ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Psychological Operations Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HII's Mission Technologies division

$94K - $225K/yr

Marine Corps: 0550 (Psychological Operations Officer); 0520, 0521 (Psychological Operations Marine) * Handson experience with IO tool * Familiarity with DoD cyberspace policy, OPSEC Planner ...

Central Intelligence Agency

Language Officer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$79K - $131K/yr

Summary Directorate of Operations Language Officers use their foreign Language skills, cultural ... You must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPsychological Operations Officer Jobs

Psychological Operations Officer information

See salary details

$98K

$126.3K

$166.5K

How much do psychological operations officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for psychological operations officer in the United States is $126,253.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,500.00 and $142,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Psychological Operations Officer vs Civil Affairs Officer?

AspectPsychological Operations OfficerCivil Affairs Officer
Required CredentialsSecurity clearance, military training, specialized psychological operations certificationsSecurity clearance, military training, civil affairs certifications
Work EnvironmentMilitary units, strategic communication settings, field operationsMilitary civil affairs units, community engagement, reconstruction projects
Employer & Industry UsageU.S. military, defense agencies, special operationsU.S. military, government agencies, humanitarian organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Psychological Operations Officers and Civil Affairs Officers both serve within military environments, often requiring similar credentials and security clearances. While Psychological Operations Officers focus on influencing perceptions and strategic communication, Civil Affairs Officers work on community engagement and civil-military operations. Both roles are vital in military missions but differ in their primary focus and daily activities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Psychological Operations Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Psychological Operations Officer, you need a solid background in psychology, communication, and cultural studies, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and military training. Familiarity with intelligence analysis software, media production tools, and information operations systems is typically required. Strong critical thinking, adaptability, and interpersonal skills help build trust and influence target audiences effectively. These competencies are essential for designing persuasive campaigns and supporting military objectives in complex and dynamic environments.

What does a psychological operations officer do?

A psychological operations officer plans and executes information campaigns to influence attitudes and behaviors of target audiences, often in military or government contexts. They analyze cultural and psychological factors, develop messaging strategies, and use various communication tools to achieve strategic objectives. This role requires strong communication skills, knowledge of psychological principles, and security clearances.

Is it hard to become a PSYOP?

Becoming a Psychological Operations Officer typically requires a bachelor's degree, relevant military experience, and specialized training in influence and communication strategies. Candidates often need to pass security clearances and demonstrate strong analytical and interpersonal skills, making the process competitive and demanding. Physical fitness and adaptability to a military environment are also important.

What are some typical challenges faced by Psychological Operations Officers when working with cross-functional military and civilian teams?

Psychological Operations Officers often collaborate with diverse teams that include military personnel, government agencies, and civilian partners. A common challenge is aligning communication strategies across different organizations with varying objectives, protocols, and cultural backgrounds. Officers must be adaptable, diplomatic, and skilled at building consensus to ensure messaging is effective and coordinated. Successful collaboration requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to quickly assess and respond to the unique perspectives and priorities of each stakeholder.

Is 37F a hard MOS to get?

The 37F Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) for Psychological Operations Officers is considered competitive and requires meeting specific qualifications, including security clearances, language skills, and specialized training. Candidates often need a strong academic background, leadership qualities, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments, making it a challenging but attainable MOS for qualified applicants.

Is PSYOP a combat MOS?

Psychological Operations (PSYOP) is a military occupational specialty focused on influencing perceptions and behaviors through information campaigns. While PSYOP officers often operate in operational environments that can involve combat zones, their primary role is strategic communication rather than direct combat. They work alongside combat units but are not classified as a combat MOS.

What are Psychological Operations Officers?

Psychological Operations Officers, often called PSYOP Officers, are military professionals who plan and execute operations intended to influence the emotions, motives, objective reasoning, and ultimately the behavior of foreign governments, organizations, groups, and individuals. They use information and communication strategies to achieve specific objectives that support military missions. Their work involves analyzing target audiences, developing persuasive messages, and utilizing various media channels to distribute information. PSYOP Officers play a key role in shaping perceptions and influencing the decision-making of adversaries and neutral parties during conflicts or peacetime.
What cities are hiring for Psychological Operations Officer jobs? Cities with the most Psychological Operations Officer job openings:
What states have the most Psychological Operations Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Psychological Operations Officer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Psychological Operations Officer jobs? For Psychological Operations Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Psychological Operations Officer jobs near you
Staff Operations Officer

Staff Operations Officer

Central Intelligence Agency

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$72K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Summary
Staff Operations Officers provide integration between CIA Headquarters and Directorate of Operations field offices, program management, and operational case management to drive clandestine operations.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
As a Staff Operations Officer for the CIA, you will provide the seamless integration between CIA Headquarters and Directorate of Operations (DO) offices in the field necessary to drive clandestine operations to success. Your effectiveness, versatility, and resourcefulness as a Staff Operations Officer is critical to the success of the DO's most creative, challenging, and impactful operations.
Staff Operations Officers apply advanced knowledge and expertise of clandestine operations, operational tradecraft, and intelligence priorities when providing strategic guidance and operational case management. In addition, Staff Operations Officers are responsible for program management throughout the DO, from traditional operational activities to specialized initiatives and Covert Action. The demanding pace of DO has Staff Operations Officers finding solutions to complex operational problems, identifying new technical tools and capabilities to advance operations, and tapping the resources of the DO, CIA, and U.S. Government to ensure operational requirements are met. Staff Operations Officers provide objective reviews of on-going and potential operations and serve as the vital link between DO officers in the field, CIA Headquarters, and the Intelligence Community.
Many Staff Operations Officers will spend much of their career serving in the Washington, DC area having opportunities for overseas travel. Opportunities for Staff Operations Officers to serve multi-year postings overseas exist, but these positions are competitive.
All DO officers are hired at an entry level and train as they are expected to work - as one team. DO officers are hired into one of two programs: the Clandestine Service Trainee (CST) program or the Professional Trainee (PT) program. A CST has three or more years of professional experience, while a PT has less than three years of professional experience. DO officers begin their careers learning the foundations of operations via classroom training, practical exercises, and on-the-job experience gained through a series of interim assignments. Based on the program into which each applicant is hired, the number of interim assignments will vary.
As part of the program, some DO officers will be expected to:
  • Operate a motor vehicle without second-party assistance in daytime and nighttime conditions;
  • Traverse uneven terrain, to include climbing and descending staircases, over fixed minimum distances and in varying weather conditions;
  • Work non-traditional or erratic schedules;
  • Make reasoned decisions under time constraints.

This position requires a 5-year Contract Term Agreement.
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • You must be physically in the United States or one of its territories when you submit your resume via MyLINK.
  • You must be registered for the Selective Service, if applicable.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years of age (dual-national US citizens are eligible).
  • You must be willing to move to the Washington, DC area.
  • You must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview, and a comprehensive background investigation.
  • For further information, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/how-we-hire/

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Interested candidates should be passionate about the ideals of our American republic, committed to upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution, and committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government. Hiring decisions will not be based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
  • Personal integrity
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
  • Action- and results-oriented
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently
  • Flexibility, adaptability, and commitment to the mission of the CIA and the Directorate of Operations.
  • Ability to meet the minimum requirements for joining CIA, including U.S. citizenship and a background investigation

Desired Qualifications
  • Ability to take initiative and deliver results
  • Ability to develop and maintain broad networks across the CIA and the U.S. Government
  • Deal effectively, comfortably, and confidently with people at all levels of responsibility, authority, and rank
  • Ability to multi-task and remain calm under pressure
  • View challenge and uncertainty as opportunity
  • Confidence and authoritative voice in strategic operational decisions

Education
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (applicants within one year of earning a four year degree will be considered); there is no preferred major or program of study (degrees from foreign academic institutions are accepted, but you are responsible for obtaining and providing CIA with a credential evaluation from an accredited firm confirming that the foreign degree is the equivalent of a BA/BS and/or MA/MS degree conferred by a U.S. college or university)
  • At least a 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale is preferred

Additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Apply