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What is an Intelligence Analyst?
Position 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.
Life As an Intelligence Analyst
- Establish criminal profiles to aid in connecting criminal organizations with their members.
- Link or chart suspects to criminal organizations or events to determine activities and interrelationships.
- Develop defense plans or tactics, using intelligence and other information.
- Validate known intelligence with data from other sources.
- Study the assets of criminal suspects to determine the flow of money from or to targeted groups.
- Gather and evaluate information, using tools such as aerial photographs, radar equipment, or sensitive radio equipment.
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Skills Needed to be an Intelligence Analyst
These are the skills Intelligence Analysts say are the most useful in their careers:
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:
- Intelligence Officer
- Project Manager
- Intelligence Research Specialist
- Crime Analyst
- Chief Investigator
Job Outlook for Intelligence Analysts
In the United States, there were 110,900 jobs for Intelligence Analyst in 2016. 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. The BLS estimates 7,500 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
How Much Does an Intelligence Analyst Make?
The average yearly salary of an Intelligence Analyst ranges between $43,800 and $138,860.
Intelligence Analysts who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.
How much do Intelligence Analysts make 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?
What education is needed to be an Intelligence Analyst?
How Long Does it Take to Become an Intelligence Analyst?
Who Employs Intelligence Analysts?
Intelligence Analysts work in the following industries:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.