According to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS.gov), as a Homeland Security employee, you will work to help protect the airports, US borders, waterways, and seaports of the United States as well as research and develop new technologies for security, respond to terrorist acts and natural disasters, and work on analyzing intelligence reports that are received.
Career Opportunities 
There are many unique Homeland Security career opportunities available with the DHS:
- Law Enforcement: These careers include protecting the vice president and president along with their families as well as other individuals that have been designated such as heads of state. In addition, law enforcement officials from the Department of Homeland Security work to secure the borders of the nation and enforce immigration laws.
- Mission Support: There are careers with the Department of Homeland Security in areas such as facilities, budget, human resources, medical, science, technology, intelligence, training, planning and coordination, civil rights, detection, fraud detection, plus many more.
- Prevention and Response: These careers involve the protection of the public, economic, security, and environmental interests of the United States in any maritime region. In addition, people working in this area are also in charge of protection, response, and mitigation to reduce the loss of property and life and to protect the nation from any type of hazards.
- Travel Security and Immigration: These careers involve the protection of the transportation systems throughout the nation as well as overseeing that immigration into the United States is lawful.
Getting a Homeland Security Job
Jobs available with Homeland Security are posted on the DHS job board on their website on a regular basis.
The posting will provide information about the qualifications that are required for the position.
The majority of Homeland Security careers require that you are a citizen of the United States and complete a thorough background investigation along with a drug screening.
There may be certain things that can disqualify a person from obtaining a job with the department including any felony charges, use of illegal drugs, as well as other offenses.
Each announcement will be followed with instructions on how to apply for the position.
Make sure that you read over the paperwork carefully.
You will also want to make sure to submit all of the appropriate documents.
The education requirements for a job with Homeland Security will vary based on the type of job that a person is applying for.
No matter where a person is at in their life, there is likely a job opportunity available with Homeland Security.
There are numerous internships and jobs available for individuals who are still in college or for those who have recently graduated.
In addition, the department has many jobs available for professionals in a wide variety of fields.
Salary Information by State
| State | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 12,770 | $52,270 | $25.13 | $69,680 | $34,730 |
| Alaska | 1,280 | $94,660 | $45.51 | $133,750 | $57,980 |
| Arizona | 12,580 | $76,390 | $36.73 | $92,860 | $55,920 |
| Arkansas | 5,270 | $46,880 | $22.54 | $70,270 | $33,250 |
| California | 68,010 | $111,770 | $53.74 | $143,650 | $71,360 |
| Colorado | 9,950 | $86,840 | $41.75 | $105,840 | $62,070 |
| Connecticut | 6,660 | $81,190 | $39.04 | $101,480 | $59,610 |
| Delaware | 1,730 | $82,180 | $39.51 | $103,750 | $59,540 |
| District of Columbia | 5,010 | $82,820 | $39.82 | $109,490 | $60,200 |
| Florida | 48,030 | $78,480 | $37.73 | $111,190 | $47,160 |
| Georgia | 23,370 | $56,200 | $27.02 | $76,070 | $40,100 |
| Hawaii | 2,380 | $89,850 | $43.20 | $111,300 | $73,840 |
| Idaho | 2,980 | $66,170 | $31.81 | $89,540 | $48,330 |
| Illinois | 30,550 | $87,630 | $42.13 | $109,600 | $52,000 |
| Indiana | 12,430 | $67,590 | $32.50 | $83,350 | $50,420 |
| Iowa | 4,920 | $70,530 | $33.91 | $90,880 | $50,540 |
| Kansas | 5,840 | $56,950 | $27.38 | $83,260 | $39,520 |
| Kentucky | 7,180 | $51,540 | $24.78 | $69,490 | $35,640 |
| Louisiana | 12,670 | $49,340 | $23.72 | $65,260 | $33,140 |
| Maine | 1,990 | $62,310 | $29.96 | $75,670 | $49,120 |
| Maryland | 9,470 | $76,000 | $36.54 | $101,100 | $52,790 |
| Massachusetts | 16,910 | $78,770 | $37.87 | $106,770 | $54,270 |
| Michigan | 15,850 | $68,220 | $32.80 | $85,720 | $48,150 |
| Minnesota | 9,330 | $82,620 | $39.72 | $105,020 | $58,960 |
| Mississippi | 7,390 | $42,900 | $20.62 | $56,300 | $29,670 |
| Missouri | 13,070 | $59,020 | $28.38 | $83,510 | $36,910 |
| Montana | 2,130 | $65,470 | $31.48 | $83,120 | $48,130 |
| Nebraska | 3,830 | $68,340 | $32.86 | $89,570 | $46,960 |
| Nevada | 5,820 | $79,650 | $38.29 | $101,070 | $61,290 |
| New Hampshire | 2,730 | $66,630 | $32.03 | $86,050 | $50,490 |
| New Jersey | 21,330 | $94,070 | $45.23 | $134,570 | $58,300 |
| New Mexico | 4,590 | $61,650 | $29.64 | $79,860 | $44,870 |
| New York | 37,910 | $89,400 | $42.98 | $138,360 | $51,880 |
| North Carolina | 21,300 | $56,250 | $27.05 | $77,790 | $40,860 |
| North Dakota | 1,730 | $68,130 | $32.76 | $83,950 | $51,590 |
| Ohio | 22,320 | $72,540 | $34.87 | $101,400 | $44,590 |
| Oklahoma | 8,410 | $59,740 | $28.72 | $94,790 | $34,790 |
| Oregon | 4,810 | $83,220 | $40.01 | $102,760 | $64,210 |
| Pennsylvania | 25,680 | $81,690 | $39.27 | $108,570 | $48,290 |
| Rhode Island | 1,890 | $73,330 | $35.26 | $89,750 | $51,100 |
| South Carolina | 12,330 | $52,800 | $25.38 | $68,240 | $38,760 |
| South Dakota | 1,860 | $58,900 | $28.32 | $83,210 | $45,120 |
| Tennessee | 12,730 | $53,870 | $25.90 | $69,800 | $37,440 |
| Texas | 57,760 | $73,600 | $35.38 | $97,700 | $48,610 |
| Utah | 5,320 | $70,310 | $33.81 | $89,440 | $51,660 |
| Vermont | 880 | $66,900 | $32.17 | $85,180 | $49,620 |
| Virginia | 17,870 | $65,890 | $31.68 | $89,630 | $48,320 |
| Washington | 8,700 | $98,070 | $47.15 | $128,210 | $72,740 |
| West Virginia | 3,440 | $51,600 | $24.81 | $64,290 | $38,530 |
| Wisconsin | 12,170 | $73,910 | $35.54 | $89,000 | $51,250 |
| Wyoming | 1,150 | $62,750 | $30.17 | $76,660 | $47,980 |
| Puerto Rico | 11,980 | $40,560 | $19.50 | $49,570 | $24,700 |
Annual Average Salary: Top 10 States
The top earning state in the field is California, where the average salary is $111,770.
These are the top 10 earning states in the field:
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Benefits of Working for the Department of Homeland Security
Homeland Security careers offer competitive starting salaries to each of their employees.
In addition, employees receive health insurance, savings plans, retirement plans, paid vacations, paid federal holidays, and flexible work schedules.
Notable Resources
- 10 Most Affordable Homeland Security Degree Programs
- 10 Best Online Associate’s in Homeland Security Programs
- 10 Best Master’s in Homeland Security Programs
- 25 Highest-Paying Homeland Security Jobs
- Is a Homeland Security Degree Worth It?
- 14 Pros and Cons of Working for the Department of Homeland Security
- How Long Does it Take to Complete a Degree in Homeland Security?
- 8 Best Entry-Level Jobs for Homeland Security Graduates
- 10 Best Online Bachelor's in Homeland Security Programs
Careers within the Department of Homeland Security offer a unique opportunity to serve and protect the nation, making a meaningful difference in the safety and security of our communities.
They provide a sense of purpose and pride, as employees contribute to safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure, borders, and public safety, positively impacting society.
They also value continuous learning and offer extensive training and development opportunities, helping employees grow both personally and professionally.
As someone who’s been in the field for years, I can attest to the rewarding nature of DHS careers. The opportunity to serve and protect our nation is unparalleled.
I’ve just started my journey with DHS, and the training and support they provide are impressive.
Considering a career change and exploring DHS options. The variety of roles available is staggering, from cybersecurity to emergency management.
For those passionate about national security and public service, DHS is the place to be.