IQ Career Lab
Law & Government

IQ Required for Intelligence Analyst

Intelligence Analyst professionals typically score between 111 and 131 on standardized IQ tests, with an average of 121 (Superior).

Average IQ

121

Superior

IQ Range

111131

Typical range

Median Salary

$98,500

Per year

Growth Outlook

4%

Stable

Cognitive Domain Emphasis

Different professions demand different cognitive strengths. Here is how the cognitive demands break down for Intelligence Analyst professionals.

Logical Reasoning30%
Verbal Comprehension30%
Pattern Recognition20%
Mathematical Ability20%

About Intelligence Analyst

Intelligence analysts collect and evaluate information from multiple sources to assess threats to national security. The role demands sharp logical reasoning, pattern recognition to connect disparate data points, and the verbal ability to produce clear, actionable intelligence briefs.

The cognitive profile for this role emphasizes logical reasoning (30% of the cognitive demand) and verbal comprehension (30%). With an average IQ of 121, Intelligence Analyst professionals fall in the superior range of cognitive ability, reflecting the intellectual demands of the role. See what this score means with our IQ Percentile Calculator.

Salary Breakdown

Compensation for Intelligence Analyst professionals varies significantly with experience, location, and specialization.

Entry Level (10th %ile)

$52,700

Median Salary

$98,500

Experienced (90th %ile)

$152,000

Related Professions

Explore other careers with similar cognitive profiles and IQ requirements.

How Our IQ Test Maps to This Career

Our comprehensive IQ assessment measures the same four cognitive domains that define success in Intelligence Analyst roles: Logical Reasoning (30%), Verbal Comprehension (30%), Pattern Recognition (20%), Mathematical Ability (20%).

By taking our assessment, you will receive domain-specific scores that reveal how your cognitive strengths align with the demands of this profession. Whether you are considering a career as a Intelligence Analyst or looking to understand your aptitude for the field, your results provide actionable insight into your fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average IQ of a Intelligence Analyst?
The average IQ for Intelligence Analyst professionals is 121, which falls in the "Superior" range. Individual scores typically range from 111 to 131, reflecting the diversity of cognitive profiles within the field.
What cognitive skills are most important for Intelligence Analyst?
Logical Reasoning is the most emphasized cognitive domain for Intelligence Analyst professionals, accounting for 30% of the cognitive profile. This is followed by the other domains in varying proportions that reflect the unique intellectual demands of the role.
How much does a Intelligence Analyst earn?
The median salary for Intelligence Analyst professionals is $98,500 per year. Entry-level positions (10th percentile) earn around $52,700, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) can earn up to $152,000.
What is the job outlook for Intelligence Analyst?
The job outlook for Intelligence Analyst is stable with a projected growth rate of 4%. This is roughly in line with the national average.
Do I need a high IQ to become a Intelligence Analyst?
No. While the average IQ for Intelligence Analyst professionals is 121, IQ is only one factor in career success. Motivation, education, relevant skills, and work experience matter significantly. Many successful Intelligence Analyst professionals have IQ scores across the full 111–131 range and beyond. Use these figures as context for cognitive demands, not as a prerequisite.

Career Resources

Explore our career advice articles for more insights on using your cognitive strengths in the job market.

See how your IQ compares to Intelligence Analyst professionals

Take our free cognitive assessment to discover your IQ score and see how it aligns with the Intelligence Analyst cognitive profile.

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