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Secret Intelligence Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KS

$61K - $141K/yr

Provide intelligence scripting and content development to replicate external real-world ... Secret clearance * HS diploma or GED and 10+ years of experience in the military, or Bachelor ...

Intelligence SME

Arlington, VA · On-site

$107K - $135K/yr

Responsibilities The WMD Intelligence Expert will provide analysis, guidance, and recommendations ... Top Secret clearance with SCI and sub-compartment eligibility Desired Qualifications * Masters ...

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How much do secret intelligence jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for secret intelligence in the United States is $104,643.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,000.00 and $118,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Secret Intelligence vs Intelligence Analyst?

AspectSecret IntelligenceIntelligence Analyst
Required CredentialsSecurity clearances, specialized trainingDegree in political science, international relations, or related fields
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, classified settingsGovernment, private sector, think tanks
Employer & IndustryIntelligence agencies, defenseGovernment agencies, private firms, consulting
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding classified rolesCareer options, job differences

Secret Intelligence involves handling classified information within intelligence agencies, often requiring security clearances. Intelligence Analysts analyze data to inform policy and security decisions, working in various environments including government and private sectors. While both roles involve information analysis, Secret Intelligence is more focused on covert operations and classified work, whereas Intelligence Analysts may work on open-source data and broader analysis tasks.

What are secret intelligence jobs?

Secret intelligence jobs involve collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information that is critical to national security and interests. Professionals in this field work for government agencies or military organizations and may engage in covert operations, surveillance, or cybersecurity efforts to prevent threats. These roles require a high level of discretion, analytical skills, and often, security clearance. The work can include both domestic and international assignments, supporting decision-makers with vital, confidential information.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by professionals working in secret intelligence roles?

Professionals in secret intelligence often face the challenge of balancing confidentiality with effective collaboration, as much of their work involves sensitive information that cannot be widely shared—even within their own teams. The role can also entail irregular hours and high-pressure situations due to the dynamic and unpredictable nature of intelligence operations. Additionally, adapting quickly to rapidly changing circumstances and maintaining strict ethical standards are essential. These challenges require resilience, adaptability, and strong communication skills, even under stressful or ambiguous conditions.

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

To thrive as a Secret Intelligence Officer, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and typically a degree in fields such as international relations, security studies, or criminal justice. Familiarity with intelligence-gathering tools, surveillance technologies, and secure communication systems is often required, along with relevant security clearances. Discretion, adaptability, and excellent interpersonal skills are vital for building trust and operating effectively in sensitive or high-pressure environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for safeguarding national security and successfully managing covert operations.
More about Secret Intelligence jobs
Infographic showing various Secret Intelligence job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,643 per year, or $50.3 per hour.
INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST

$143K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 518 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.
The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as an AFOSI Senior Intelligence Analyst (SIA) and subject matter expert responsible for the direction, oversight, and coordination of analytical support to AFOSI investigations, operations, collections, and target management.Qualifications:This is a GG-14 position in the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). The GG-14 duties for the "Professional" work category are at the "Senior" work level and are equivalent to those at the GS-14 level. The selectee's salary will be set within the grade equivalent to a GS/GG grade based on the selectee's qualifications in relation to the job.
In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions for series 0132.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Your resume must reflect the quality level of experience which demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary for successful job performance required for this position. Examples of creditable experience include: Requires a mastery of US intelligence and counterintelligence community policies, entities, missions, resources, operations, capabilities, databases, and requirements to perform intelligence research planning, operations collection, target analysis, and other intelligence collection/analysis related activities. Note: Creditable experience may include previous military experience, experience gained in the private sector, or expensive gained in another government agency.
OR
To view qualifying experience click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0100/intelligence-series-0132/
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  1. Comprehensive knowledges and skills as a multi-source law enforcement or counterintelligence analyst to research, interpret, evaluate, and integrate data in the production of clear, concise, in-depth intelligence products on law enforcement or counterintelligence issues; coordinating junior analysts' multi-source analysis conducted in response to customer needs and intelligence production requirements and in communicating related products/information to a variety of audiences.
  2. Mastery in applying knowledge and expertise of law enforcement or counterintelligence issues in planning, organizing, and leading cooperative and coordinated law enforcement or counterintelligence analysis and collection initiatives. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the functions and staff of a small to medium sized organization.
  3. Comprehensive knowledge and experience as a multi-source intelligence analyst applying the principles, concepts, and methodologies of law enforcement or counterintelligence analysis and identifying significant trends and in proposing new or revised analytical projects to alert senior AFOSI, DAF, and DoD leadership to new developments and to meet customer requirements.
  4. Comprehensive knowledge of U.S. law enforcement, counterintelligence, and/or intelligence community policies, entities, missions, resources, operations, capabilities, databases, and requirements to perform research planning, operations collection, target analysis, and other law enforcement and/or counterintelligence collection/analysis related activities.
  5. Experienced and skill in the oversight of analytic projects; responding to taskings from AFOSI, DAF, and DoD senior leaders; reviewing analytical products for accuracy and analytical soundness; and ability to mentor junior analysts in development of analytic judgments, thought processes, and drafting intelligence products.
  6. Skill in preparing and presenting clear, concise, effective presentations of complex technical material to senior level audiences using a variety of media tools; demonstrated experience representing an organization and defending organization's position in conferences, working groups, and planning sessions. Skill in accomplishing liaison and coordination with counterpart specialists in the law enforcement, counterintelligence, and/or intelligence communities, both nationally and internationally.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS
  • Special Sensitive: Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret, Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Security Clearance. This position is designated Special Sensitive and requires eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in Top Secret Special Access Programs (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. A non-disclosure agreement must be signed.
  • Drug Testing: This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety.
  • Professional Staff (Pro-Staff) Suitability Investigation (PSI): The selectee must undergo an internal background investigation by AFOSI and must be approved for duty by the Commander of AFOSI or the Commander's designated representative(s).
  • Polygraph: Incumbent is subject to psychological screening/polygraph testing as an inherent primary requirement of their position.
  • Mobility: Mobility is a condition of employment. The employee must sign an Air Force-wide mobility agreement.
  • Overtime may be required as workload demands and in some cases with no-notice due to urgency of time-sensitive matters. Periodic shift work may be required if assigned as a watch-standing analyst.
  • Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft/vehicle to conferences, meetings, or functions away from the duty office/location. Travel may include overnight stays.
  • An advanced intelligence-related or professional/scientific degree is highly desired.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel Systems (DCIPS) position implemented under Section 504, Title V of Public Law 99-569, Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987, as codified in Sec 1601, Chap 83 of Title 10 United States Code which sets forth Air Force policies and procedures for DCIPS. This position is in the Excepted Service.
DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you must submit documents verifying your eligibility with your application package.
For additional information on DCIPS, click hereEmployment Type: OTHER

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