All About Intelligence Analysts
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?
- Interview, interrogate, or interact with witnesses or crime suspects to collect human intelligence.
- Develop defense plans or tactics, using intelligence and other information.
- Gather, analyze, correlate, or evaluate information from a variety of resources, such as law enforcement databases.
- Link or chart suspects to criminal organizations or events to determine activities and interrelationships.
- Prepare comprehensive written reports, presentations, maps, or charts based on research, collection, and analysis of intelligence data.
- Study communication code languages or foreign languages to translate intelligence.
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What Every Intelligence Analyst Should Know
Intelligence Analysts state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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
- Detective and Intelligence Analyst
- Counterintelligence Analyst
- Investigative Research Specialist
- Project Manager
- Chief Investigator
Are There 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. 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.
What is the Average Salary of an Intelligence Analyst
The salary for Intelligence Analysts ranges between about $43,800 and $138,860 a year.

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 do I Become an Intelligence Analyst?
What kind of Intelligence Analyst requirements are there?

How Long Does it Take to Become an Intelligence Analyst?

Where Intelligence Analysts Are Employed

The table below shows the approximate number of Intelligence Analysts employed by various industries.

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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