What Do Intelligence Analyst Do?
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.
List of Intelligence Analyst Job Duties
- Interview, interrogate, or interact with witnesses or crime suspects to collect human intelligence.
- Validate known intelligence with data from other sources.
- Gather intelligence information by field observation, confidential information sources, or public records.
- Develop defense plans or tactics, using intelligence and other information.
- Operate cameras, radios, or other surveillance equipment to intercept communications or document activities.
- Prepare plans to intercept foreign communications transmissions.
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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.
Types of Intelligence Analyst Jobs
- Intel Analyst
- Counter Intelligence Agent
- Criminal Intelligence Specialist
- Project Manager
- Director Intelligence Analysis Programs
Are There Job Opportunities for Intelligence Analysts?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 110,900 jobs in the United States for Intelligence Analyst. 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 7,500 job openings in this field each 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.
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.
How much do Intelligence Analysts make in each U.S. state?
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 to Become an Intelligence Analyst
What education or degrees do I need to become an Intelligence Analyst?
How many years of work experience do I need?
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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