What is an Intelligence Analyst?
Career 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.
Daily Life Of an Intelligence Analyst
- Gather intelligence information by field observation, confidential information sources, or public records.
- Prepare plans to intercept foreign communications transmissions.
- Operate cameras, radios, or other surveillance equipment to intercept communications or document activities.
- Design, use, or maintain databases and software applications, such as geographic information systems (GIS) mapping and artificial intelligence tools.
- Evaluate records of communications, such as telephone calls, to plot activity and determine the size and location of criminal groups and members.
- Link or chart suspects to criminal organizations or events to determine activities and interrelationships.
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Qualities of 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
- CIA Agent (Central Intelligence Agency Agent)
- Criminal Intelligence Analyst Supervisor
- Chief Investigator
- Intelligence Research Specialist
- Director of Intelligence
Is There Job Demand 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. 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.
Average Intelligence Analysts 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?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Intelligence Analysts may use on a daily basis:
- 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 to Become an Intelligence Analyst
What education or degrees do I need to become an Intelligence Analyst?

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

Intelligence Analysts Sector

Intelligence Analysts work in the following industries:

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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