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The differences between imagery analysts and signal intelligence analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an imagery analyst and a signal intelligence analyst. Additionally, a signal intelligence analyst has an average salary of $69,325, which is higher than the $60,703 average annual salary of an imagery analyst.
The top three skills for an imagery analyst include geospatial data, geospatial intelligence and imagery exploitation. The most important skills for a signal intelligence analyst are NSA, combat, and surveillance systems.
| Imagery Analyst | Signal Intelligence Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $60,703 | $69,325 |
| Hourly rate | $29.18 | $33.33 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 4,449 | 15,016 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 49% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An imagery analyst is responsible for interpreting information by analyzing photographs and images to provide solutions for industrial and community issues. Imagery analysts must have excellent technical skills and the knowledge of computer navigation to utilize various software tools and applications to generate clear results and analysis. They help environmental organizations to identify potential concerns needing immediate resolution by analyzing satellites and other technological equipment. An imagery analyst must have excellent organizational and critical-thinking skills to access images and provide comprehensive evidence and research to support claims.
A Signal Intelligence Analyst monitors, collects and analyzes foreign messages and other communication types under investigation. The signal intelligence analyst must get an advantage in the intel and gain a tactical upper head against foreign threats. This position is commonly offered by military organizations and other surveillance groups that aim to safeguard the country from the unauthorized intrusion of foreign individuals and confront illegal activity perpetrated by threats abroad.
Imagery analysts and signal intelligence analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Imagery Analyst | Signal Intelligence Analyst | |
| Average salary | $60,703 | $69,325 |
| Salary range | Between $42,000 And $86,000 | Between $45,000 And $105,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | - |
| Highest paying state | - | - |
| Best paying company | - | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between an imagery analyst and a signal intelligence analyst in terms of educational background:
| Imagery Analyst | Signal Intelligence Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 49% |
| Most common major | Intelligence Operations | Intelligence Operations |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | York College of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between imagery analysts' and signal intelligence analysts' demographics:
| Imagery Analyst | Signal Intelligence Analyst | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.4% Female, 26.6% | Male, 76.5% Female, 23.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 2.9% White, 63.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 13.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Asian, 2.9% White, 62.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |