Is it worth it working for the defense industry as an entry-level job?

Question

Have you worked for the defense industry (be it DoD or contractor)? If so, what have your experiences have been? How is the pay? And as someone that suffers from multiple medical conditions, how are the benefits typically?

giantg2 · Accepted Answer

I know people in that industry. I worked in an office and warehouse for that industry, but not in IT.
Some of the policies and stuff are the same across the industry due to restrictions in the government contracts. You will likely encounter a more bureaucratic and strict environment compared to other companies.
Pay and benefits are generally reasonable from what I've heard. I think they are falling behind on benefits compared to the PTO, student loan repayment, free food/perks, and paternal leave offered by others.
Top secret SCI clearance can take time due to the investigation, so expect some delay.

bradknowles · Answer

I worked in what was the Defense Communications Agency as my first real job after college. Most of that time was spent working in the basement of the Pentagon. I lasted five years, before I had to leave.
It was a long time ago, but I think it was one of the most formative periods of my career, and gave me a jumping off point to greater things. And I met some of my best lifelong friends there.
Of all the things I might have changed about my career, that period is probably the one I would change the least about.

probinso · Answer

I've only ever worked in defense research, but the community is great the problems are hard the hours are good and the pay is fine.