Coast Guard IS to Civilian: Complete Intelligence Career Transition Guide (2024 Salaries)
Coast Guard Intelligence Specialists transitioning to civilian intelligence analyst, defense contractor, and federal intelligence careers. Salary ranges $70K-$150K+ with clearance. Certification pathways.
Bottom Line Up Front
Coast Guard Intelligence Specialists have highly specialized skills in intelligence analysis, threat assessment, and security operations that translate directly to federal intelligence agencies, defense contractors, and private sector intelligence roles. Your experience with classified intelligence systems, analytical tradecraft, and Top Secret/SCI clearance makes you a premium candidate. Realistic first-year salaries range from $70,000-$95,000 for defense contractor and federal positions, with experienced intelligence analysts hitting $95,000-$130,000+ and senior analysts with TS/SCI clearances exceeding $130,000-$150,000+. The intelligence community faces critical shortages. Your clearance alone is worth $20,000-$40,000 in salary premium.
Let's address the elephant in the room
Every Coast Guard IS transitioning out hears: "Intelligence skills don't transfer to civilian work."
That's complete nonsense.
Here's what you actually did in the Coast Guard:
- Analyzed classified intelligence from SIGINT, HUMINT, OSINT, and other sources
- Produced intelligence reports and briefings for operational commanders
- Assessed threats to maritime operations, ports, and coastal security
- Worked with multi-agency intelligence partners (DHS, FBI, CBP, Navy, NSA)
- Maintained Top Secret/SCI security clearance
- Used specialized intelligence databases and analytical tools
- Conducted intelligence fusion and all-source analysis
- Supported counter-narcotics, counter-terrorism, and maritime security operations
That's exactly what civilian intelligence analysts, defense contractors, and federal intelligence professionals do.
The difference? Civilian employers care deeply about your security clearance, your analytical experience, and your ability to produce actionable intelligence. You have all three.
Best civilian career paths for Coast Guard IS
Let's get specific. Here are the high-paying roles where Coast Guard ISs consistently land.
Defense contractor intelligence analyst (highest immediate pay)
Civilian job titles:
- Intelligence Analyst (defense contractor)
- All-Source Intelligence Analyst
- Targeting Analyst
- Geospatial Intelligence Analyst
- Maritime Intelligence Analyst
- Threat Analyst
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level (with clearance): $70,000-$90,000
- Mid-level analyst (3-5 years): $90,000-$115,000
- Senior analyst (TS/SCI + experience): $115,000-$145,000
- Lead analyst / SME: $135,000-$165,000+
Major defense contractors (Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, CACI, SAIC, BAE Systems, General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman) hire intelligence analysts to support DoD, DHS, FBI, NSA, and other agencies.
What translates directly:
- All-source intelligence analysis
- Intelligence reporting and briefing
- Working with classified systems and databases
- Threat assessment and pattern analysis
- Multi-agency intelligence coordination
- Maritime domain awareness (Coast Guard specialty)
Certifications needed:
- Active TS/SCI clearance (massive advantage—non-negotiable for most roles)
- No specific certifications required, but helpful: GCTI (GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence), CPTIA (Certified Practitioner in Threat Intelligence Analysis)
Reality check: Defense contractor intelligence work is the fastest, highest-paying transition for Coast Guard ISs. Your TS/SCI clearance is worth $20,000-$40,000 in salary premium. Contractors desperately need cleared analysts.
Many contracts are OCONUS (overseas support) with higher pay, tax benefits, and per diem. If willing to deploy to Middle East, Europe, or Asia, salaries jump to $110,000-$150,000+ even for mid-level analysts.
Work is similar to Coast Guard IS—analyzing intelligence, producing reports, briefing leadership. But pay is significantly higher and you're a contractor, not enlisted.
Best for: Coast Guard ISs with active TS/SCI clearances who want immediate high pay and similar intelligence work.
Federal intelligence agencies (long-term career, benefits)
Civilian job titles:
- Intelligence Analyst (GS-2210, 0132, 1801 series)
- Counterintelligence Analyst
- All-Source Analyst
- Targeting Analyst
- Watch Officer
- Intelligence Officer
Target agencies:
- DHS Intelligence & Analysis (I&A) - Coast Guard's parent agency, natural fit
- CBP (Customs and Border Protection) Intelligence - border and maritime threats
- FBI Intelligence Analyst Program - counterterrorism, counterintelligence
- CIA - National Clandestine Service, Directorate of Analysis
- NSA - SIGINT analysis
- DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency) - military intelligence
- NGA (National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency) - GEOINT analysis
- USCG Intelligence Coordination Center (ICC) - civilian Coast Guard intel positions
Salary ranges:
- GS-9 to GS-11 (entry-level): $60,000-$80,000
- GS-12 (experienced analyst): $85,000-$110,000
- GS-13 (senior analyst): $100,000-$130,000
- GS-14 to GS-15 (supervisory/senior): $120,000-$160,000+
What translates directly:
- Intelligence analysis methodology
- Working with classified systems
- Multi-agency coordination
- Security clearance (5-10 point veteran preference applies)
- Intelligence reporting and dissemination
Certifications needed:
- Active security clearance (Secret minimum, TS/SCI preferred)
- Bachelor's degree (often required or strongly preferred for GS-11+)
- No specific certifications required, but intelligence community certifications (GCTI, etc.) help
Reality check: Federal intelligence jobs offer job security, excellent benefits, pension, and clear GS progression. But hiring is slow (8-12 months from application to start).
Veteran preference applies—5 points (or 10 points if disabled). This moves you to top of candidate lists.
DHS, CBP, and Coast Guard civilian intel positions are natural fits for former Coast Guard ISs. Your maritime intelligence experience is directly applicable.
CIA and FBI have competitive programs specifically for veterans. Apply early and be patient with hiring timelines.
Best for: Coast Guard ISs who want long-term career stability, federal benefits, pension, and are willing to wait through slow hiring processes.
Private sector threat intelligence and risk analysis
Civilian job titles:
- Threat Intelligence Analyst
- Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst
- Risk Analyst
- Security Intelligence Analyst
- OSINT Analyst (Open Source Intelligence)
- Competitive Intelligence Analyst
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level threat analyst: $70,000-$90,000
- Mid-level cyber threat analyst: $90,000-$120,000
- Senior threat intelligence analyst: $120,000-$145,000
- Threat intelligence manager: $130,000-$165,000+
Private companies (tech firms, financial institutions, energy companies, maritime shipping companies) hire threat intelligence analysts to assess cyber threats, geopolitical risks, competitive intelligence, and security threats.
What translates directly:
- Intelligence collection and analysis
- Threat assessment and reporting
- Working with multiple intelligence sources
- Analytical writing and briefing
Certifications needed:
- GCTI (GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence) - highly valued for cyber threat roles
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) - helpful for understanding cyber threats
- OSCP, CISSP, or similar cybersecurity certs - if targeting cyber threat intelligence
Reality check: Private sector threat intelligence is a growing field. Companies need analysts who understand threat landscapes, geopolitical risks, and security intelligence.
Your Coast Guard IS experience in threat analysis translates, but you may need to learn cyber threat intelligence (malware analysis, threat actor TTPs, cyber threat frameworks). Self-study and certifications help.
Maritime companies (shipping, port operators, offshore energy) value your maritime domain awareness and threat assessment skills.
Pay is strong ($90K-$145K+) and work-life balance is generally better than government or contractors. But private sector doesn't require clearances (which reduces your clearance premium value).
Best for: Coast Guard ISs who want private sector work, are willing to learn cyber threat intelligence, and prefer corporate environments over government work.
Law enforcement intelligence analyst
Civilian job titles:
- Law Enforcement Intelligence Analyst
- Crime Analyst
- Investigative Analyst
- Fusion Center Analyst
- Counternarcotics Analyst
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level crime analyst: $55,000-$70,000
- Mid-level intelligence analyst: $70,000-$90,000
- Senior analyst / fusion center lead: $90,000-$110,000
Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies (FBI, DEA, ATF, state police, major city police departments, fusion centers) hire intelligence analysts to support investigations and operations.
What translates directly:
- Intelligence analysis supporting operations
- Link analysis and pattern recognition
- Multi-agency coordination
- Counter-narcotics intelligence (Coast Guard specialty)
- Threat assessments
Certifications needed:
- LEIU (Law Enforcement Intelligence Units) training - often employer-provided
- Crime analysis certifications (IACA) - helpful but not required
Reality check: Law enforcement intelligence analyst roles pay less than defense contractors but offer mission focus similar to Coast Guard work. You're supporting criminal investigations, counter-narcotics, and counterterrorism.
FBI Intelligence Analyst Program is highly competitive but actively recruits veterans. DEA values Coast Guard IS counter-narcotics experience heavily.
State and local fusion centers (multi-agency intelligence hubs) hire analysts with military intelligence backgrounds and security clearances.
Best for: Coast Guard ISs who want law enforcement mission focus and are willing to accept lower pay than contractor roles.
Maritime intelligence and port security
Civilian job titles:
- Maritime Intelligence Analyst
- Port Security Analyst
- Maritime Domain Awareness Analyst
- Shipping Industry Intelligence Analyst
Salary ranges:
- Maritime intelligence analyst: $75,000-$95,000
- Port security analyst: $80,000-$105,000
- Senior maritime intelligence analyst: $100,000-$125,000
Port operators, shipping companies, maritime security firms, and CBP Port Security Units hire analysts who understand maritime threats.
What translates directly:
- Everything. Your Coast Guard maritime intelligence experience is perfectly aligned.
- Maritime domain awareness
- Vessel tracking and threat assessment
- Port security and maritime law enforcement intelligence
- Counter-smuggling and counter-narcotics
Certifications needed:
- No specific requirements, but maritime industry knowledge is highly valued
Reality check: This is a niche but excellent fit for Coast Guard ISs. You understand maritime operations, vessel movements, port security threats, and smuggling tactics better than any civilian analyst.
Positions exist at major ports (Los Angeles, New York/New Jersey, Houston, Miami, Seattle), CBP Port Security, and private maritime security companies.
Pay is competitive and work leverages your unique Coast Guard maritime intelligence expertise.
Best for: Coast Guard ISs who want to stay in maritime intelligence and leverage their unique domain expertise.
Skills translation table (for your resume)
Stop writing "Coast Guard Intelligence Specialist" on your resume. Use civilian-friendly language:
| Coast Guard Duty | Civilian Resume Translation |
|---|---|
| Conducted all-source intelligence analysis | Performed multi-source intelligence analysis integrating SIGINT, HUMINT, OSINT, and GEOINT to assess threats and support operations |
| Produced intelligence reports and briefings | Authored intelligence assessments, threat reports, and executive briefings for senior leadership and operational commanders |
| Maintained TS/SCI security clearance | Hold active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance with polygraph |
| Supported counter-narcotics operations | Conducted intelligence analysis supporting multi-agency counter-narcotics investigations and interdiction operations |
| Analyzed maritime threats and vessel movements | Assessed maritime domain threats including smuggling, illegal immigration, and security risks to ports and coastal areas |
| Used intelligence databases and analytical tools | Proficient in intelligence community databases, analytical software, and classified systems |
| Coordinated with FBI, CBP, DEA, and other agencies | Collaborated with federal, state, and local partners in multi-agency intelligence operations |
Use active verbs: Analyzed, Assessed, Produced, Conducted, Coordinated, Authored, Maintained.
Use numbers: "Analyzed 500+ intelligence reports annually," "Produced 100+ threat assessments," "Supported 50+ operational missions."
Emphasize clearance and analytical skills: "TS/SCI cleared," "All-source intelligence analysis," "Intelligence reporting," "Threat assessment."
Real Coast Guard IS success stories
David, 28, former IS → Booz Allen Hamilton intelligence analyst
David did 6 years as IS, held TS/SCI clearance. Applied to defense contractors 4 months before separation. Got 3 offers. Accepted Booz Allen position supporting DHS at $92K. After 3 years, making $118K as senior analyst. "My clearance was golden. Multiple offers within weeks."
Maria, 30, former IS → FBI Intelligence Analyst
Maria served 8 years, separated as E-6. Applied to FBI Intelligence Analyst Program, used veteran preference. Hired as GS-11 at $75K. After 4 years, GS-13 making $108K. Working counterterrorism mission. "FBI was slow to hire (10 months) but worth the wait. Dream job."
Jason, 26, former IS → Maritime security analyst
Jason did 5 years supporting Coast Guard counter-narcotics intelligence. Got hired by major port operator as maritime intelligence analyst at $82K. Analyzes vessel threats, smuggling patterns, port security. Makes $95K after 2 years. "Perfect fit for my Coast Guard maritime intel background."
Action plan: your first 90 days out
Here's your transition roadmap:
Months 6-12 before separation:
- Ensure clearance is current (critical—don't let it lapse)
- Update resume using civilian intelligence terminology
- Register on ClearanceJobs.com
- Research target employers (contractors, federal agencies, private sector)
- Network with other transitioned ISs (LinkedIn)
- Start bachelor's degree if targeting federal GS-11+ roles (use TA while on active duty)
Month 1-2 after separation:
- Apply to 20+ cleared intelligence jobs per week
- Target defense contractors (Booz Allen, Leidos, CACI, SAIC, BAE)
- Apply to federal positions (USAJOBS.gov—use veteran preference)
- Attend veteran hiring events and intelligence community career fairs
- Get resume reviewed by intelligence community recruiters
Month 3-6:
- Intensify applications—100+ in first 90 days
- Accept offer (prioritize keeping clearance active)
- Start cleared intelligence analyst position
- Build civilian experience and professional network
Bottom line for Coast Guard IS
Your Coast Guard intelligence analysis experience is in extremely high demand in the civilian intelligence community.
The combination of analytical skills, cleared experience, and TS/SCI clearance makes you competitive for $70,000-$95,000 entry-level roles immediately.
Defense contractors are the fastest, highest-paying path: $90K-$145K within 3-5 years with clearance.
Federal intelligence agencies offer long-term stability, benefits, and pension. Hiring is slow but veteran preference gives you major advantage.
Your clearance is worth $20,000-$40,000 in salary premium. Don't let it lapse. Find a cleared job within 2 years of separation.
First-year salaries of $70K-$95K are realistic with clearance. Within 5 years, $100K-$145K+ is achievable as senior analyst.
You have skills the intelligence community desperately needs. Your clearance opens doors. Use both strategically.
Ready to plan your intelligence career transition? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your job search, research salaries, and track applications.