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Cryptologic Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Cryptologic Technician information

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How much do cryptologic technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cryptologic technician in the United States is $19.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cryptologic technician?

Cryptologic Technicians are members of the U.S. Navy who specialize in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting signals and communications from foreign nations. Their work involves operating sophisticated electronic equipment, deciphering codes, and providing vital intelligence information to support military operations. They play a key role in cybersecurity, national defense, and ensuring secure communications. Cryptologic Technicians may work on ships, submarines, aircraft, or at shore-based facilities around the world.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a cryptologic technician?

To excel as a Cryptologic Technician, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid background in mathematics or computer science, often supported by advanced technical training or security clearances. Familiarity with cryptographic systems, signal analysis tools, and secure communications platforms is commonly required. Outstanding problem-solving abilities, discretion, and teamwork are critical soft skills for success in this sensitive role. These skills and qualities ensure the accurate interpretation of complex data and the protection of national security information.

What challenges do cryptologic technicians face, and how are they addressed within a team?

Cryptologic Technicians often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing technologies, complex problem-solving demands, and the need for strict confidentiality. To address these, team members regularly participate in ongoing training, share knowledge during collaborative briefings, and use secure communication channels to maintain operational integrity. Peer mentorship and support from supervisors also help technicians stay updated on new tools and tactics, fostering a cooperative environment to solve technical and analytical problems efficiently.

What is the difference between Cryptologic Technician vs Signals Intelligence Analyst?

AspectCryptologic TechnicianSignals Intelligence Analyst
Required CredentialsSecurity clearance, technical training, certifications in cryptography and signalsSecurity clearance, analytical skills, certifications in intelligence analysis
Work EnvironmentMilitary settings, secure communication centers, field operationsIntelligence agencies, military units, government offices
Employer & IndustryU.S. Navy, military branches, defense contractorsIntelligence agencies, military, government agencies

Both roles involve working with classified information and require security clearances. Cryptologic Technicians focus on cryptography, signals collection, and communication security, often within military environments. Signals Intelligence Analysts analyze intercepted signals and data to support national security. While their tasks differ, both careers share similar credentials and work environments, making them closely related in the intelligence field.

How long is a cryptologic technician school?

Cryptologic Technician training typically lasts about 20 to 30 weeks, depending on the specific specialty and program. The training includes technical instruction, hands-on practice, and security clearance requirements, preparing technicians for roles in signals intelligence and cybersecurity.

How much does a cryptologic technician make?

A cryptologic technician's salary varies based on experience, rank, and location, but typically ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 annually. Entry-level technicians usually start around $40,000, with higher salaries for those with specialized skills, certifications, or advanced security clearances.
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What cities are hiring for Cryptologic Technician jobs?

Cities with the most Cryptologic Technician job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Cryptologic Technician jobs?

The top employers for Cryptologic Technician jobs are:

What states have the most Cryptologic Technician jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cryptologic Technician jobs include:

Infographic showing various Cryptologic Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,415 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Cryptologic Technician Interpretive

U.S. Navy

Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 380 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Linguist or Linguistics (Cryptologic Technicians Interpretive)

Category: Enlisted
Component: Active
Community: Information Warfare

Overview

Cryptologic Technicians Interpretive (CTI) are highly skilled linguists and intelligence professionals. They collect, translate, transcribe and analyze foreign language communications, providing critical intelligence to inform national security, tactical operations and strategic decision-making. CTIs possess deep cultural understanding alongside their language expertise, directly supporting Fleet and Joint Force commanders worldwide in diverse operational environments.

What You’ll Do

• Operate advanced radio receivers, recording devices, computer terminals and communications systems.
• Translate, interpret and transcribe foreign language communications data.
• Analyze and report highly technical intelligence for fleet commanders and national intelligence agencies.
• Work with classified material and advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning systems.
• Perform temporary duty aboard Navy surface ships and submarines, based on assignment requirements.

What to Expect

CTIs have an intellectually demanding career focused on language, analysis and classified information. Most assignments are at shore-based Centers of Excellence, with opportunities for temporary duty aboard surface and subsurface platforms.

Work Environment

CTIs normally work in office or fast-paced operational environments. Depending on the assignment, they may work independently, in small teams or as part of a larger workcenter. Some assignments may support ships, submarines or Naval Special Warfare.

Training and Advancement

After Recruit Training, CTIs complete two phases of Navy "A" School:

1. Phase I, Foreign Language Training Defense Language Institute, Monterey, California Approximately 48 - 64 weeks
Sailors receive comprehensive instruction in a primary foreign language.

2. Phase II, Cryptologic Linguistic Training Information Warfare Training Center Monterey Detachment Goodfellow, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas Approximately 13 to 19 weeks
Sailors develop technical and analytical cryptologic language skills.

CTIs also attend annual language-maintenance courses and may have opportunities for intermediate or advanced language instruction throughout their careers.

Languages

CTIs learn one of six primary languages and can earn up to $1,000 per month in foreign language proficiency pay:

• Arabic
• Chinese Mandarin
• Korean
• Persian-Farsi
• Russian
• Spanish

Education Opportunities

Phase I language training earns Sailors significant undergraduate academic credit. After completing general education requirements, Sailors may apply for an associate degree in their language of study. Advanced training may support bachelor degree opportunities.

Qualifications

Successful CTI candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong character and attention to detail
• Interest in learning foreign languages
• Above-average writing and speaking ability
• Good memory, curiosity and resourcefulness
• Interest in technology, information and analytical work
• Adaptability across different work environments
• Willingness to acquire additional skills

Applicants and their immediate family members must be U.S. citizens. Candidates must qualify for continuous access to Sensitive Compartmented Information, maintain eligibility for a Top Secret clearance and have normal hearing. CTIs must also be willing to serve aboard submarines if assigned.


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Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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