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The differences between intelligence 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 intelligence analyst and a signal intelligence analyst. Additionally, an intelligence analyst has an average salary of $77,752, which is higher than the $69,325 average annual salary of a signal intelligence analyst.
The top three skills for an intelligence analyst include government agencies, national security and ISR. The most important skills for a signal intelligence analyst are NSA, combat, and surveillance systems.
| Intelligence Analyst | Signal Intelligence Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $77,752 | $69,325 |
| Hourly rate | $37.38 | $33.33 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 21,390 | 15,016 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 49% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
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.
Intelligence analysts and signal intelligence analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Intelligence Analyst | Signal Intelligence Analyst | |
| Average salary | $77,752 | $69,325 |
| Salary range | Between $57,000 And $106,000 | Between $45,000 And $105,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | Washington | - |
| Best paying company | Meta | - |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between an intelligence analyst and a signal intelligence analyst in terms of educational background:
| Intelligence Analyst | Signal Intelligence Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 49% |
| Most common major | Criminal Justice | Intelligence Operations |
| Most common college | York College of Pennsylvania | York College of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between intelligence analysts' and signal intelligence analysts' demographics:
| Intelligence Analyst | Signal Intelligence Analyst | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 72.9% Female, 27.1% | Male, 76.5% Female, 23.5% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 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% |