Published 2026-01-10

What Jobs Require a Security Clearance?

Not every federal or government-adjacent job requires a security clearance. The need for a clearance is determined entirely by the position-specifically, whether the role involves access to classified information, secure facilities, or sensitive national security work^[1].

The simplest way to think about it: What would a secure facility need to operate? If your job answers that question, there's likely a cleared version of it somewhere.

How Clearance Requirements Are Determined

Security clearance requirements are based on position sensitivity, not job title^[2]. The government assigns sensitivity levels based on a position's potential impact on national security:

• Non-sensitive: No impact on national security (no clearance needed)
• Noncritical sensitive: Could cause significant damage (typically Secret clearance)
• Critical sensitive: Could cause exceptionally grave damage (typically TS)
• Special sensitive: Could cause inestimable damage (TS/SCI or higher)

The same job title can require different clearance levels depending on the employer and specific duties. A "Systems Administrator" at a regular company needs no clearance. The same role at a defense contractor working on classified networks might require TS/SCI.

Jobs That Typically Require Clearances

Cleared jobs span a wide range of industries and skill sets. Any function that a secure facility or military operation needs to run likely has a cleared equivalent.

Technology & Engineering (Often TS/SCI)

These roles typically require higher clearances because they involve direct access to classified systems, networks, or data:

• Software developers and engineers
• Cybersecurity analysts and engineers
• Systems administrators
• Network engineers
• Data scientists and analysts
• Cloud architects
• DevOps and DevSecOps engineers
• Intelligence analysts

Tech roles working directly on mission systems or handling classified data usually require TS or TS/SCI access.

Mission Support (Often Secret or TS)

Roles that directly support intelligence or defense missions:

• Project managers
• Program analysts
• Contracting officers
• Logistics specialists
• Operations coordinators
• Technical writers (for classified documentation)
• Trainers and instructors

Facility Support (Often Secret)

Secure facilities-whether SCIFs, military bases, or cleared contractor sites-need the same services as any business^[3]. These roles may require Secret clearance for facility access, even if the workers don't directly handle classified information:

• Electricians and HVAC technicians
• Plumbers
• Security guards and officers
• Janitorial services (in some cases)
• Facilities managers
• Construction workers (on secure sites)
• Food service workers (in secure cafeterias)

Workers in these roles may be escorted in certain areas or have access limited to non-classified spaces.

Administrative & Business (Secret or Public Trust)

• Human resources specialists
• Financial analysts and accountants
• Administrative assistants
• Recruiters (at cleared companies)
• Compliance officers

What Clearance Level Will You Need?

Generally:

Top Secret / TS/SCI: Direct access to classified systems, intelligence work, mission-critical technology roles, positions involving sources and methods.

Secret: Access to Secret-level information, work at secure facilities without direct intelligence access, support roles at defense contractors.

Confidential: Least common; typically entry-level positions with limited classified access.

The job posting will specify the required clearance level. If you don't already hold a clearance, many positions will sponsor your investigation-but you'll need to be a U.S. citizen^[4].

Jobs That Don't Require Clearances

Not everything adjacent to government work needs a clearance. You generally won't find cleared positions for:

• Childcare and education (unless on a military base with specific access needs)
• Most retail and food service
• Public-facing government services
• Positions with no access to facilities or information

The key distinction: if you won't be accessing secure facilities or classified information, you likely don't need a clearance-though you may still need a background check or public trust determination.

Working at Secure Facilities Without a Clearance

It's worth noting that you can sometimes work at or visit secure facilities without holding a clearance yourself. Uncleared personnel may be permitted access when escorted by someone with appropriate clearance. This is common for:

• Contractors performing repairs or maintenance
• Vendors and delivery personnel
• Visitors for meetings or interviews

However, uncleared and escorted personnel will have restricted access and cannot enter areas where classified information is stored or discussed.

Finding Cleared Jobs

Cleared positions are posted on:

• USAJOBS.gov for federal positions
• ClearanceJobs.com for cleared contractor jobs
• Defense contractor career pages (Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, etc.)
• Government agency career sites

Job postings will indicate the required clearance level. Look for terms like "TS/SCI required," "Secret clearance preferred," or "ability to obtain a clearance."

Related

• How to Get a Security Clearance
• Security Clearance Levels Explained
• What Disqualifies You From a Top Secret Clearance?
• SCI Definition

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