What You Need to Know About Intelligence Analyst
Intelligence Analyst Example 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
- Gather, analyze, correlate, or evaluate information from a variety of resources, such as law enforcement databases.
- Gather and evaluate information, using tools such as aerial photographs, radar equipment, or sensitive radio equipment.
- Link or chart suspects to criminal organizations or events to determine activities and interrelationships.
- Prepare plans to intercept foreign communications transmissions.
- Study activities relating to narcotics, money laundering, gangs, auto theft rings, terrorism, or other national security threats.
- Develop defense plans or tactics, using intelligence and other information.
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Intelligence Analyst Needed Skills
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.
Other Intelligence Analyst Job Titles
- Counter Intelligence Agent
- Criminal Research Specialist
- Criminal Intelligence Specialist
- Crime Analyst
- Director Intelligence Analysis Programs
Intelligence Analyst Job Outlook
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.
Intelligence Analyst Average Salary
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.
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 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
Becoming an Intelligence Analyst
Learn what Intelligence Analyst education requirements there are.

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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