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Counterintelligence Agent Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Counterintelligence Agent information

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$10

$14

$19

How much do counterintelligence agent jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for counterintelligence agent in Texas is $15.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $16.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a counterintelligence agent?

Counterintelligence Agents are professionals responsible for identifying, investigating, and preventing threats posed by foreign intelligence services or insider threats to national security. They work to detect espionage, sabotage, and other activities that could compromise sensitive information or operations. These agents conduct interviews, analyze intelligence data, monitor suspicious activities, and collaborate with other security agencies to safeguard classified information and protect national interests.

What are some common challenges faced by counterintelligence agents in their daily work?

Counterintelligence Agents often face the challenge of distinguishing between genuine threats and harmless activities, requiring strong analytical and decision-making skills. They must remain vigilant when handling sensitive information and collaborate closely with other security and intelligence professionals, often under time pressure and in high-stakes situations. Adapting quickly to evolving threats and maintaining strict confidentiality are essential for success in this dynamic and demanding role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a counterintelligence agent, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Counterintelligence Agent, you need a background in criminal justice or security studies, strong analytical abilities, and often a security clearance. Familiarity with surveillance technologies, data analysis software, and intelligence-gathering systems is typically required, along with specialized counterintelligence training or certification. Exceptional interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and discretion are essential for building trust, assessing threats, and handling sensitive information. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively identifying, preventing, and neutralizing threats to national security.

What is the difference between Counterintelligence Agent vs Security Specialist?

AspectCounterintelligence AgentSecurity Specialist
Required CredentialsClearance, background check, sometimes specialized trainingSecurity certifications, background check, training in security protocols
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, intelligence operations, fieldworkCorporate, government, or private security settings
Employer & IndustryIntelligence agencies, defense, national securityPrivate companies, government agencies, security firms
Common Search & ComparisonCounterintelligence Agent vs Security Specialist

While both roles focus on security, Counterintelligence Agents primarily work in intelligence and national security to detect and prevent espionage, often requiring security clearances. Security Specialists typically focus on protecting physical assets and personnel within various environments. The roles overlap in security protocols but differ in scope and operational context.

What are popular job titles related to Counterintelligence Agent jobs in Texas?

For Counterintelligence Agent jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Counterintelligence Agent job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,192 per year, or $15 per hour.

Counterintelligence Special Agent (CISA)

Outreach Events

Farmers Branch, TX • On-site

$110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) is seeking a highly qualified Counterintelligence Special Agent (CISA). As a CISA, you will provide critical counterintelligence (CI) functional services and dedicated support to the cleared Defense Industrial Base. This key position offers an exceptional career path for professionals possessing specific expertise in CI collection methods, CI analysis, and an in-depth knowledge of complex Foreign Intelligence Entity tradecraft.Qualifications:The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the Office of Personnel Management's (OPMs) basic qualifications requirements. See: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0100/intelligence-series-0132/ i.e. for professional positions or positions with a basic education requirement: http://main.opm.gov/policy-dataoversight/ classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0100/foreign-affairs series- 0130/; i.e. for positions with no IOR: http://main.opm.gov/policy-dataoversight/ classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0300/management and -program-analysis-series-0343/) for OPM qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS sections of this announcement by 08/10/2026
Applicant must have directly applicable experience that demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies necessary for immediate success in the position. Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.
You must have specialized experience sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade GG-12 in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility.
Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience.
Specialized experience for this position includes:
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Conducting counterintelligence (CI) investigations and operations, including CI collections and reporting
- Developing and maintaining highly collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Interpreting investigative and operational thresholds of USG Law Enforcement (LE) and Intelligence Community (IC) agencies
- Communicating complex ideas and threats orally and in writing to senior officials that influences stakeholders to take action.
Specifically you will be evaluated on the following competencies:
1. Collection Operations - Develops and demonstrates operational knowledge of capabilities and accesses of the collection disciplines, strengths and weaknesses of specific technical sensors/platforms, and human sources in area of responsibility. Executes collection using appropriate collection strategies and within the priorities established through the collection management process.
2. Collection Resources Management - Receives and analyzes customer requirements, determines resource availability and capability, prioritizes and develops collection strategies, identifies task collection resources, evaluates performance and/or reporting, and updates collection planning.
3. Collection Systems Capabilities - Gains and applies knowledge of capabilities, limitations, and accesses of the intelligence source disciplines, strengths and weaknesses of specific technical sensors/platforms, and human sources in area of responsibility. Knowledge of IC collection management processes, systems, and tools. Demonstrates knowledge of collection strategies, targeting, assessment and methodology, feedback, and source validation/vetting processes.
4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
Incumbents who have not previously completed a DoD recognized CI Special Agent credentialing course, must successfully complete the DoD CI Agent Course (DCAC) offered by the Joint CI Training Academy (JCITA) and be certified to carry CI Special Agent credentials within 18 months of onboarding in accordance with DoD 5240.02 and DoD 5240.06. This time-period may be extended due to class availability. Failure to obtain DCAC certification may result in mandatory reassignment to a position that does not require credentials.
The incumbent will be required to sign a continued service agreement agreeing to stay with the agency for 12 months upon completion of the DCAC training.Education:Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level. Employment Type: OTHER