Intelligence analysts gather, process, and examine information to support national security and military operations. The work is analytical, detail-oriented, and requires a bachelor's degree. Here is what the job involves, what it demands, and how to enter the field.
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Intelligence analysts collect and evaluate data from multiple sources to identify patterns, assess threats, and inform decision-makers in military and government agencies. You spend significant time working with computers and databases, reading and synthesizing complex information, and communicating findings to supervisors and colleagues. The role demands strong critical thinking to interpret raw intelligence, active listening during briefings and meetings, and clear writing to document analysis. You stay current with developments in law, government policy, and security issues relevant to your assignments.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Intelligence Analysts earn a median of $93,790 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is softer here. Employment is projected to fall 1 percent from 2024 to 2034, though there are still about 7,800 openings a year from turnover.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
This career requires a bachelor's degree and considerable preparation. During your studies, focus on building skills in research, data analysis, and written and verbal communication. Coursework in English, law and government, public safety and security, and computer systems provides a strong foundation. You will need to demonstrate reading comprehension, active listening, and the ability to learn and apply new information quickly. Many positions require background checks and security clearances, so a clean record is important as you prepare to enter this field.
Most routes to this career start with a bachelor's degree, though your specific major and timeline can vary. If you are deciding between programs or want to map out the steps from where you are now, Pathly can map the intelligence analyst path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to build a plan that fits your situation.
You do not need a license to work as an intelligence analyst, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You are drawn to investigative work that involves solving puzzles through data and analysis. You enjoy reading, research, and thinking critically about complex information to uncover meaning and support important decisions.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).