Defense Search Salary

As of July 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Defense Search in the United States is $99,236. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $48. Salaries at Defense Search typically range from $87,191 to $112,330 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Defense Search

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Is Defense Search’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Defense Search's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
Panther Trace Co $89,247
-10.1%
Panther Trace Co focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
Phyllis Toomey $95,407
-3.9%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
Barb Primm $89,742
-9.6%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where Barb Primm primarily operates.
QB House $109,667
+10.5%
Driven by niche technical certifications required for QB House's specialized projects.
Business Services Industry $120,931
+21.9%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at Defense Search

Considering a career at Defense Search? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
Work-life balance is respected, although peak seasons may bring added pressure. Travel requirements vary and may impact balance. Projects follow set templates, and there’s little room for deviation. The interview process was a great reflection of the company culture: respectful, professional, and transparent.
There’s a sense of security in the organization’s structure, though that can also mean fewer opportunities for quick progression. While the company offers stability and job security, opportunities for upward movement are limited unless you're in specific departments. Simply a great place to work. Hackathons and innovation challenges happen regularly across departments.
It allows me to fully recharge and come back to work feeling refreshed and motivated. Career growth opportunities at this company are outstanding. Leadership promotes innovation and growth.
It’s a professional yet relaxed environment where long-term careers are built and nurtured. Every day, I feel part of a larger mission that values both client success and employee growth. We are always encouraged to act with integrity and transparency in all of our client dealings and internal operations. Management showed faith in my abilities and provided the support I needed to succeed. Still, ...
The networking opportunities are fantastic. I felt like part of the team from day one. The benefits package is competitive, and compensation is fair. Great resources for career advancement. Friendly colleagues, structured onboarding, and access to useful tools.

Defense Search Overview

Website
www.defensesearchusa.com
Founded In
2012
Employees
25 - 50 employees
Industry
Business Services
Headquarter Address
10845 Rancho Bernardo Rd San Diego California CA 92127
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
+1 8584870507
Social Media
About Defense Search
A: Defense Search is a specialized staffing firm dedicated to matching the best office professionals with the right opportunities in San Diego. We place people at all levels in administrative, customer service, and support positions. We can help if you're looking for temporary, temporary-to-hire, or direct-hire placements. Q: How do you find the best people for my company? A: At Defense Search, we

What Benefits Does Defense Search Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Defense Search offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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How Much Should You Be Earning?

Get an estimated calculation of how much you should be earning and insight into your career options.

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What Is the Cost of Living Near San Diego?

Understanding the cost of living near San Diego is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Defense Search.
San Diego's Cost of Living Index is approximately 160.4 (60.4% more expensive than US average; 14.7% more than CA average). Very high housing costs are the primary driver, along with generally higher prices for other goods and services. When planning your budget based on a salary from Defense Search, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $2,200 - $3,400+ A significant portion of Defense Search salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $160 - $270 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $72 (MTS monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $460 - $680 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $450 - $850+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $380 - $720+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,722 - $5,922+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Defense Search

1. What is the estimated average total compensation at Defense Search?

Salary.com estimates that the average total compensation package at Defense Search, which can include base salary, potential bonuses, and benefits, is around $99,236 annually . Total compensation provides a more holistic view of an employee's earnings.

2. How much does Defense Search pay compared to Panther Trace Co?

The average annual salary at Defense Search is $99,236, or an hourly wage of $48, in comparison to Panther Trace Co which pays $89,247 per year or $43 per hour.

3. What's the typical salary progression for an employee moving from an entry-level to a senior role at Defense Search?

Salary progression from an entry-level to a senior role at Defense Search can be significant, often involving several promotions and substantial pay increases. For example, an entry-level Analyst might see their salary potentially double or more as they progress to a Senior Manager or Director position over several years, assuming strong performance and development.

4. How can I determine if a salary offer from Defense Search in San Diego is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Defense Search in San Diego is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Defense Search and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for San Diego" to understand its purchasing power.

5. Are promotions at Defense Search usually accompanied by a significant salary increase?

Yes, promotions at Defense Search are generally accompanied by a salary increase. The amount of the increase typically reflects the greater responsibilities, skills, and scope of the new role. The percentage increase can vary widely depending on the level of promotion and the company's compensation structure.