Springs again named to top 10 list for defense jobs

In every recession, there’s a bull market somewhere.

In 2009, it’s for security-cleared professionals in the defense, aerospace and homeland security industries, according to ClearanceJobs.com. which has named its top 10 U.S. cities for such positions.

Colorado Springs is one of 10 cities named as one of the country’s most active markets for defense-related hiring, one of several “unexpected hotbeds” located outside more obvious choices such as Washington, D.C., Huntsville or Los Angeles.

Federal spending for these industries remains steady at about $450 billion, even in the face of proposed Department of Defense budget reallocation and cutbacks.

That continued budget support means companies are actively pursuing new government contracts which, in turn, sparks the need for professionals with security-clearance.

“Our job postings have increased 70 percent compared to this time last year, and employers are working hard to fill these open positions. The imbalance of open positions to candidates puts the value of a security clearance at a premium,” said Evan Lesser, founder and director of ClearanceJobs.com.

All of the locations had one thing in common - more open positions than available candidates. And most of those commanded higher-than-average salaries.