Secret Security Clearance Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry‑level (0–2 years) salaries range from $110,000 to $130,000. Mid‑level (3–5 years) professionals earn between $140,000 and $170,000. Senior experts (6+ years) command $180,000 to $240,000, with contractors often offering higher hourly rates for specialized projects.

A Secret clearance is mandatory, along with expertise in NSA Suite B, FIPS 140‑2, and secure coding in C/C++/Rust. Certifications such as CISSP, CISA, GSEC, and proficiency in threat‑modeling frameworks like STRIDE are highly valued. Knowledge of secure cloud environments (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government) and continuous monitoring via DISA CDM is also essential.

Most roles require on‑site presence at defense facilities to maintain a secure environment. However, certain contractor positions allow remote work using NSA‑approved VPNs and secure remote desktop solutions, typically for data analysis, cloud architecture, or policy compliance tasks.

Typical paths move from Analyst → Senior Analyst → Lead Analyst → Security Architect → Program Manager → Director of Cyber Operations. Lateral moves into supply‑chain security, incident response, or cyber‑physical systems defense are also common, enabling continuous skill expansion.

The field is driven by AI/ML‑based threat detection, quantum‑resistant cryptography, and the expansion of secure cloud services. Emphasis on supply‑chain security, cyber‑physical systems, and the increased federal investment in cyber defense are creating new roles and higher salary potential.