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What is a signals analyst and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
The average signals analyst salary is $68,823. The most common degree is a bachelor's degree degree with an business major. It usually takes 2-4 years of experience to become a signals analyst. Signals analysts with a Intelligence Analyst Certified (IAC) certification earn more money. Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 3% and produce 20,600 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreSignals AnalystUS Average
Salary
5.4

Avg. Salary $68,823

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 2.83%

Black or African American 12.08%

Hispanic or Latino 17.24%

Unknown 5.00%

White 62.18%

Gender

female 22.37%

male 77.63%

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

Signals analyst career paths

Key steps to become a signals analyst

  1. Explore signals analyst education requirements

    Most common signals analyst degrees

    Bachelor's

    45.4 %

    Associate

    34.4 %

    High School Diploma

    9.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific signals analyst skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Technical Analysis12.14%
    Technical Reports11.35%
    TS/SCI9.40%
    MATLAB8.14%
    Signals Analysis7.34%
  3. Complete relevant signals analyst training and internships

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

    • Lead basic reconnaissance operations and report enemy movements to commanding officers.
    • Collect, analyze and process data in support of the FBI and NSA.
    • Subject matter expert of course of instruction design by NSA, producing technically proficient intermediate signals analysts.
    • Perform quality control measures in accordance with standardize DoD governing regulations and reporting guidance.
  5. Get signals analyst experience

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

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your signals 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 signals 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 signals analyst resume templates

    Build a professional signals 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 signals analyst resume.
    Signals Analyst Resume
    Signals Analyst Resume
    Signals Analyst Resume
    Signals Analyst Resume
    Signals Analyst Resume
    Signals Analyst Resume
    Signals Analyst Resume
    Signals Analyst Resume
    Signals Analyst Resume
  7. Apply for signals analyst jobs

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

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Average signals analyst salary

The average signals analyst salary in the United States is $68,823 per year or $33 per hour. Signals analyst salaries range between $45,000 and $104,000 per year.

Average signals analyst salary
$68,823 Yearly
$33.09 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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