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What is an intelligence and how to become one
Someone who works in intelligence deals with secrets. They can work for a branch of the military, a federal intelligence agency, a university, or even a business attempting to gain an advantage over competitors by using intelligence to stay abreast of threats.
Whether they work as an intelligence officer, analyst, or something else, someone who works in intelligence uses secret information to provide insight on potential threats and help plan operations. They can analyze satellite imagery, monitor bugged communication, and write intelligence assessments.
The qualifications for working in intelligence depend on the position and where someone wants to work. Sometimes they have to join the army first or a police force and complete special training to work in intelligence. Some people working in intelligence have bachelor's or master's degrees and speak multiple languages. People working in intelligence also need to pass security clearances and be good at keeping secrets.
Avg. Salary $91,101
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 3%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.67%
Asian 2.83%
Black or African American 12.09%
Hispanic or Latino 16.59%
Unknown 5.00%
White 62.82%
Genderfemale 26.44%
male 73.56%
Age - 44American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 44Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Intelligence career paths
Key steps to become an intelligence
Explore intelligence education requirements
Start to develop specific intelligence skills
Skills 
Percentages SCI 15.30% DOD 14.38% All-Source 13.81% Threat Analysis 9.52% SME 7.33% Complete relevant intelligence training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New intelligences 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 based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real intelligence resumes.Research intelligence duties and responsibilities
- Manage logistics within precinct, create monthly business plans, and develop sales tracking and development system for store.
- Perform initial and operational analysis of CI and HUMINT that focuse on human collection and assist in determining source reliability.
- Edit all units IIRs, adding analyst comments, local and theater PIRs, and source evaluations.
- Advise and assist commanders and staff on deployment and redeployment operations.
Prepare your intelligence resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your intelligence 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 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 Resume templates
Build a professional Intelligence 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 resume.
Apply for intelligence jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an intelligence job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Intelligence Job
Are you an Intelligence?
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Average intelligence salary
The average Intelligence salary in the United States is $91,101 per year or $44 per hour. Intelligence salaries range between $49,000 and $169,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do intelligences rate their job?
Intelligence reviews
If i got to work as an intelligence officer in any department around my city. I would love to use my psychology and sociology mind to help catch fugitives, also my toughness and speed to run and catch fugitives as well.
Nothing. it’s all amazing.
Everything special officer to get information and to self spy and to achieve by the law and the U. S .Courts and to obey the consumption
No job is tough working on cases were the state up holds the rights of the contact
Updated January 8, 2025
