# Cleared & Compensated: What the 2026 Data Reveals Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/security-clearance-careers-podcast-5084/cleared-compensated-what-the-2026-data-reveals Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/security-clearance-careers-podcast-5084/cleared-compensated-what-the-2026-data-reveals.md Podcast: [Security Clearance Careers Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/security-clearance-careers-podcast-5084) Published: 2026-05-20T15:24:33+00:00 Episode link: https://shows.acast.com/clearancejobs/episodes/cc-federal-compensation-report-25-26 Audio file: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/605905d83cb67472e5fb5746/e/6a063cfd68dc584edae8e4de/media.mp3 Processing state: not_requested JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/security-clearance-careers-podcast-5084/episodes/cleared-compensated-what-the-2026-data-reveals Duration seconds: 1214 ## Resource 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 . 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 you need to navigate it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. ## Actions - request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/security-clearance-careers-podcast-5084/episodes/cleared-compensated-what-the-2026-data-reveals/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode. - read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/security-clearance-careers-podcast-5084/cleared-compensated-what-the-2026-data-reveals.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource. A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed. ## Transcript Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.