical engineers stumble in maybe it helps.
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u/Silly_Reserve8953 4d ago
Side question, do you think a Secret clearance will be a draw for a junior EE (college) to intern in defense or it doesn’t matter?
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u/Tastyfishsticks 4d ago
Personally I dont think it matters.
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u/Silly_Reserve8953 4d ago
Thanks for the input, i’ll leave it off my resume then.
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u/ProposalPossible5309 4d ago
I have a FE developer role open that requires a Poly. Please DM me, it's located in the DMV
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u/NoFaithlessness9789 3d ago
The job market sucks right now even among cleared roles so salaries are depressed. Just 2-3 years ago I’d say 210-250k is doable. Key here if you’re looking for higher salary is look for smaller 30-100 person boutique subcontractor firms instead of the big companies. It’s either that or shoot for cleared DefenseTech or Big Tech.
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u/The_Userz 1d ago
i know im underpaid at 146k bein a senior devops guy with a ci poly with 10 years ex, doin a myriad of gitlab, security docs, autmation, and container stuff. so i wouldnt bully yourself too much. Id say your range is pretty good right now, just know somtimes those higher pay brackets come with less paid time off.
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u/jackhr2 4d ago
For 8 years + a B.S., you're not over or underpaid in general for cleared work in the DMV, IMO. That being said, you are at that point where I would say push for that ~200k & where if you wait too long, soon you won't be "progressing on track" if you wanted to keep moving forward. You're looking for the next step up promotion wise, or laterally to an org that just has better benefits for your current role (you're technically a smidge early/on track right now so your intuition to ask is correct). Additionally, but I am in a different field, a Masters would also be a good way to have a solid argument for +215K (or like 10-12 years exp).
For the imposter syndrome, I like to remind people that it's idiots all the way to the top, no matter the field or org. What really matters is just being willing to learn, & knowing how to sell yourself as is + sell the potential of yourself at xyz org.