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 $175,000 across 129 analyzed positions. The field is heavily concentrated in the Washington, DC metro area, spanning Arlington, VA and Alexandria, VA, reflecting the sector's close proximity to federal agencies and defense institutions. In-demand skills include stakeholder engagement, written and verbal communication, government relations, project management, and research and analysis.

Last updated: May 2026