Aspiring Defense Analysts can select either a military or civilian career path. Non-military candidates must obtain a bachelor’s degree, though the exact field of study can vary. Some common majors include criminal justice, law, history, international relations, and computer science. Individuals who opt for the military track will receive the relevant education required through basic and specialized training via the military and must pass certain skills assessments. For either path, it’s helpful to have some prior work experience that demonstrates your ability to problem-solve and analyze data. Experience in law enforcement or cybersecurity is a plus. Typically, a Defense Analyst position requires a background check and security clearance; some organizations demand additional physical exams and mental health clearances to ensure your success in a high-stress environment.

If you are interested in a job related to Defense Analyst, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Defense Analyst Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Defense Analyst positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Splunk Cybersecurity Defense Analyst
Salary range: $79,500 - $115,500
Splunk Cybersecurity Defense Analyst is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Splunk Cybersecurity Defense Analyst jobs pay between $79,500 (25th percentile) and $115,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Splunk Cybersecurity Defense Analyst job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Cyber Network Defense Analyst
Salary range: $91,500 - $130,000
Cyber Network Defense Analyst is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Cyber Network Defense Analyst jobs pay between $91,500 (25th percentile) and $130,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Cyber Network Defense Analyst job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Dc3 Cyber
Salary range: $91,500 - $130,000
Dc3 Cyber is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Dc3 Cyber jobs pay between $91,500 (25th percentile) and $130,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Dc3 Cyber job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Cyber Defense Analyst
Salary range: $91,500 - $130,000
Cyber Defense Analyst is a typical job search query Most salaries for Cyber Defense Analyst jobs pay between $91,500 (25th percentile) and $130,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Cyber Defense Analyst job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Cyber Fusion Analyst
Salary range: $91,500 - $126,500
Cyber Fusion Analyst is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Cyber Fusion Analyst jobs pay between $91,500 (25th percentile) and $126,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Cyber Fusion Analyst job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Cyber Threat Analyst
Salary range: $91,500 - $130,000
As a cyber threat analyst, your primary responsibilities are to determine system vulnerability, monitor and assess potential threats, and ensure a network meets security qualifications. Your duties may also include monitoring cybersecurity programs, gathering technical and tactical information, performing digital forensics, conducting all-source analysis, and posing counteractions to protect intelligence. You also document your findings and prepare and deliver reports on the information you gather, so communication and writing skills are crucial to your success. A cyber threat analyst must be aware of changes and improvements in technology and always pursue learning new industry skills.
Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst Amazon
Salary range: $87,500 - $130,000
Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst Amazon is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst Amazon jobs pay between $87,500 (25th percentile) and $130,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst Amazon job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Cyber Security Analyst Iii
Salary range: $79,500 - $115,500
Cyber Security Analyst Iii is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Cyber Security Analyst Iii jobs pay between $79,500 (25th percentile) and $115,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Cyber Security Analyst Iii job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Cyber Security Analyst
Salary range: $79,500 - $115,500
A cybersecurity analyst works to secure a company or organization’s computer network and monitor for possible threats to the information systems and databases. In this career, your job duties revolve around protecting the company’s sensitive communications and data. You monitor your company's hardware and software to prevent security breaches and run tests to assess the strength of your current security software and strategies. Should you discover a security breach, you need to find the source and close all access to the network. To reduce the risk, you may also be responsible for teaching employees how to safely and securely use the information and communication systems.
Cyber Security
Salary range: $111,000 - $150,000
As a cybersecurity professional, you help protect sensitive data and information online and on your employer’s servers. You manage firewalls, encryption, and databases, working at all times to stay ahead of whatever security threats might be putting your employer at risk. Cybersecurity is never a completed task; you must continue to assess risks and implement updates to stay ahead of them.

All Jobs Defense Analyst Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Defense Analyst Jobs in 2026