Skill Demand Index
US Security Clearance — Demand & Depth Analysis
Based on 4 scored job postings out of 4,995 total. Depth levels reflect actual proficiency tiers, not just keyword presence.
0.1%
Demand Rate
L1
Median Depth
75%
Gap Rate
4
Jobs Analyzed
Minimal
Most employers want US Security Clearance at introductory awareness.
Overview
What is US Security Clearance?
Market context for US Security Clearance in the current job market
US Security Clearance is required in 0.1% of scored job postings on ShouldApply, making it a growing skill in the current job market. Employers looking for US Security Clearance typically want candidates who can demonstrate real proficiency, not just surface awareness.
What the data shows for US Security Clearance:
- •Required in 0.1% 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 — 75% of all US 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 US 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 75% means most applicants lack US Security Clearance at the depth employers need. This is a real opportunity for candidates who invest in building genuine proficiency.
Which roles need US Security Clearance most:
Software Engineering positions drive 75% of demand. Other also frequently list US Security Clearance as a requirement. Skills commonly paired with US Security Clearance include Bachelor's Degree and Engineering Leadership.
Depth Level Distribution
Proficiency Distribution
How candidates match US Security Clearance requirements across 4 scored evaluations
Average depth: L1.8·Median depth: L1.0
Salary Correlation
Pay Impact
How US Security Clearance affects compensation based on postings with disclosed salary data
Without US Security Clearance
$141K
Median $133K
1228 jobs
Skill Demand Insight
“US Security Clearance appears in 0.1% of all scored jobs.”
From 4 scored job postings
Skill Pairings
Commonly Paired Skills
Other skills that frequently appear alongside US Security Clearance
75%
co-occurrence
50%
co-occurrence
25%
co-occurrence
25%
co-occurrence
25%
co-occurrence
25%
co-occurrence
25%
co-occurrence
25%
co-occurrence
Role Breakdown
Top Role Categories
Job categories most likely to require US Security Clearance
Gap Analysis
Gap Rate Explained
How often US Security Clearance is identified as a skill gap (L0–L1) in scored applications
High gap rate — most candidates are underqualified
When US Security Clearance appears in a job's requirements, 75% of scored applicants received an L0 or L1 (missing or minimal).
Frequently Asked Questions
See how you stack up against US Security Clearance job requirements
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Analyze my US Security Clearance gaps →See how your depth compares to what employers actually require
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