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Intelligence Analyst

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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.

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.

  • 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.

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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.

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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
  • Facebook
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • Geographic information system GIS software

How do I Become an Intelligence Analyst?

Are there Intelligence Analysts education requirements?

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

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Where Intelligence Analysts Work

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

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References:

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More about our data sources and methodologies.

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