Intelligence AI Analyst Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$118,000
national median salary
$85,000 to $155,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$168,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$123,000
New York, NY
Lowest Paying
$89,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Intelligence AI Analyst salary in the United States is $118,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $85,000 at the 25th percentile to $155,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $168,000, while New York offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Compensation reflects the combination of intelligence analysis expertise and AI tool proficiency.
Intelligence AI Analyst salary by city
Skills that increase Intelligence AI Analyst pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Intelligence AI Analysts based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $16,520 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$16,520 per year
≈ +$15,340 per year
≈ +$14,160 per year
≈ +$12,980 per year
≈ +$11,800 per year
≈ +$11,800 per year
≈ +$11,800 per year
≈ +$10,620 per year
What you should know
Compensation reflects the combination of intelligence analysis expertise and AI tool proficiency. Analysts who can leverage ML for pattern recognition, OSINT analysis, and geospatial intelligence earn premiums over traditional analysts. Security clearance level is a major salary driver. Experience with NLP for multi-language intelligence processing adds significant value.
Junior intelligence AI analysts start at $75,000 to $90,000. Mid-level analysts with deployed AI tools reach $110,000 to $135,000. Senior analysts leading AI-augmented intelligence programs earn $140,000 to $175,000. Directors of AI intelligence at agencies or contractors can reach $190,000 to $240,000 in total compensation.
Government civilian positions (GS-13 to GS-15) include pension, TSP matching, and generous leave policies. Contractor positions offer 10% to 15% bonuses and potentially higher base salaries. Retention bonuses for cleared analysts range from $5,000 to $20,000. Some agencies offer student loan repayment programs.