How To Become An Imagery Analyst: What It Is and Career Path

What is an imagery analyst and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

B.L. Turner

There are different ways to gather information. We can interview other people. We can conduct research. We can also lead focused-group discussions on a particular topic. These are only some of the different methods we use to gain data. Some may use methods that appeal to our senses. The sense of sight is one of the primary senses we use in gathering information. We read information, we see stimuli, and we focus on what is in front of us. One person who uses the sense of sight to gather data is the imagery analyst.

Imagery analysts use photographs and images to gather information. At times, they may even use advanced technologies to further break down images and gather even more useful data. They may use negative imaging, infrared images, or radar photographs as tools in gathering information. They would analyze images, often using image analysis software, to make sense of the information they gather.

If you like working with data and technology-related tools, you will find yourself drawn to this. Aside from interest, you also need to have analytical skills and be technologically savvy in this role.

What general advice would you give to an imagery analyst?

B.L. Turner

Arizona State University

Focus on one of the STEM parts of geographical sciences-remote sensing, GIS, and integrated human-envirnmental science plus modeling that has both academic/research and application applicability.

ScoreImagery AnalystUS Average

Salary

4.7

Avg. Salary $60,703

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.1

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

2.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.67%

Asian 2.86%

Black or African American 12.69%

Hispanic or Latino 15.27%

Unknown 5.02%

White 63.49%

Gender

female 26.64%

male 73.36%

Age - 44

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44

Stress level

6.1

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.5

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an imagery analyst

Explore imagery analyst education requirements

Most common imagery analyst degrees

Bachelor's

55.9 %

Associate

28.6 %

High School Diploma

7.6 %

Start to develop specific imagery analyst skills

Skills	Percentages
Geospatial Data	10.10%
Geospatial Intelligence	8.12%
Imagery Exploitation	5.58%
IEC	5.48%
PowerPoint	5.04%

Complete relevant imagery analyst training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New imagery analysts learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an imagery analyst based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real imagery analyst resumes.

Research imagery analyst duties and responsibilities

Lead 3D visualization training, encouraging 10 soldiers in the application of new techniques on analysis.
Manage and coordinate all tactical purchasing activities for assign commodities from existing and new suppliers.
Prepare intelligence reports, products, & briefings for presentation to IC & DOD decision-makers.
Assist in the production of cartographic products utilizing GIS and ArcGIS in support of tactical operations.

Prepare your imagery analyst resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your imagery analyst resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an imagery analyst resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable imagery analyst resume templates

Build a professional imagery analyst resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your imagery analyst resume.