National Security & Defense Careers

National Security & Defense professionals earn a median salary of $180,000 at entry-level, with mid-level roles averaging $122,000 and senior positions reaching $175,000 across 237 analyzed jobs. The field is heavily concentrated in the Washington, DC metro area, including Arlington, VA, reflecting the sector's close proximity to federal agencies and defense institutions. Core competencies in highest demand include intelligence analysis, all-source intelligence analysis, and project management, alongside strong written and verbal communication skills.

Last updated: July 2026