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Intelligence Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Intelligence Officer information

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$23.5K

$75.9K

$182.5K

How much do intelligence officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for intelligence officer in the United States is $75,929.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intelligence officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Intelligence Officer, you need strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and a background in international relations, political science, or security studies, often supported by relevant degrees or military experience. Familiarity with intelligence-gathering tools, data analysis software, and secure communication systems is typically required. Exceptional soft skills include discretion, adaptability, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly. These skills are essential for accurately assessing threats, safeguarding sensitive information, and supporting critical decision-making processes.

What is an intelligence officer?

Intelligence Officers are professionals who collect, analyze, and interpret information to support national security and inform government or military decisions. They often work for intelligence agencies, armed forces, or law enforcement, using various sources and methods to detect threats and provide actionable insights. Their work may involve gathering information from human sources, surveillance, cyber operations, or open-source research. Intelligence Officers must maintain confidentiality and adhere to strict legal and ethical guidelines. The nature of their work often requires strong analytical skills, discretion, and the ability to work under pressure.

What is the difference between Intelligence Officer vs Intelligence Analyst?

AspectIntelligence OfficerIntelligence Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, security clearance, specialized trainingBachelor's degree, analytical skills, security clearance often preferred
Work EnvironmentField operations, intelligence agencies, government officesOffice settings, research centers, government agencies
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, military, defense contractorsIntelligence agencies, law enforcement, security firms

Intelligence Officers and Intelligence Analysts both work in intelligence-related fields and often require similar credentials and security clearances. However, Intelligence Officers typically engage in field operations and strategic planning, while Intelligence Analysts focus on data analysis and reporting. Both roles are vital in national security and often overlap in skills and work environments.

How do intelligence officers typically collaborate with other agencies or departments?

Intelligence Officers often work closely with other government agencies, law enforcement, and military units to gather, analyze, and share critical information. Effective collaboration requires strong communication skills, an understanding of various protocols, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality. Regular inter-agency meetings, secure information sharing platforms, and joint operations are common, allowing Intelligence Officers to provide comprehensive insights that support national security objectives. Developing strong working relationships across these organizations is key to the success of intelligence operations.
More about Intelligence Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Intelligence Officer jobs? Cities with the most Intelligence Officer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Intelligence Officer jobs? The most popular types of Intelligence Officer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Intelligence Officer jobs? The top employers for Intelligence Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Intelligence Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Intelligence Officer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Intelligence Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,929 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Navy Intelligence Officer - AL & GA

U.S. Navy

Valdosta, GA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

If you’re an Intelligence Officer, you serve at the forefront of national security. Analyze top-secret information, interpret spy reports and direct the analysis of top-secret satellite imagery. While others may see nothing, you’ll be able to use keen analytical abilities to perceive patterns in internet chatter. And as an IO, you’ll be the first to ascertain the implications of the latest intelligence. Do you have the brains and bravery for the job?

As an Intelligence Officer, you will take on a wide variety of assignments, each one essential in its related mission or objective. This role may include:

  • Leading the planning, development, testing and deployment of information systems crucial to the intelligence process
  • Monitoring and analyzing maritime activities that pose a threat to national security, such as drug smuggling, illegal immigration, arms transfers, environmental mishaps and violations of UN sanctions
  • Delivering real-time operational intelligence assessment to high-level decision makers
  • Planning intelligence operations including threat analysis for pre-strike missions and direct action missions
  • Managing intelligence systems
  • Enabling the collection of human intelligence
  • Overseeing the work of Intelligence Specialists – Enlisted Sailors (no degree required) who help convert information into intelligence

Depending on interests, background and performance, Intelligence Officers have opportunities to serve worldwide aboard ships, on bases and installations or even in assignments at Joint Intelligence Centers.

Those pursuing an Intelligence Officer position are required to attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, RI.

Upon completion, they attend a five-month basic course of instruction at the Center for Information Dominance in Dam Neck, VA, where they receive training in: electronic, anti-submarine, anti-surface, anti-air, amphibious and strike warfare; counterintelligence; strategic intelligence; air defense analysis and combat mission planning.

From there, Intel Officers embark on a 30-month operational fleet tour. This is typically an assignment with an aviation squadron, with an air wing staff or onboard an aircraft carrier or amphibious command ship.

Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance.

Post-Service Opportunities

Specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields in the civilian sector.

Wherever you are in your professional career, the Navy can help ease your financial burdens and advance your career with generous financial assistance and continuing education programs. Beyond professional credentials and certifications, Intelligence Officers can advance their education by:

  • Pursuing opportunities at institutions such as Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) or Navy War College (NWC)
  • Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges

A degree from a four-year college or university is a minimum educational requirement to become a Commissioned Officer. Candidates seeking an Information Professional Officer position should preferably have a degree that focuses on areas of study such as: international relations, political science, government, engineering, physical science, natural science, computer science or other academic fields related to intelligence. All candidates must also be: U.S. citizens, willing to serve worldwide and eligible for a special intelligence security clearance.

General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.

There are part-time opportunities available as an Intelligence Officer.

Serving part-time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Intelligence Officers in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes.

For annual training, Intelligence Officers may serve anywhere in the world, whether on a ship at sea or at bases and installations on shore.

Take a moment to learn more about the general roles and responsibilities of Navy Reserve Sailors.

Most of what you do in the Navy Reserve is considered training. The basic Navy Reserve commitment involves training a minimum of one weekend a month (referred to as drilling) and two weeks a year (referred to as Annual Training) – or the equivalent of that.

Intelligence Officers in the Navy Reserve serve in an Officer role. Before receiving the ongoing professional training that comes with this job, initial training requirements must first be met.

For current or former Navy Officers (NAVET): Prior experience satisfies the initial leadership training requirement – so you will not need to go through Officer Training again.

Officers who previously held a commission in another United States Military Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Public Health Service, or United States Coast Guard are exempt from attending ODS or LDO/CWO Academy.


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About US Navy

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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