National Security Agency Salary

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at National Security Agency in the United States is $121,291. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $58. Salaries at National Security Agency typically range from $105,784 to $139,218 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at National Security Agency

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Is National Security Agency’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does National Security Agency'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
Indiana University-Bloomington $113,539
-6.4%
Indiana University-Bloomington focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
Defense Logistics Agency $132,936
+9.6%
Adjusted for higher cost-of-living indices in Defense Logistics Agency's primary metro hubs.
United States Food and Drug Administration $131,839
+8.7%
Driven by niche technical certifications required for United States Food and Drug Administration's specialized projects.
San Diego County $128,190
+5.7%
Reflects a supply-demand imbalance for the specific talent San Diego County targets.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
-4.9%
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 National Security Agency

Considering a career at National Security Agency? 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.
The job security and benefits make this a long-term career option. Flexibility and open dialogue are encouraged, and leadership takes staff feedback seriously. Leadership is professional and open to feedback. The retirement benefits are among the best in the education sector.
the benefits package is remarkably comprehensive - from health insurance to professional development funds. Leadership shows real integrity. Comprehensive benefits ensure employees feel valued and secure. The curriculum development process is collaborative and cutting-edge. This strong leadership provides a stable and purposeful direction for the employees. Opportunities for career growth and prof...
A welcoming culture and clearly defined values make this a great organization. Innovation happens through time but steadily. Employees feel valued and motivated by the organization’s commitment to public service and supportive work environment.

National Security Agency Overview

Website
www.nsa.gov
Founded In
1952
Employees
15,000 - 50,000 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
9800 Savage Rd Fort Meade Maryland MD 20755
Revenue
$5B - $10B
Phone Number
+1 3016886311
Social Media
About National Security Agency
Headquartered in Fort Meade, Maryland, The National Security Agency leads the U.S. Government in cryptology that encompasses both signals intelligence (SIGINT) and information assurance (now referred to as cybersecurity) products and services, and enables computer network operations (CNO) in order to gain a decision advantage for the Nation and our allies under all circumstances.

What Benefits Does National Security Agency Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. National Security Agency 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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What Is the Cost of Living Near Columbia?

Understanding the cost of living near Columbia is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at National Security Agency.
Columbia's Cost of Living Index is approximately 122.5 (22.5% more expensive than US average; 8.4% more than MD average). Large planned community (Howard Co.), desirable, excellent schools, high housing costs. RTA bus. When planning your budget based on a salary from National Security Agency, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,800 - $2,600+ A significant portion of National Security Agency salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $160 - $270 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $50 (RTA monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $450 - $670 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $430 - $780+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $400 - $750+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,290 - $5,070+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of National Security Agency

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at National Security Agency?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at National Security Agency is approximately from $105,784 to $139,218. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

2. How much does National Security Agency pay compared to Indiana University-Bloomington?

The average annual salary at National Security Agency is $121,291, or an hourly wage of $58, in comparison to Indiana University-Bloomington which pays $113,539 per year or $55 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at National Security Agency?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at National Security Agency due to varying market demand for specific skill sets and the nature of the roles. For example, technical roles in Engineering or IT may command different salary ranges compared to roles in Marketing or Human Resources.

4. How does experience level affect salary at National Security Agency?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at National Security Agency, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from National Security Agency in Columbia is fair given the local cost of living?

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

6. Are the salaries listed for National Security Agency on Salary.com pre-tax or after-tax?

All salary figures displayed for National Security Agency, including average base salary and estimated total compensation, are pre-tax amounts. They do not account for federal, state, or local income taxes, nor deductions for benefits like health insurance or 401(k) contributions.