Skill Demand Index
Security Clearance — Demand & Depth Analysis
Based on 11 scored job postings out of 4,995 total. Depth levels reflect actual proficiency tiers, not just keyword presence.
0.2%
Demand Rate
L1
Median Depth
100%
Gap Rate
11
Jobs Analyzed
Minimal
Most employers want Security Clearance at introductory awareness.
Overview
What is Security Clearance?
Market context for Security Clearance in the current job market
Security Clearance is required in 0.2% of scored job postings on ShouldApply, making it a growing skill in the current job market. Employers looking for Security Clearance typically want candidates who can demonstrate real proficiency, not just surface awareness.
What the data shows for Security Clearance:
- •Required in 0.2% of all scored postings — demand is growing as more employers add it to requirements
- •Employers typically expect L1 depth — foundational knowledge with practical application
- •Most demand comes from Software Engineering roles — 55% of all Security Clearance jobs
What L1 means in practice:
L1 (Minimal) means you can discuss the concept but haven’t used it in production. Many entry-level positions accept this.
This means employers aren't looking for someone who has used Security Clearance once or twice. They want evidence of professional application — shipped work, measurable outcomes, and the ability to operate independently.
Common skill gaps:
The gap rate of 100% means most applicants lack Security Clearance at the depth employers need. This is a real opportunity for candidates who invest in building genuine proficiency.
Which roles need Security Clearance most:
Software Engineering positions drive 55% of demand. Other and Operations also frequently list Security Clearance as a requirement. Skills commonly paired with Security Clearance include Bachelor's Degree and Python.
Depth Level Distribution
Proficiency Distribution
How candidates match Security Clearance requirements across 11 scored evaluations
Average depth: L0.5·Median depth: L1.0
Salary Correlation
Pay Impact
How Security Clearance affects compensation based on postings with disclosed salary data
Without Security Clearance
$141K
Median $133K
1227 jobs
Skill Demand Insight
“Security Clearance appears in 0.2% of all scored jobs.”
From 11 scored job postings
Skill Pairings
Commonly Paired Skills
Other skills that frequently appear alongside Security Clearance
27%
co-occurrence
18%
co-occurrence
9%
co-occurrence
9%
co-occurrence
9%
co-occurrence
9%
co-occurrence
9%
co-occurrence
9%
co-occurrence
Role Breakdown
Top Role Categories
Job categories most likely to require Security Clearance
Gap Analysis
Gap Rate Explained
How often Security Clearance is identified as a skill gap (L0–L1) in scored applications
High gap rate — most candidates are underqualified
When Security Clearance appears in a job's requirements, 100% of scored applicants received an L0 or L1 (missing or minimal).
Frequently Asked Questions
See how you stack up against Security Clearance job requirements
ShouldApply scores your profile against each skill at the depth level jobs actually need.
Analyze my Security Clearance gaps →See how your depth compares to what employers actually require
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