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What is an intelligence research specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted experts
Dr. Mahyar Amirgholy Ph.D.,
Anthony Miller

An intelligence research specialist is an individual who gathers data and intelligence for an organization or a government body. These individuals monitor the exchange of data, communications, and actions of both local and global organizations and generate reports that can be used by law enforcement, regulatory agencies, and related intelligence organizations. An intelligence research specialist is also responsible for alerting law enforcement and government agencies to possible security threats and for releasing security warnings to the public if necessary.

An intelligence research specialist should possess strong database, computer, and IT skills and should be adept at critical and analytical thinking. Most of these individuals have an associate's or a bachelor's degree in computer science, intelligence, IT, or a related field. An intelligence researcher should also possess a broad knowledge of databases, computer networks, and related technologies.

An intelligence research specialist can make up to $89,000 annually in the US, and the career field is projected to increase 5% by 2028.

What general advice would you give to an intelligence research specialist?

Dr. Mahyar Amirgholy Ph.D.Dr. Mahyar Amirgholy Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Assistant Professor, Website

To really boost your salary potential, think beyond just what you learned in school. Ask yourself, 'What sets me apart from others? What can I offer that's unique and valuable?' It's not just about your qualifications; it's about showing how you can bring more to the table, especially with new tech like AI. Show potential employers how you can use AI to drive profits, solve problems, or improve efficiency. If you can demonstrate that you're not just another hire but a real asset who can help them stay ahead of the curve, you're in a much better position to negotiate a higher salary. So, dive into the tech, get creative with it, and show how it translates to real-world benefits for your employer.
ScoreIntelligence Research SpecialistUS Average
Salary
7.7

Avg. Salary $102,643

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.1

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.67%

Asian 2.86%

Black or African American 12.86%

Hispanic or Latino 16.19%

Unknown 5.03%

White 62.38%

Gender

female 35.81%

male 64.19%

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

Intelligence research specialist career paths

Key steps to become an intelligence research specialist

  1. Explore intelligence research specialist education requirements

    Most common intelligence research specialist degrees

    Bachelor's

    64.8 %

    Master's

    15.9 %

    Associate

    10.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific intelligence research specialist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Artificial Intelligence12.18%
    Intelligence Community7.24%
    National Security6.95%
    DHS6.75%
    Federal Agencies6.23%
  3. Complete relevant intelligence research specialist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New intelligence research specialists 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 intelligence research specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real intelligence research specialist resumes.
  4. Research intelligence research specialist duties and responsibilities

    • Lead Intel support for SOF, Taskforce and OGA sensitive mission operations.
    • Manage accounting, control, handling, storage, and destruction of COMSEC items.
    • Provide peer support for Linux and desktop support as needed.
    • Recognize subject matter expert (SME) regarding use of MWD to counter IED threat.
  5. Prepare your intelligence research specialist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your intelligence research specialist 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 intelligence research specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable intelligence research specialist resume templates

    Build a professional intelligence research specialist 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 intelligence research specialist resume.
    Intelligence Research Specialist Resume
    Intelligence Research Specialist Resume
    Intelligence Research Specialist Resume
    Intelligence Research Specialist Resume
    Intelligence Research Specialist Resume
    Intelligence Research Specialist Resume
    Intelligence Research Specialist Resume
    Intelligence Research Specialist Resume
    Intelligence Research Specialist Resume
  6. Apply for intelligence research specialist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an intelligence research specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first intelligence research specialist job

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Average intelligence research specialist salary

The average intelligence research specialist salary in the United States is $102,643 per year or $49 per hour. Intelligence research specialist salaries range between $68,000 and $153,000 per year.

Average intelligence research specialist salary
$102,643 Yearly
$49.35 hourly

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Intelligence research specialist reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2020
Cons

Nothing really, it's just that sometimes getting data can be very difficult


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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