Thanks for your answer.

Actually, I live in Houston, TX.

I am in the MiddleWare, Java, C++ part.

I used to be a contractor for 5 years. But three years ago, my contract happened to finish at a time when IT market was extremely bad. Then I was fortunate to find this permanent job, with pay much lower than I expected.

I found lots of clearance jobs in DC area and CA, but I have a house here, it's hard for me to move. I do not know if I want to move to DC because the housing price is very high.

Do you think secret clearance will do me a lot better here in Houston? I know Houston does not have lots of clearance jobs.