Intelligence Analysts
SOC code 33-3021 · O*NET-SOC 33-3021.06 · Considerable preparation needed · Legal and protective services
Intelligence Analysts pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$93,790
a year
Hourly
$45.09
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$99,430
$47.80 per hour
Middle 50%
$69,330 – $120,520
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$55,390 – $160,540
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
114,430
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Detectives and Criminal Investigators”, not this job alone.
- 10th percentile
- $55,390
- $26.63/hr
- 25th percentile
- $69,330
- $33.33/hr
- Median percentile
- $93,790
- $45.09/hr
- 75th percentile
- $120,520
- $57.94/hr
- 90th percentile
- $160,540
- $77.18/hr
What does an intelligence analyst do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Validate known intelligence with data from other sources.
- Gather, analyze, correlate, or evaluate information from a variety of resources, such as law enforcement databases.
- Evaluate records of communications, such as telephone calls, to plot activity and determine the size and location of criminal groups and members.
- Gather intelligence information by field observation, confidential information sources, or public records.
- Analyze intelligence data to identify patterns and trends in criminal activity.
- Prepare comprehensive written reports, presentations, maps, or charts, based on research, collection, and analysis of intelligence data.
- Collaborate with representatives from other government and intelligence organizations to share information or coordinate intelligence activities.
- Link or chart suspects to criminal organizations or events to determine activities and interrelationships.
How to become an intelligence analyst
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 65% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree65%
- Master's Degree13%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree9%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate9%
Common questions
How much does an intelligence analyst earn?
The national median is $93,790 a year. The full range runs from $55,390 at the 10th percentile to $160,540 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become an intelligence analyst without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension4.3/5
- Active Listening4.1/5
- Writing4.0/5
- Speaking4.0/5
- Critical Thinking4.0/5
- Active Learning3.6/5
- Monitoring3.3/5
Knowledge areas
- English Language4.3/5
- Law and Government4.1/5
- Public Safety and Security3.8/5
- Administrative3.5/5
- Computers and Electronics3.5/5
- Communications and Media3.3/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.2/5
- Telecommunications3.1/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making.