Salary for Jobs in Homeland Security
The average homeland security salary is $69,000. However, it is important to note that the salary for jobs in homeland security can vary greatly depending upon several factors.
Sponsored School(s)
Your pay for homeland security careers will depend much more on individual factors such as education level, experience, and rank. Due to the fact that most homeland security jobs fall under the jurisdiction of the United States government, the GS scale salary system is often employed to determine compensation.
If you want to start out higher on the homeland security salary scale (GS scale), it is recommended that you obtain a degree in homeland security, a criminal justice program, or one related to your homeland security position. In addition, look for opportunities to gain valuable experience or internship opportunities to supplement your degree The GS scale is devised to increase or decrease with important factors such as education and relevant experience.
Homeland Security Salary
Here are some common jobs available within The Department of Homeland Security. However, it is important to remember that these are averages. Within each job title, the potential salary could be lower or higher than the average amounts given depending upon the important determining factors already discussed.
| Homeland Security Position Salary | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT Specialist | $54,025 | $65,727 | $77,805 |
| Security Specialist | $51,841 | $65,496 | $82,295 |
| Cyber Security Specialist | $74,000 | $110,000 | $175,000 |
| Chemist | $49,797 | $59,654 | $72,326 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $67,943 | $77,057 | $86,894 |
| Policy Analyst | $87,000 | $90,000 | $93,000 |
| Program Analyst | $64,109 | $76,515 | $91,053 |
| Medical Doctor | $129,988 | $152,792 | $168,709 |
| Intelligence Officer | $70,064 | $82,782 | $96,285 |
| Nuclear Engineer | $69,236 | $82,918 | $97,125 |
| US Air Marshall | $44,000 | $82,782 | $96,285 |
| Security Screener | $34,049 | $38,854 | $44,304 |
| Customs Specialist | $31,000 | $41,000 | $50,000 |
| Border Patrol Agent | $39,000 | $41,000 | $46,000 |
| Immigration Officer | $34,000 | $44,000 | $54,800 |
| Coast Guard Enlisted | $37,604 | $51,972 | $66,340 |
| Coast Guard Officer | $53,408 | $68,000 | $86,400 |
Salary Source Data: indeed.com
Homeland Security Job Outlook
The employment outlook for jobs within homeland security is expected to continue to rise. Although, in general, our economy is struggling, homeland security jobs are expected to remain in high demand; national security is among the highest priorities of our government and a slowed economy should not impact job opportunities at DHS and it’s many arms. It will always be an important role of the government to protect its citizens from threats.
One area that should see substantial and ongoing growth is jobs related to cybersecurity. As the internet continues to become more critical to the way business is conducted, it is more and more important to ensure the integrity and safety our government, critical infrastructure, and financial systems. There are new committees springing up within our government and in large companies to explore the expansion of information security. Cyber security degree programs have also become more readily available due to the influx of attention and focus on this critical component of our national security.
Homeland Security: US Border Facts
United States Border Patrol & Customs departments are charged with protecting and securing our borders. There are over 7,000 miles of borders between the US & our neighbors to the north & south.
Learn more about how to become a Border Patrol Agent.
U.S. Border Patrol Training ยป
The U.S. Border North & South
The International Boundary between the United States & Canada is the longest in the world, and covers over 5,525 miles.
The Border between the United States & Mexico totals 1,969 miles, and is the most frequently crossed international border in the world (250 million people anually).