How much should an enlisted intelligence specialist expect as a salary in the civilian sector?

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 May 2016 12:56:47 -0400

This is mainly just a hypothetical. I am not even close to getting out right now, but if I were to get out I would want to know. Also, how much extra earning potential does a masters degree add to that? A focus on the DC metro area is preferred.

Response by SFC Josh Billingsley made May 4 at 2016 12:57 PM

SFC Josh Billingsley — Wed, 04 May 2016 12:57:41 -0400

It depends on your career field, availability of talent and your negotiating skills

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2016 1:03 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 May 2016 13:03:52 -0400

I agree with SFC Josh Billingsley. If the availability is for your career field, negotiations, etc. Also if your job can be "converted" into the civilian sector. My job isn't transferable due to the classification; I would only be able to be an Electrician at best.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2016 1:14 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 May 2016 13:14:28 -0400

Ok I should have elaborated a bit more. I am referring specifically to all source analysts and/or open source analysts.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 4 at 2016 4:08 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 04 May 2016 16:08:58 -0400

It has nothing to do with whether you are enlisted or not, it depends more on the field and your specialty. You can google average salary's for professions and regions.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made May 4 at 2016 8:40 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Wed, 04 May 2016 20:40:01 -0400

Not much. Your specific career field is about as useful in the civilian world as a plow horse on todays farms. You need to focus in on the skills that you use to be successful in intelligence and then see how those skills are used in the civilian world. DC metro area may be able to use your intelligence background, but what happens when the civilian company you work for loses its contract? By all means pursue a Masters , it will increase your worth to any future employer. Again don't focus on intelligence, but rather the skills you use to be good in the intelligence career field

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2017 10:43 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 22:43:05 -0400

As a guy who just attempted to get out and researched the job market extensively, it really depends on if you go contractor or GS. If you are a single guy or no kids, contractor is probably better. I'm not sure about DC area, but I wouldn't move there unless Jesus himself told me to.

I have a couple friends who are contractors in the area who got out with between 4-9 years experience, and they both started making $70K a year, with overtime on top of that.

I put my resume on clearance jobs, and got some preliminary job offers quickly. I talked with one company who had 30 positions open at NGA St Louis for FMV analyst making 60-70K, and they were not the only company to offer me a job.

I ultimately stayed in because I would have to move, work more, and make comparatively less money when you factor kids and a wife.

Most of the GS jobs were either really low like GS 5/6, or GS 12-14. I really needed to pick up GS 8-9 to make about the same. Customs & Border Patrol has quite a few 13 Intel positions, but they hire within, even though I qualify for the position I can't get it competing against current employees. CBP is currently waving the polygraph requirement for military with TS clearances, I encourage you to look at it.

Response by SA Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2018 2:26 PM

SA Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 14:26:39 -0400

Ive seen fbi and Cia go for $70,000 a year for special agents if you like a career in things like that. It may be higher I don't know.