Does National Security Agency pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, National Security Agency employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.6 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at National Security Agency. This rating has been stable over the past 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at National Security Agency?

73% of National Security Agency employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated National Security Agency 3.9 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.3 for culture and values and 4.0 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at National Security Agency?

Analyst (17) , Software Engineer (13) , Intelligence Analyst (11) , Intern (9) , Mathematician (6) , Data Scientist (5) , Manager (5) , Police Officer (5) , Contract Specialist (4) , Language Analyst (4) , Program Manager (4) , Recruiter (4) , Signals Analyst (4) , Software Developer (4) , Applied Research Mathematician (3)

What are the pros of working at National Security Agency according to real employee reviews?

"Great benefits and experience." ((in 29 reviews)); "Meet great people" ((in 25 reviews)); "Decent pay and flexibility for time off." ((in 18 reviews)); "Good work life balance since you can't take anything out of the SCIF to work at home." ((in 17 reviews)); "Many opportunities to move around and diversify your skill set." ((in 14 reviews))

What are the cons of working at National Security Agency according to real employee reviews?

"Parking may be terrible" ((in 15 reviews)); "Bad management, promotion is not fair," ((in 12 reviews)); "Although, if you can hold put until you get to the upper ranks; you will have a good salary for your level of responsibility." ((in 10 reviews)); "Bad leadership" ((in 8 reviews)); "There is still quite a bit of nepotism." ((in 4 reviews))

What are the top reviewed National Security Agency locations?

Fort Meade , Fort George G Meade , Baltimore , Washington , San Antonio , Columbia , Augusta , Honolulu , Glen Burnie , Odenton , Linthicum , Fort Gordon , Maryland Heights , New York , Los Angeles , Aurora , Annapolis Junction , Elkridge , Fort George G Mead Junction , American Fork , Chicago , Hampton , Leesburg , Ithaca , Ann Arbor , Hastings , Albuquerque , Austin , Schofield Barracks , Waipahu

National Security Agency reviews

3.7

73% would recommend to a friend

(347 total reviews)

Gen. Joshua M. Rudd, USA

Not enough data to show CEO approval

53% positive business outlook

Ratings by demographic groups

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National Security Agency has an employee rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars, based on 347 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The National Security Agency employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Government & Public Administration industry (3.6 stars).

Reviews by job title

347 reviews

3.0

Sep 7, 2025

Fun while it lasted

Computer network defense analyst

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

- One of the most unique work experiences you can imagine. - Lots of training opportunities. - Many ways to move around the agency to experience different work roles and different missions. - The benefits are really good overall. Pay is alright if you're in tech. - Management and supervisors really depend on the office. All of mine were really good.

Cons

- Parking is beyond awful. Wear some good walking shoes. - Having to write an entire dissertation on why you want a promotion each year. - If you aren't on a special pay band, you will struggle to live in the area. Cost of living is insane. With the current admin, it's only going to get worse. - General Haugh deserved better.

3.0

Aug 28, 2025

Toxic

Hr

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Good benefits Leave Flexible Hours

Cons

Bad management Bad behavior Micro management

4.0

May 19, 2025

Excellent Pace to Work

Senior executive

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

You can travel the the world. If you move to another location in our extended enterprise, work will pay your closing costs on your house, move. you for free, and if you move overseas, the only thing you have to pay is for internet and cellphone.

Cons

Coming to Maryland as a GG9 we couldn't afford to live there. They often hire spouses. My wife and I moved to the first field site that was willing to hire us.

Viewing 148 - 150 of 347 Reviews

Jobs at National Security Agency

DoW Cyber Apprenticeship Program

Digital Network Exploitation Analyst

Cryptologic Intelligence Analyst

Computer Systems Architect