As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Classified Security Director in the United States is $203,772 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $98.
However, a Classified Security Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Classified Security Director's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Classified Security Director's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Classified Security Administrator V | 7-10 years | $148,148 |
| Classified Security Supervisor | 10+ years | $100,299 |
| Classified Security Manager | 10+ years | $120,450 |
| Classified Security Senior Manager | 10+ years | $144,790 |
| Classified Security Director | 10+ years | $203,772 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Classified Security Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Classified Security Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $227,917. While startup companies pay approximate $192,750.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $192,750 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $203,863 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $220,098 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $227,917 |
For Classified Security Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 105% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Classified Security Director positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Classified Security Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $285,281 | $137.0 | 40% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $264,904 | $127.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $254,715 | $122.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $244,526 | $118.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $234,338 | $113.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Classified Security Director's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for a Classified Security Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $173,291 in 2023 to around $159,051 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Classified Security Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $173,291 |
| 2024 | $166,419 |
| 2025 | $159,051 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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A Classified Security Director's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Classified Security Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Classified Security Director is $257,018.
The highest pay for Classified Security Director is $226,227.
The lowest pay for Classified Security Director is $178,472.
Directs an organization's classified security department. Ensures effective programs and protocols are in place in all facilities and locations to make sure staff, consultants, and visitors possess appropriate security clearances and handle documents and materials appropriately. Establishes and leads initiatives to address new security needs within the organization, or to address potential weaknesses or risks within the current system. Manages a training program to ensure personnel are trained in proper security procedures and protocols. Oversees investigations into security incidents and their potential harm to the program. Requires active government security clearance. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to top management. Manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.
The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Classified Security Director roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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