National Security & Defense Careers

National Security & Defense professionals earn a median salary of $180,000 at entry level, with mid-level roles averaging $126,800 and senior positions reaching $186,938. The field is heavily concentrated in the Washington, DC metro area, spanning Arlington and Alexandria, VA, reflecting the sector's dependence on proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors. Core competencies in highest demand include intelligence analysis, stakeholder engagement, and project management, alongside strong written and verbal communication and government relations expertise.

Last updated: July 2026