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The differences between intelligence specialists and 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 specialist and an intelligence analyst. Additionally, an intelligence specialist has an average salary of $78,453, which is higher than the $77,752 average annual salary of an intelligence analyst.
The top three skills for an intelligence specialist include DOD, security clearance and TS/SCI. The most important skills for an intelligence analyst are government agencies, national security, and ISR.
| Intelligence Specialist | Intelligence Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $78,453 | $77,752 |
| Hourly rate | $37.72 | $37.38 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 10,759 | 21,390 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An intelligence specialist is responsible for collecting and validating information for different operational functions to ensure its authenticity and accuracy before dissemination to the public and officials. Intelligence specialists analyze intelligence information and provide strategic recommendations to improve data gathering processes and distribution. They also maintain the security of reports on the database, working with technology professionals to develop security solutions to prevent unauthorized access and detail leaks until further notice of publicizing the information.
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.
Intelligence specialists and intelligence analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Intelligence Specialist | Intelligence Analyst | |
| Average salary | $78,453 | $77,752 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $111,000 | Between $57,000 And $106,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between an intelligence specialist and an intelligence analyst in terms of educational background:
| Intelligence Specialist | Intelligence Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Criminal Justice |
| Most common college | York College of Pennsylvania | York College of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between intelligence specialists' and intelligence analysts' demographics:
| Intelligence Specialist | Intelligence Analyst | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.8% Female, 24.2% | Male, 72.9% Female, 27.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.4% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 2.8% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |