How To Become A Signal Intelligence Analyst: What It Is and Career Path

What is a signal intelligence analyst and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A signal intelligence (SIGINT) analyst works in various military operations to identify critical information from foreign communications. Their job revolves around examining intercepted messages, identifying relevant information, determining operational patterns, and relaying critical information to commanders or senior leaders. Leaders will then use this information to act accordingly. Apart from analyzing information, a signal intelligence analyst is also in charge of installing, camouflaging, and recovering surveillance equipment.

A signal intelligence analyst commonly works in various branches of the military, including the Army, Air Force, Navy, and National Guard. However, job opportunities are also present in technology companies that work for law enforcement agencies.

Most signal intelligence analysts have a bachelor's degree in intelligence operations, criminal justice, and business. They also have extensive skills in data analysis, intelligence equipment, and research. Moreover, a signal intelligence analyst must pass multiple background checks, medical examinations, and a polygraph test, among other mandatory requirements. The average salary of a signal intelligence analyst depends on the branch of the military they are working for. But in general, the average salary for this role across all branches is $50,000 a year.

ScoreSignal Intelligence AnalystUS Average

Salary

5.4

Avg. Salary $69,325

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 2.87%

Black or African American 13.02%

Hispanic or Latino 15.87%

Unknown 5.03%

White 62.54%

Gender

female 23.48%

male 76.52%

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

Key steps to become a signal intelligence analyst

Explore signal intelligence analyst education requirements

Most common signal intelligence analyst degrees

Bachelor's

49.4 %

Associate

26.4 %

High School Diploma

14.5 %

Start to develop specific signal intelligence analyst skills

Skills	Percentages
NSA	14.72%
Combat	14.42%
Surveillance Systems	13.53%
Technical References	12.90%
Signals Intelligence	12.79%

Complete relevant signal intelligence analyst training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New signal 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 signal intelligence analyst based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real signal intelligence analyst resumes.

Research signal intelligence analyst duties and responsibilities

Collaborate with the ITC and J2 to offer new ideas to accomplish overall mission successes.
Research, examine and analyze foreign communications and activity by producing and presenting combat, strategic, and tactical intelligence reports.
Prepare technical reports for national level organizations to include CIA, FBI, DOD.
Prepare all-source intelligence products and consolidate SPOT/IIR reports into daily updates to support combat commanders within assign area of operations.

Prepare your signal intelligence analyst resume

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

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