Marine Corps 0241 Imagery Analysis Specialist to Civilian: Complete Career Guide (2025 Salaries)
Career transition guide for 0241 Imagery Analysts. NGA positions $70K-$135K, GEOINT contractor roles $80K-$150K+, commercial imagery analysis $75K-$125K, with current 2025 salary data and certification requirements.
Bottom Line Up Front
As a 0241 Imagery Analysis Specialist, you possess highly specialized GEOINT skills that are in massive demand: imagery intelligence analysis (IMINT/GEOINT), geospatial analysis, change detection, pattern-of-life analysis, and Secret/Top Secret clearances. Your specialized imagery analysis experience translates directly to $75,000-$130,000+ positions with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), defense contractors supporting GEOINT missions, commercial satellite imagery companies, and private sector geospatial intelligence firms. With an active TS/SCI clearance, you can command $90,000-$155,000+ immediately. The GEOINT field is exploding—commercial satellite imagery, AI-enhanced analysis, and national security missions create massive demand for experienced imagery analysts. Your skills are exactly what the market needs.
Let's address the elephant in the room
Every 0241 who transitions asks: "Does civilian industry even need imagery analysts?" and "Isn't this just a military skillset?"
Here's the reality: The GEOINT industry is booming, and experienced imagery analysts are in short supply.
You didn't just "look at satellite photos." You:
- Conducted imagery intelligence analysis using multispectral and SAR imagery
- Performed change detection and pattern-of-life analysis
- Conducted geospatial analysis and terrain analysis
- Produced imagery intelligence reports and assessments
- Exploited full-motion video (FMV) for intelligence purposes
- Used GEOINT tools (RemoteView, SOCET GXP, ArcGIS, Google Earth Pro)
- Supported targeting and operational planning with GEOINT products
- Maintained Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearances
- Briefed commanders on imagery intelligence findings
- Fused imagery with other intelligence sources (SIGINT, HUMINT)
That's geospatial intelligence analysis, remote sensing interpretation, data analysis, visual intelligence, technical expertise with GIS systems, and classified information handling. NGA, defense GEOINT contractors, commercial satellite companies (Maxar, Planet, BlackSky), and private sector intelligence firms pay premium salaries for exactly these skills.
The challenge isn't proving your value—it's understanding where GEOINT careers exist beyond DoD and how to market your specialized skillset.
Best civilian career paths for 0241 Imagery Analysts
Let's get specific with real job titles and 2025 salary data.
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) - Gold standard for imagery analysts
Civilian job titles:
- Imagery analyst (GEOINT analyst)
- Geospatial analyst
- GEOINT integrator
- Targeting analyst
- Multi-INT analyst
- GEOINT collection manager
Salary ranges (2025 GS pay scale, DC/St. Louis locality):
- GS-9/11 entry: $60,000-$82,000
- GS-12 (mid-career): $85,000-$108,000
- GS-13 (senior analyst): $105,000-$135,000
- GS-14 (lead analyst): $125,000-$160,000
- GS-15 (senior leadership): $148,000-$192,000
What translates directly:
- Imagery intelligence analysis (IMINT/GEOINT)
- Geospatial analysis and mapping
- Change detection and pattern analysis
- Full-motion video exploitation
- GEOINT tools and systems (RemoteView, SOCET GXP, ArcGIS)
- Multi-source intelligence integration
- Active clearance (Secret or TS/SCI)
Path requirements:
- Bachelor's degree (required; geospatial science, geography, or related field preferred)
- Active clearance (NGA will sponsor renewal, but active is better)
- Polygraph (counterintelligence scope required)
- Background investigation (12-18 months if clearance needs renewal)
Reality check: NGA is the premier GEOINT organization in the U.S. Intelligence Community. You'll conduct imagery analysis supporting military operations, intelligence operations, disaster response, and national security missions.
NGA has two major locations: Springfield, VA (DC area) and St. Louis, MO. Springfield pays higher locality adjustment; St. Louis has lower cost of living.
Hiring timeline is 12-24 months (background investigation, polygraph, medical screening). It's slow but worth it.
Your 0241 experience is exactly what NGA wants. You know imagery analysis, understand GEOINT tradecraft, and have operational experience.
Benefits are excellent: federal pension after 20 years, TSP matching, health insurance, job security. Promotion is structured through GS grades.
Career progression: Analyst (GS-9/11) → Analyst (GS-12) → Senior Analyst (GS-13) → Lead Analyst (GS-14) → Branch Chief (GS-14/15).
The mission is unmatched. You're conducting GEOINT analysis at the national level supporting everything from counterterrorism to strategic intelligence.
Best for: 0241s who want the premier GEOINT mission, federal benefits, job security, and are willing to endure the long hiring process.
Defense contractors - GEOINT analysis support (best immediate pay)
Civilian job titles:
- Imagery analyst (GEOINT analyst)
- Geospatial intelligence analyst
- Targeting analyst (GEOINT)
- Full-motion video analyst
- GEOINT integrator
- All-source analyst (GEOINT focus)
- GEOINT trainer/instructor
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level with active clearance: $75,000-$95,000
- GEOINT analyst (2-4 years experience): $95,000-$120,000
- Senior GEOINT analyst: $120,000-$145,000
- Lead analyst/manager: $135,000-$165,000
- Subject matter expert (SME): $150,000-$180,000
- Overseas contractor (high-threat): $130,000-$200,000+
Top employers actively hiring 0241s:
- Booz Allen Hamilton (major GEOINT practice)
- CACI International (GEOINT operations support)
- Leidos (GEOINT mission services)
- BAE Systems (GEOINT and intelligence)
- General Dynamics IT (GEOINT support to NGA/DoD)
- Parsons (GEOINT analysis)
- Peraton (GEOINT operations)
- PAE (GEOINT support to SOF)
- SAIC (GEOINT intelligence)
What translates directly:
- Imagery intelligence analysis
- Geospatial analysis and production
- Change detection and temporal analysis
- FMV exploitation
- GEOINT tools (RemoteView, SOCET GXP, ArcGIS, ENVI)
- Multi-INT fusion
- Active TS/SCI clearance (worth $25K-40K premium)
Certifications needed:
- Active Secret or TS/SCI clearance (critical—highest value asset)
- Associate's or bachelor's degree (required by prime contractors)
- Security+ or equivalent (DoD 8570 compliance)
- GEOINT training certifications (document military imagery analyst courses)
- USGIF GEOINT certifications (optional but valuable—see below)
Reality check: Defense contractors supporting NGA, SOCOM, CENTCOM, and other agencies will hire you immediately with an active clearance. Entry pay is $75K-95K; experienced analysts make $110K-145K.
The work is often identical to military GEOINT analysis: exploiting imagery, conducting change detection, supporting targeting, producing GEOINT assessments. Just in civilian clothes for significantly better pay.
Many positions support deployed forces or overseas operations. CONUS positions exist but overseas deployments (6-12 months) pay significantly more.
Contracts are cyclical—companies win and lose contracts. Job security comes from being good enough that companies keep you when contracts transition.
Your clearance is currency. With active TS/SCI, you're worth $90K-130K immediately. Let it lapse and you're competing with hundreds of cleared analysts.
Best for: 0241s with active clearances who want maximum immediate pay using GEOINT skills with minimal transition time or retraining.
Commercial satellite imagery companies (booming industry)
Civilian job titles:
- Imagery analyst
- Geospatial analyst
- Remote sensing analyst
- Image scientist
- GEOINT product lead
- Analytic methodologist
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level analyst: $70,000-$90,000
- Imagery analyst (2-4 years): $90,000-$115,000
- Senior analyst: $115,000-$140,000
- Lead analyst/manager: $130,000-$165,000
- Director of analytics: $160,000-$220,000+
Top commercial GEOINT employers:
- Maxar Technologies (satellite imagery and GEOINT products)
- Planet Labs (daily satellite imagery)
- BlackSky (real-time imagery intelligence)
- HawkEye 360 (RF geospatial analytics)
- Capella Space (SAR imagery)
- Umbra (SAR satellite intelligence)
- Satellogic (high-res satellite imagery)
What translates directly:
- Imagery analysis and interpretation
- Change detection and monitoring
- Pattern-of-life analysis
- Geospatial analysis
- Multi-spectral and SAR imagery exploitation
- GEOINT production
Certifications needed:
- Bachelor's degree (required; geography, geospatial science, or related field)
- Clearance (not required but valuable—many contracts require it)
- GIS certifications (GISP, Esri certifications helpful)
- Remote sensing knowledge (courses or certifications valuable)
Reality check: Commercial satellite imagery is exploding. Companies like Maxar, Planet, and BlackSky provide imagery to government, military, corporations, and media. They need experienced analysts.
Your military GEOINT training gives you analytical rigor, structured methodology, and technical expertise that commercial companies value.
Clearances aren't always required, but many commercial companies have government contracts where clearances are needed—your TS/SCI is still an asset.
Work involves analyzing commercial satellite imagery for customers: tracking crop health, monitoring construction projects, environmental analysis, maritime domain awareness, national security applications.
Work-life balance is generally better than government/contractor GEOINT work. Corporate environment, regular hours (mostly), better benefits than contractors.
The industry is growing fast. Commercial imagery resolution keeps improving, revisit rates are increasing, and applications are expanding.
Best for: 0241s who want to use GEOINT skills in commercial space industry, don't want to maintain clearances long-term, and prefer corporate environments.
Private sector intelligence - Open-source GEOINT
Civilian job titles:
- Geospatial intelligence analyst
- Open-source imagery analyst
- OSINT/GEOINT analyst
- Location intelligence analyst
- Geospatial data analyst
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level: $65,000-$85,000
- Mid-level analyst: $85,000-$110,000
- Senior analyst: $110,000-$135,000
- Manager/director: $135,000-$175,000
Top employers:
- Janes (IHS Markit) (defense intelligence)
- Stratfor (RANE) (geopolitical intelligence)
- Recorded Future (threat intelligence with GEOINT)
- C4ADS (conflict and security analysis)
- Bellingcat (investigative journalism/OSINT)
- Corporate security departments (Fortune 500 GEOINT analysis)
What translates directly:
- Imagery analysis using open-source imagery
- Geospatial analysis
- Google Earth and open-source GEOINT tools
- Visual intelligence and pattern recognition
- Analytical methodology
Certifications needed:
- Bachelor's degree (required)
- No clearance required (but military GEOINT experience is valued)
- OSINT training (helpful)
- GIS certifications (GISP, Esri)
Reality check: Open-source GEOINT is growing. Companies analyze open-source satellite imagery (Planet, Maxar commercial products) for corporate clients, media, NGOs, and government.
You're using the same analytical skills on unclassified commercial imagery. Tracking construction projects, monitoring conflicts, analyzing supply chains, environmental monitoring.
No clearance required—your military training demonstrates analytical competency without needing to maintain clearances.
Pay is lower than cleared contractor work but work-life balance is better. You're not deploying or working shifts.
Best for: 0241s who want to use GEOINT skills without clearance requirements or government/military focus.
Federal law enforcement and DHS - Geospatial intelligence
Civilian job titles:
- Geospatial intelligence analyst (FBI, DEA, CBP)
- GEOINT analyst (DHS)
- Imagery analyst (federal LE)
- Targeting analyst (ICE/HSI)
Salary ranges (GS scale with locality):
- Entry GS-9/11: $60,000-$80,000
- Mid-career GS-12: $85,000-$105,000
- Senior analyst GS-13: $105,000-$130,000
- Supervisory GS-14/15: $125,000-$160,000
What translates directly:
- Imagery analysis
- Geospatial analysis for operations
- Pattern-of-life analysis
- Surveillance support using imagery
- GIS and mapping
Path requirements:
- Bachelor's degree (required)
- Background investigation (12-24 months depending on agency)
- Polygraph (FBI requires; varies by agency)
Reality check: FBI, DEA, CBP, and DHS use GEOINT analysts to support criminal investigations, border security, counterterrorism, and counterintelligence.
You're applying GEOINT tradecraft to law enforcement instead of military operations. Same analytical skills, different mission.
Federal benefits, job security, pension—same advantages as other federal positions.
Best for: 0241s who want to apply GEOINT skills to law enforcement missions with federal benefits.
Skills translation table (for your resume)
Stop writing "0241 Imagery Analysis Specialist" on civilian resumes. Translate it:
| Military Skill | Civilian Translation |
|---|---|
| 0241 Imagery analyst | Geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) analyst; imagery intelligence specialist |
| Imagery intelligence analysis (IMINT) | Analyzed satellite and aerial imagery for intelligence production |
| Change detection | Conducted temporal analysis and change detection using multi-date imagery |
| Pattern-of-life analysis | Analyzed behavioral patterns and activity trends through imagery intelligence |
| Full-motion video exploitation | Exploited gun-camera and UAV video for intelligence purposes |
| GEOINT tools (RemoteView, SOCET GXP) | Proficient in geospatial intelligence platforms and remote sensing software |
| ArcGIS and mapping | Created geospatial products and intelligence maps using GIS software |
| Multi-INT fusion | Integrated imagery intelligence with SIGINT and HUMINT for comprehensive analysis |
| TS/SCI clearance | Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance |
| Briefed commanders on imagery findings | Presented geospatial intelligence assessments to senior leadership |
Resume tips for 0241s:
- Lead with clearance and specialty: "TS/SCI cleared Geospatial Intelligence Analyst with 5+ years imagery analysis experience"
- Quantify production: "Produced 400+ imagery intelligence reports supporting combat operations"
- Emphasize technical skills: "Proficient in RemoteView, SOCET GXP, ArcGIS, ENVI, and Google Earth Pro"
- Highlight results: "Imagery analysis directly enabled identification of 60+ high-value targets"
- Use industry terminology: "GEOINT" and "imagery intelligence" are more civilian-friendly than "0241"
Certifications that actually matter for 0241s
Here's what's worth pursuing:
Critical priority:
Maintain your clearance - Your Secret or TS/SCI clearance is worth $25K-40K in immediate salary for GEOINT positions. With active clearance, NGA and contractors will hire you at $80K-120K immediately. Let it lapse and you're waiting 12-18 months. Value: Priceless.
Bachelor's degree in GEOINT-related field - Required by NGA and most contractors. Geography, geospatial science, geographic information systems, remote sensing, earth sciences, or even general studies works. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Value: Mandatory for most GEOINT positions.
Security+ or equivalent - Required for DoD 8570 compliance if you're accessing DoD IT systems. Cost: $400 exam. Time: 2-4 weeks study. Value: Opens most contractor GEOINT positions.
High priority (significantly boost employability):
USGIF GEOINT Professional Certification (GPC) - Industry-recognized GEOINT certification from United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation. Shows professional GEOINT competency. Cost: $200-400 depending on level. Time: Study + exam. Value: Competitive advantage; demonstrates professional development.
Esri ArcGIS certifications - ArcGIS is standard in GEOINT field. Esri certifications (Desktop, Pro, Image Analyst) demonstrate technical proficiency. Cost: $200-300 per exam. Value: Technical credibility; many job postings prefer or require.
GISP (GIS Professional Certification) - Professional GIS certification demonstrating competency. Requires education, experience, and contributions. Cost: $400. Value: Respected professional certification in GIS/GEOINT field.
Medium priority (valuable for career advancement):
Master's degree in Geospatial Science or related - Not required initially, but valuable for senior positions (GS-13+) and career advancement. Geospatial science, geography, remote sensing, GIS, or data science. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Time: 18-24 months part-time. Value: Career advancement to senior positions.
Remote Sensing certifications - ASPRS (American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing) certifications. Cost: $300-500. Value: Demonstrates specialized remote sensing expertise.
Project Management Professional (PMP) - For GEOINT program management roles. Requires 3 years experience. Cost: $500-1,000 exam. Value: Opens $130K-170K program manager positions.
Low priority (nice to have):
Certified Defense Intelligence Professional (CDIP) - DoD intelligence certification. Free for military/federal. Value: Shows professional development but not critical.
Programming certifications (Python, R) - If pivoting to geospatial data science or automated imagery analysis. Cost: varies. Value: Opens emerging AI/ML GEOINT analysis roles.
The skills gap (what you need to learn)
Let's be honest about civilian GEOINT work versus military:
Commercial GEOINT tools: You know RemoteView and SOCET GXP. Civilian employers use ArcGIS (standard), ENVI, Erdas Imagine, QGIS (open-source), and commercial platforms. Learn ArcGIS—it's everywhere. Free tutorials available from Esri.
Business communication: Military GEOINT reports work, but civilian organizations want polished PowerPoint presentations and executive summaries. Polish your business communication.
Unclassified analysis: Commercial companies work with unclassified imagery. You're used to classified systems—adjust to working in unclass environments.
Programming and automation: Emerging GEOINT roles want Python or R skills for automated analysis and machine learning. Not required for entry-level but valuable for career growth. Learn Python basics (free online courses).
Networking: In the military, assignments come to you. In civilian careers, you need LinkedIn, attend GEOINT conferences (GEOINT Symposium), join USGIF, and network. Get comfortable with it.
Resume and interviewing: Translating "0241" for civilian HR requires practice. Use the translation table. Practice explaining GEOINT work in unclassified, civilian-friendly terms.
Real 0241 success stories
Kevin, 27, former 0241 E-5 → NGA geospatial analyst (GS-12)
After 6 years including two deployments, Kevin got out with active TS/SCI. Applied to NGA, 18-month hiring process (polygraph, background investigation). Started as GS-11 at $76,000. Promoted to GS-12 after 2 years, now makes $98,000. "NGA hiring was slow but worth it. I'm doing the same GEOINT analysis I did in the Marines—same mission, federal benefits, St. Louis cost of living."
Lisa, 29, former 0241 E-6 → Maxar imagery analyst
Lisa did 8 years, got out as a Staff Sergeant. Wanted to leave government work. Applied to Maxar, Planet, and BlackSky. Maxar hired her at $95,000. "Commercial satellite imagery is booming. I analyze imagery for government and corporate clients. My military training gave me credibility—they knew I could do the work."
Marcus, 26, former 0241 E-4 → Booz Allen GEOINT contractor
Marcus transitioned after 5 years with active TS/SCI. Posted resume on ClearanceJobs Friday, had recruiter calls Monday. Interviewed with Booz Allen and Leidos. Took Booz Allen offer supporting NGA at $88,000. Three years later makes $118,000. "The clearance was everything. They needed cleared GEOINT analysts immediately. I'm doing the same work I did in uniform for way better pay."
Amanda, 28, former 0241 E-5 → BlackSky geospatial analyst
Amanda wanted tech industry after 7 years. Transitioned to commercial space company BlackSky. Started at $85,000, now $110,000 after 3 years. "I analyze real-time satellite imagery for customers—everything from maritime tracking to infrastructure monitoring. Same analytical skills, corporate environment, better work-life balance."
Action plan: Your first 90 days out
Month 1: Foundation and clearance
-
Week 1-2:
- Verify clearance status (contact S-2; check DISS)
- Get 10 certified copies of DD-214
- Apply for VA benefits if eligible
- Create professional email (firstname.lastname@gmail.com)
- Set up LinkedIn with professional photo (mention GEOINT)
-
Week 3-4:
- Update resume with civilian terminology (use translation table)
- Register on ClearanceJobs.com (primary for cleared GEOINT work)
- Create USAJOBS account (for NGA and federal positions)
- Join USGIF (United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation) (student membership $35/year)
- Research target employers (NGA, Booz Allen, CACI, Maxar, Planet)
Month 2: Applications and skill development
-
Week 5-6:
- Apply to NGA (start immediately—18-24 month process)
- Apply to 20+ contractor positions on ClearanceJobs
- Apply to commercial companies (Maxar, Planet, BlackSky)
- Connect with 25+ GEOINT professionals on LinkedIn
- Start free ArcGIS tutorials (Esri Training)
-
Week 7-8:
- Continue applications (15+ per week)
- Get Security+ certification if needed ($400 exam, 2-4 weeks study)
- Study for USGIF GEOINT Professional Certification (GPC)
- If no degree: Enroll in bachelor's program in geography/GIS (GI Bill)
- Attend virtual GEOINT hiring events
Month 3: Interviews and certifications
-
Week 9-10:
- Interview phase (contractors move fastest)
- Take USGIF GEOINT Professional Certification exam
- Get professional interview outfit
- Prepare portfolio: resume, references, sanitized GEOINT work examples
- Research company missions and contracts before interviews
-
Week 11-12:
- Evaluate offers (salary, clearance, location, mission)
- Negotiate salary (clearance and GEOINT specialty give you leverage)
- Consider contractor role while waiting for NGA (long timeline)
- Accept offer and begin transition
- Register for GEOINT Symposium (annual conference—excellent for networking)
Bottom line for 0241 Imagery Analysts
Your 0241 GEOINT experience is in high demand across government, defense contractors, and commercial satellite industry. You're not starting over—you're entering a booming field that desperately needs experienced imagery analysts.
NGA will pay $70K-105K to start with federal benefits and progression to $130K-160K at senior levels. Defense contractors will pay $80K-120K immediately with clearances. Commercial satellite companies pay $75K-115K without clearance requirements.
Your clearance is worth $25K-40K in immediate salary—maintain it if possible.
The GEOINT field is exploding. Commercial satellites, AI-enhanced analysis, and expanding national security missions create massive demand for experienced analysts.
First-year civilian income of $75K-105K is realistic for 0241s with clearances. Within 5 years, $110K-145K+ is achievable through strategic moves and certifications.
Execute your transition with the same analytical precision you brought to imagery analysis. Research targets, apply strategically, get GEOINT certifications, and network within the GEOINT community.
Semper Fi, and good luck in your next mission.
Ready to transition your GEOINT career? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to research GEOINT positions, track applications, and plan your civilian career path.