What is an Intelligence Analyst?
Intelligence Analyst Job Description Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.
What Do Intelligence Analysts Do On a Daily Basis?
- Prepare plans to intercept foreign communications transmissions.
- Gather, analyze, correlate, or evaluate information from a variety of resources, such as law enforcement databases.
- Design, use, or maintain databases and software applications, such as geographic information systems (GIS) mapping and artificial intelligence tools.
- Gather and evaluate information, using tools such as aerial photographs, radar equipment, or sensitive radio equipment.
- Study activities relating to narcotics, money laundering, gangs, auto theft rings, terrorism, or other national security threats.
- Predict future gang, organized crime, or terrorist activity, using analyses of intelligence data.
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Skills Needed to be an Intelligence Analyst
Below is a list of the skills most Intelligence Analysts say are important on the job.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Criminal Intelligence Analyst
- Director Intelligence Analysis Programs
- Crime Analyst
- Supervising Law Enforcement Analyst
- Intelligence Group Supervisor
Job Opportunities for Intelligence Analysts
There were about 110,900 jobs for Intelligence Analyst in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.5% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,000 new jobs for Intelligence Analyst by 2026. There will be an estimated 7,500 positions for Intelligence Analyst per year.

The states with the most job growth for Intelligence Analyst are Nevada, Utah, and Arkansas. Watch out if you plan on working in New Jersey, Maryland, or Wyoming. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Intelligence Analyst Salary
The typical yearly salary for Intelligence Analysts is somewhere between $43,800 and $138,860.

Intelligence Analysts who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Intelligence Analysts in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $64,750 |
Alaska | $118,360 |
Arizona | $81,810 |
Arkansas | $60,340 |
California | $107,120 |
Colorado | $87,280 |
Connecticut | $90,470 |
Delaware | $89,930 |
District of Columbia | $122,460 |
Florida | $76,560 |
Georgia | $66,430 |
Hawaii | $107,010 |
Idaho | $73,510 |
Illinois | $87,470 |
Indiana | $75,150 |
Iowa | $73,320 |
Kansas | $62,260 |
Kentucky | $71,300 |
Louisiana | $65,090 |
Maine | $70,620 |
Maryland | $102,370 |
Massachusetts | $101,800 |
Michigan | $86,580 |
Minnesota | $76,640 |
Mississippi | $64,150 |
Missouri | $70,860 |
Montana | $81,210 |
Nebraska | $73,480 |
Nevada | $87,680 |
New Hampshire | $80,370 |
New Jersey | $102,600 |
New Mexico | $77,890 |
New York | $91,250 |
North Carolina | $60,810 |
North Dakota | $84,340 |
Ohio | $75,310 |
Oklahoma | $66,130 |
Oregon | $93,840 |
Pennsylvania | $85,730 |
Rhode Island | $86,580 |
South Carolina | $60,420 |
South Dakota | $72,050 |
Tennessee | $71,940 |
Texas | $79,950 |
Utah | $80,840 |
Vermont | $83,060 |
Virginia | $98,850 |
Washington | $85,440 |
West Virginia | $86,340 |
Wisconsin | $76,590 |
Wyoming | $81,750 |
What Tools & Technology do Intelligence Analysts Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Intelligence Analysts:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Email software
- SAP
- Data visualization software
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Structured query language SQL
- SAS
- Linux
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Oracle PeopleSoft
- Geographic information system GIS software
How do I Become an Intelligence Analyst?
Are there Intelligence Analysts education requirements?

What work experience do I need to become an Intelligence Analyst?

Where Intelligence Analysts Work

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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