Intelligence Analysts
Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.
Also called: AI Consultant (Artificial Intelligence Consultant), All Source Analyst, All Source Intelligence Analyst, Analyst, Anti-Terrorist Analyst, Background Specialist
Median pay
$93,790
Pay for the broader BLS group “Detectives and Criminal Investigators”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$55,390 – $160,540
People employed
114,430
Whole BLS group
Holland code
ICE
Investigative · Conventional · Enterprising
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 2.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 3.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Intelligence Analysts pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Detectives and Criminal Investigators”.
What intelligence analysts do
- 01Validate known intelligence with data from other sources.
- 02Gather, analyze, correlate, or evaluate information from a variety of resources, such as law enforcement databases.
- 03Evaluate records of communications, such as telephone calls, to plot activity and determine the size and location of criminal groups and members.
- 04Gather intelligence information by field observation, confidential information sources, or public records.
- 05Analyze intelligence data to identify patterns and trends in criminal activity.
- 06Prepare comprehensive written reports, presentations, maps, or charts, based on research, collection, and analysis of intelligence data.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- English Language
- Law and Government
- Public Safety and Security
- Computers and Electronics
- Administrative
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from intelligence analysts
- Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts88% · group pay
- Digital Forensics Analysts86% · group pay
- Private Detectives and Investigators85% · —
- Information Security Analysts84% · —
- Business Intelligence Analysts84% · group pay
Change into intelligence analysts
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts91% · $81,100
- Digital Forensics Analysts86% · $116,580
- Private Detectives and Investigators83% · $51,220
- Security Management Specialists80% · $83,050
- Business Continuity Planners79% · $83,050
Majors that lead here
- Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services
- Signal/Geospatial Intelligence
- Criminal Justice and Corrections, General
- Criminal Justice/Police Science
- Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing
- Law Enforcement Record-Keeping and Evidence Management
- Suspension and Debarment Investigation
- Maritime Law Enforcement
- Cultural/Archaelogical Resources Protection
- Criminalistics and Criminal Science
- Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism
- Financial Forensics and Fraud Investigation
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.