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What is a senior intelligence analyst and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

Senior intelligence analysts work in governmental organizations like the military and intelligence agencies. They may also work for some private businesses. Their job is to analyze information gathered by various sources and deduce what the enemy is doing or might do. They also recommend possible courses of action, based on what they believe will happen.

When you watch spy movies, intelligence analysts are the guys briefing the president or other commanders about what a target is up to and how they should react. Sometimes, their roles vary, depending on the organization, but it often involves the above-listed ones. Others include preparing intelligence reports and analyzing threats to national security.

Most intelligence analysts have at least a bachelor's degree and graduate degrees in economics, political science, or international relations. To get into an agency like the FBI, you'll need to pass some of the tests you see in movies. These assess logical reasoning and situational judgment skills.

ScoreSenior Intelligence AnalystUS Average
Salary
6.2

Avg. Salary $79,707

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 2.88%

Black or African American 13.32%

Hispanic or Latino 15.02%

Unknown 5.04%

White 63.07%

Gender

female 17.51%

male 82.49%

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

Senior intelligence analyst career paths

Key steps to become a senior intelligence analyst

  1. Explore senior intelligence analyst education requirements

    Most common senior intelligence analyst degrees

    Bachelor's

    60.4 %

    Associate

    21.5 %

    Master's

    13.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific senior intelligence analyst skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Intelligence Community7.21%
    CI6.57%
    Intelligence Analysis6.50%
    DOD5.88%
    Law Enforcement4.80%
  3. Complete relevant senior intelligence analyst training and internships

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

    • Manage, maintain and upgrade the FIREBIRD network server for the Albuquerque DEA office.
    • Prepare and manage multiple self assessment checklists to evaluate overall effectiveness and ensure compliance with USAF directives.
    • Collect intelligence using HUMINT, OSINT, COMINT, and intelligence disciplines.
    • Well-Verse in multiple intelligence disciplines, particularly conducting OSINT research and leveraging the results to cross-cue other disciplines, especially HUMINT.
  5. Get senior intelligence analyst experience

    Generally, it takes 2-4 years to become a senior intelligence analyst. The most common roles before becoming a senior intelligence analyst include intelligence analyst, all source intelligence analyst team lead and analyst.
  6. Prepare your senior intelligence analyst resume

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

    Choose from 10+ customizable senior intelligence analyst resume templates

    Build a professional senior intelligence analyst 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 senior intelligence analyst resume.
    Senior Intelligence Analyst Resume
    Senior Intelligence Analyst Resume
    Senior Intelligence Analyst Resume
    Senior Intelligence Analyst Resume
    Senior Intelligence Analyst Resume
    Senior Intelligence Analyst Resume
    Senior Intelligence Analyst Resume
    Senior Intelligence Analyst Resume
    Senior Intelligence Analyst Resume
  7. Apply for senior intelligence analyst jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a senior intelligence analyst 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 senior intelligence analyst job

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Average senior intelligence analyst salary

The average senior intelligence analyst salary in the United States is $79,707 per year or $38 per hour. Senior intelligence analyst salaries range between $56,000 and $111,000 per year.

Average senior intelligence analyst salary
$79,707 Yearly
$38.32 hourly

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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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