Over time, more clearance jobs are being outsourced to contractors.[28] Due to an overall shortage in security-cleared candidates and a long time frame to obtain the credentials for an uncleared worker, those with clearance are often paid more than their non-cleared equivalent counterparts.[29][30][31] According to one 2010 estimate, "people with security clearances are in the top 10 percent of wage earners in the country".[32]