Cleared & Compensated: What the 2026 Data Reveals

Average compensation for cleared professionals has hit a record high of $126,125 — but what's driving that number, and what does it mean for you? ClearanceJobs Content Director Jill Hamilton breaks down the 2026 Compensation Report, covering why pay jumped 6% year over year, which clearance levels and certifications move the needle most, and how location, education, and experience combine into what she calls the "triple threat" for top earners.

Download the full report here.

Then, security clearance attorney John Berry joins to discuss one of the harshest realities facing federal employees with clearance issues: the indefinite suspension without pay, why the Merit Systems Protection Board offers little relief, and what your best options actually are when the ground shifts beneath you.

Whether you're heading into a performance review, considering a move from federal to private sector, or just trying to stay ahead in an uncertain market, this episode gives you the data and the legal reality you need to navigate it.

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