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Intelligence analyst vs criminal investigator

The differences between intelligence analysts and criminal investigators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an intelligence analyst has an average salary of $77,752, which is higher than the $54,520 average annual salary of a criminal investigator.

The top three skills for an intelligence analyst include government agencies, national security and ISR. The most important skills for a criminal investigator are investigative reports, resourcefulness, and firearms.

Intelligence analyst vs criminal investigator overview

Intelligence AnalystCriminal Investigator
Yearly salary$77,752$54,520
Hourly rate$37.38$26.21
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs21,3905,131
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age4444
Years of experience4-

What does an intelligence analyst do?

An intelligence analyst is responsible for collecting information from various sources, including security databases, law surveillance networks, past intelligence reports, geographic and mapping tools, and communication records to locate threats and prevent crime and terrorist activities. Intelligence analysts work with different national organizations to gather information on related criminal activities and determine patterns and support investigations. An intelligence analyst must be highly critical and analytical to connect data and capture enemies to ensure the public's safety and security.

What does a criminal investigator do?

A criminal investigator is a law enforcement professional who endeavors to solve felony crimes. Criminal investigators may work alone or as a member of an investigative team whose goal is to uncover the certainty of a case and potentially keep suspects to prevent the ensuing criminal activity. Their tasks and responsibilities depend on various job functions and specialties. They may specialize in the information and evidence of a crime scene, conduct interviews and searches, or perform surveillance.

Intelligence analyst vs criminal investigator salary

Intelligence analysts and criminal investigators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Intelligence AnalystCriminal Investigator
Average salary$77,752$54,520
Salary rangeBetween $57,000 And $106,000Between $34,000 And $85,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateWashingtonCalifornia
Best paying companyMetaNational Railroad Passenger Corporation
Best paying industryTechnologyGovernment

Differences between intelligence analyst and criminal investigator education

There are a few differences between an intelligence analyst and a criminal investigator in terms of educational background:

Intelligence AnalystCriminal Investigator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common collegeYork College of Pennsylvania-

Intelligence analyst vs criminal investigator demographics

Here are the differences between intelligence analysts' and criminal investigators' demographics:

Intelligence AnalystCriminal Investigator
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 72.9% Female, 27.1%Male, 79.7% Female, 20.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.8% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 2.8% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between intelligence analyst and criminal investigator duties and responsibilities

Intelligence analyst example responsibilities.

  • Collaborate with the ITC and J2 to offer new ideas to accomplish overall mission successes.
  • Lead development team integrating this pivotal crew position into the AF DCGS weapon system construct.
  • Recruit best-in-class suppliers, utilizing the RFP process and negotiate contracts to achieve cost improvements while meeting stake-holder needs.
  • Develop, coordinate, and manage OSINT products by using a team of local-national subject matter experts throughout the AO.
  • Lead RFx process gathering functional requirements, identifying potential suppliers, and executing bidding, evaluation, and supplier selection.
  • Communicate with higher level echelons to distribute and manage non-organic ISR assets.
  • Show more

Criminal investigator example responsibilities.

  • Conduct joint planning and manage AFOSI's criminal investigations and counterintelligence operations in northern Italy.
  • Close accounts and file SAR's with FinCEN as warranted.
  • Write suspicious activity reports (SAR).
  • Follow up on sub reviews and documentation require information for FinCEN reporting.
  • Coordinate and conduct firearms training.
  • Examine discovery, prepare subpoenas, and review pertinent documents.
  • Show more

Intelligence analyst vs criminal investigator skills

Common intelligence analyst skills
  • Government Agencies, 8%
  • National Security, 8%
  • ISR, 6%
  • Combat, 6%
  • Intelligence Analysis, 5%
  • Intelligence Community, 5%
Common criminal investigator skills
  • Investigative Reports, 13%
  • Resourcefulness, 11%
  • Firearms, 11%
  • Treasury, 9%
  • Investigative Techniques, 8%
  • IRS, 6%

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