Navy IS (Intelligence Specialist) to Civilian: Complete Career Transition Guide (2024-2025 Salary Data)
Navy IS rating civilian career roadmap. Real salaries $75K-$145K+. Intelligence analyst, GEOINT analyst, threat analyst, defense contractor roles. TS/SCI clearance worth $20K-$40K premium.
Bottom Line Up Front
Your Navy IS rating is one of the most valuable credentials for civilian intelligence careers. You have all-source intelligence analysis experience, geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) skills, targeting and threat assessment expertise, and most critically—a TS/SCI security clearance. Your clearance alone adds a $20,000-$40,000+ salary premium in the intelligence community. Realistic first-year civilian salaries range from $75,000-$95,000 for entry-level analyst positions, with experienced professionals earning $110,000-$145,000+ at defense contractors, NGA, DIA, or other intelligence community agencies. Intelligence Specialists are in such high demand that many receive job offers before they even separate. You're not job hunting—you're selecting which high-paying intelligence career fits you best.
Let's address the elephant in the room
Every Navy IS transitioning to civilian life hears: "With your clearance and intel background, you'll be set."
That's mostly true—but it oversimplifies the transition.
Here's what civilian recruiters won't tell you:
Your TS/SCI clearance gets you interviews. Your intelligence analysis skills get you hired. But the type of intelligence work you did determines which civilian roles pay the most.
You didn't just "look at intelligence" or "write reports." You:
- Conducted all-source intelligence analysis fusing SIGINT, IMINT, HUMINT, and OSINT
- Produced intelligence assessments for operational commanders and strategic decision-makers
- Performed geospatial intelligence analysis using ArcGIS and specialized GEOINT tools
- Conducted targeting analysis identifying high-value targets and threats
- Maintained watch operations in intelligence centers supporting real-world missions
- Wrote intelligence reports consumed at CENTCOM, PACOM, and national-level agencies
- Held TS/SCI clearance and managed compartmented intelligence daily
- Briefed senior officers and decision-makers on complex intelligence findings
That's not entry-level analysis. That's professional intelligence tradecraft, targeting, geospatial analysis, and strategic assessment.
The civilian intelligence community (IC) desperately needs what you have. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and dozens of defense contractors are actively recruiting former Navy ISs.
You need to translate your specific IS experience into civilian job requirements and target roles that value your background.
Best civilian career paths for Navy IS
Let's break down the highest-paying, most common transition paths for Intelligence Specialists.
All-Source Intelligence Analyst (most common path)
Civilian job titles:
- All-Source Intelligence Analyst
- Intelligence Analyst
- Targeting Analyst
- Operational Intelligence (OPINTEL) Analyst
- Strategic Intelligence Analyst
- Threat Intelligence Analyst
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level with clearance: $75,000-$95,000
- Mid-level (3-5 years civilian experience): $95,000-$120,000
- Senior intelligence analyst: $120,000-$145,000+
- Federal agencies (GS-11 to GS-13): $85,000-$130,000
What translates directly:
- All-source intelligence analysis (SIGINT, IMINT, HUMINT, OSINT fusion)
- Intelligence reporting and written assessments
- Targeting and threat assessment
- Indications and Warnings (I&W)
- Intelligence database research (M3, DCGS, NGIC systems)
- Briefing senior leadership
- TS/SCI clearance and compartmented intelligence handling
Top employers:
- Defense contractors: Booz Allen Hamilton, CACI, Leidos, BAE Systems, Peraton, General Dynamics, ManTech
- Intelligence Community agencies: DIA, NGA, CIA, NSA, NRO, FBI Intelligence Branch
- Military support contracts: CENTCOM, PACOM, SOCOM, Fleet Cyber Command
Certifications needed:
- TS/SCI clearance (critical—don't let it lapse)
- GEOINT certifications (if you have GEOINT experience—see below)
- Security+ (often required for DoD contractors under 8570)
- Joint Intelligence training (your Navy schools and qualifications count)
Reality check: All-source intelligence analyst roles are the most direct transition from Navy IS. The work is almost identical—analyzing intelligence, writing assessments, supporting operations.
Defense contractors pay $85K-$110K starting for cleared all-source analysts. Federal IC agencies (DIA, NGA, CIA) start at GS-11 to GS-12 ($85K-$105K) with excellent benefits and career progression to GS-13+ ($115K-$130K+).
Many contracts are OCONUS (Afghanistan, Qatar, Bahrain, Djibouti, Korea) with higher pay ($100K-$130K+) and tax benefits. If you're willing to deploy, six-figure salaries are immediate.
Best for: Navy ISs who want to continue intelligence analysis work, value job security, and want to leverage their clearance immediately.
Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) Analyst
Civilian job titles:
- Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) Analyst
- Imagery Analyst
- GEOINT Specialist
- Targeting Analyst (GEOINT)
- Geospatial Analyst
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level GEOINT analyst: $75,000-$90,000
- Mid-level GEOINT analyst: $90,000-$115,000
- Senior GEOINT analyst: $115,000-$145,000+
- NGA positions (GS-11 to GS-13): $85,000-$130,000
What translates directly:
- Geospatial intelligence analysis using ArcGIS and GEOINT tools
- Imagery analysis (satellite, UAV, reconnaissance imagery)
- Terrain analysis and geospatial assessments
- Targeting support and location intelligence
- GEOINT reporting and production
- Geospatial database management
Top employers:
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) - the premier GEOINT employer
- Defense contractors: Leidos, BAE Systems, CACI, Maxar Technologies, Booz Allen
- Private sector: Maxar, Planet Labs, Esri (ArcGIS), satellite imagery companies
- Military support: SOCOM, JSOC, theater combatant commands
Certifications needed:
- USGIF GEOINT certifications (Certified GEOINT Professional - CGP). Cost: $325-$525. High value for GEOINT roles.
- GISP (GIS Professional) - for geospatial analysis roles. Cost: $250.
- Esri ArcGIS certifications - if you used ArcGIS in the Navy
- TS/SCI clearance (absolutely required for NGA and most GEOINT roles)
Reality check: If you have GEOINT experience as a Navy IS, you are in extremely high demand. NGA actively recruits former Navy ISs with GEOINT background. Starting salaries at NGA are $85K-$100K (GS-11/12), with senior positions reaching $130K-$145K+.
Defense contractors supporting NGA pay similarly—$85K-$110K starting, $120K-$145K+ for senior analysts.
GEOINT is a growing field. Commercial satellite imagery companies (Maxar, Planet Labs) also hire GEOINT analysts for $80K-$110K+, often with better work-life balance than defense contractors.
Best for: Navy ISs with GEOINT or imagery analysis experience who want specialized, high-paying roles at NGA or defense contractors.
Targeting Analyst / Threat Analyst
Civilian job titles:
- Targeting Analyst
- Targeting Officer
- Threat Intelligence Analyst
- Operational Targeting Analyst
- High-Value Target (HVT) Analyst
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level targeting analyst: $80,000-$100,000
- Mid-level targeting analyst: $100,000-$125,000
- Senior targeting analyst (SOCOM, JSOC): $125,000-$160,000+
What translates directly:
- Target systems analysis and target development
- Threat assessment and pattern of life analysis
- F3EAD targeting cycle experience
- Network analysis and link diagrams
- Kinetic and non-kinetic targeting support
- Special Operations Forces (SOF) intelligence support
Top employers:
- Special Operations contractors: Quiet Professionals, Booz Allen, CACI, Peraton (supporting SOCOM, JSOC)
- Defense contractors: supporting CENTCOM, PACOM, AFRICOM targeting cells
- Federal agencies: DIA, CIA, FBI Counterterrorism Division
- OCONUS contracts: Afghanistan, Iraq (if still active), Middle East, Africa
Certifications needed:
- TS/SCI clearance (mandatory)
- Special Operations intelligence training (if you supported NSW, SEAL teams, or SOF)
- Targeting certifications (often provided by employer)
- Analytic tradecraft certifications (ICD 203, intelligence standards)
Reality check: Targeting analyst roles are among the highest-paying intelligence positions for former Navy ISs, especially if you have Special Operations or counterterrorism experience.
SOCOM and JSOC contractors pay $110K-$140K+ for experienced targeting analysts. Many positions are OCONUS with hardship pay pushing total compensation to $140K-$180K+.
The work is intense—long hours, high operational tempo, direct mission support. But if you thrived in high-pressure intelligence operations in the Navy, this path offers the highest pay and most meaningful work.
Best for: Navy ISs who supported targeting, counterterrorism, or Special Operations, want mission-focused work, and are willing to deploy OCONUS for top-tier pay.
Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst
Civilian job titles:
- Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst
- Cyber Threat Analyst (CTIA)
- Cybersecurity Intelligence Analyst
- Threat Hunting Analyst
- Cyber Defense Analyst
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level cyber threat analyst: $80,000-$100,000
- Mid-level cyber threat analyst: $100,000-$125,000
- Senior cyber threat intelligence analyst: $125,000-$150,000+
What translates directly:
- Threat information analysis from multiple sources
- Cyber threat assessments and reporting
- Indications and Warnings (I&W) for cyber threats
- Adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)
- Intelligence support to cyber operations
- Classified intelligence handling
Top employers:
- Cybersecurity firms: CrowdStrike, Mandiant (Google), Palo Alto Networks, FireEye
- Defense contractors: Booz Allen, Peraton, Parsons, CACI
- Federal agencies: US Cyber Command, NSA, CISA, FBI Cyber Division
- Private sector: banks, healthcare, tech companies (Microsoft, Google, Amazon)
Certifications needed:
- GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence (GCTI) - specialized threat intel cert. Cost: $2,000+
- Security+ or CISSP - baseline security certifications
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) - for offensive threat analysis
- Threat intelligence platform certifications (ThreatConnect, Anomali, MISP)
Reality check: If you were a K37A (Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst) in the Navy, you have specialized skills in extremely high demand. Cyber threat intelligence is one of the fastest-growing intelligence fields.
Private sector cybersecurity firms pay $100K-$130K+ for threat intel analysts with clearances. Defense contractors supporting Cyber Command pay similarly.
This path offers flexibility—you can work in defense, federal, or commercial sectors. Commercial cyber threat intel roles often have better work-life balance and remote work options compared to traditional defense intelligence jobs.
Best for: Navy ISs with cyber threat intelligence experience who want high pay, flexibility to work defense or commercial sectors, and remote work opportunities.
Defense Contractor Program Manager / Senior Intelligence Analyst (long-term path)
Civilian job titles:
- Intelligence Program Manager
- Intelligence Operations Manager
- Senior Intelligence Analyst
- Intelligence Contract Manager
- Intelligence Team Lead
Salary ranges:
- Junior program manager: $100,000-$120,000
- Program manager: $120,000-$150,000
- Senior program manager: $150,000-$180,000+
What translates directly:
- Leadership and team management
- Intelligence operations management
- Program oversight and contract performance
- Client relationship management (military customers)
- Budget and resource management
Certifications needed:
- PMP (Project Management Professional) - often required. Cost: $555 exam.
- Security clearance (TS/SCI highly preferred)
- 5-10 years intelligence experience (military + civilian combined)
Reality check: Program manager roles are long-term career goals, not entry-level positions. After 5-10 years as a civilian intelligence analyst, you can transition to program management earning $120K-$150K+.
These roles involve less hands-on analysis and more leadership, contract management, and client relationships. If you were a senior enlisted IS (E-7 to E-9), your leadership experience translates well to management roles.
Best for: Senior Navy ISs (E-6 to E-9) planning long-term civilian careers, willing to invest 5-10 years building civilian experience before moving into leadership.
The clearance advantage: Why TS/SCI is worth $20K-$40K+
Your TS/SCI clearance is your most valuable asset.
Why it matters:
- Cost savings: TS/SCI investigations cost $15,000-$30,000 and take 12-24 months. Employers save money and time by hiring you.
- Immediate billability: Defense contractors can bill your hours to IC contracts immediately.
- Access to classified work: 90%+ of intelligence contractor jobs require TS/SCI.
- Limited candidate pool: Only 1.5 million Americans hold TS/SCI clearances. You're in an exclusive group.
Salary premium:
A cleared intelligence analyst earns $20,000-$40,000 more than an identical analyst without clearance. Entry-level all-source analyst without clearance: $60K-$70K. Same role with TS/SCI: $85K-$100K.
Critical rules for maintaining your clearance:
-
Don't let it lapse. Get a cleared job within 2 years of separation. After 2 years of inactivity, your clearance becomes invalid.
-
Take a cleared job immediately. Even if it's not your dream role, accepting a cleared position keeps your clearance active while you plan your next move.
-
Avoid clearance killers: Unpaid debts, bankruptcy, drug use, criminal activity, unreported foreign contacts, and security violations jeopardize your clearance.
-
Update your SF-86 promptly. Report foreign travel, address changes, and life changes to your security office.
Start your job search 6 months before separation. Defense contractors and IC agencies will interview you while you're still active duty and time your start date with your terminal leave.
Skills translation table (for your resume)
Stop writing "Navy IS" or "intelligence analyst." Translate your experience into civilian language:
| Navy IS Experience | Civilian Translation |
|---|---|
| All-source intelligence analyst | Conducted multi-INT intelligence analysis fusing SIGINT, IMINT, HUMINT, and OSINT for operational and strategic assessments |
| Watch supervisor (OPINTEL) | Supervised 24/7 intelligence operations watch center; led team of 5-8 analysts supporting operational missions |
| GEOINT analysis | Performed geospatial intelligence analysis using ArcGIS and imagery exploitation tools; produced targeting products |
| Intelligence reporting | Authored 150+ intelligence assessments consumed by CENTCOM, PACOM, and national-level decision-makers |
| Targeting analyst | Conducted target systems analysis and target development; identified high-value targets using F3EAD methodology |
| Threat assessment | Produced threat intelligence assessments identifying adversary capabilities, intentions, and courses of action |
| TS/SCI clearance | Hold active Top Secret/SCI clearance; daily handling of compartmented intelligence |
| Intelligence databases | Expert user of DCGS, M3, TIDE, and classified intelligence databases for research and analysis |
| Briefing senior leadership | Briefed flag officers and operational commanders on complex intelligence findings |
| Indications and Warnings (I&W) | Monitored and reported indications and warnings of emerging threats for early decision-making |
Use action verbs: Analyzed, Assessed, Conducted, Produced, Authored, Identified, Evaluated, Briefed, Managed, Led.
Use numbers: "Produced 200+ intelligence reports," "Briefed 50+ senior officers," "Managed team of 8 analysts."
Quantify impact: "Identified 30+ high-value targets leading to operational success," "Reduced intelligence production time by 25%."
Certifications that actually matter for Navy IS
Your Navy intelligence training is strong, but civilian employers value industry-recognized certifications.
High priority (get these first):
USGIF GEOINT Professional (CGP) - If you have GEOINT experience, this is critical. The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) certification is the industry standard. Cost: $325-$525 depending on level. Study time: 4-8 weeks. Value: Required or strongly preferred for NGA and GEOINT contractor positions. Adds $10K-$15K to offers.
CompTIA Security+ - Required for many DoD intelligence contractor positions under DoD 8570. Cost: $400 exam. Value: Baseline requirement. Can't work many IC contracts without it.
GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence (GCTI) - If you're a cyber threat analyst. Cost: $2,000+. Value: Opens $100K+ cyber threat intelligence roles.
Maintain your intelligence training credentials - Your Navy intelligence schools (NMITC, NIOBC) and qualifications are valuable. List them on your resume.
Medium priority (career enhancers):
GIAC Intelligence certifications (GOSI, GIRA) - Specialized intelligence analysis certifications. Cost: $2,000+ each. Value: Demonstrates advanced tradecraft; respected in IC.
GIS Professional (GISP) - For GEOINT analysts using geospatial tools. Cost: $250. Value: Adds credibility for civilian geospatial analyst roles.
PMP (Project Management Professional) - If targeting program management after 5+ years. Cost: $555 exam. Value: Required for senior PM roles earning $120K-$150K+.
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) - For cyber threat intelligence or information security roles. Cost: $750 exam. Value: Opens cybersecurity intelligence roles at $110K+.
Low priority (nice to have, not critical):
Bachelor's degree - Many intelligence jobs require or prefer bachelor's degrees. Use your GI Bill to complete your degree in Intelligence Studies, International Relations, or related fields while working.
Language certifications (if you're not a CTI) - If you have foreign language skills, maintain DLPT scores. Languages like Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Farsi add value.
The skills gap (what you need to learn)
Your Navy IS experience is world-class, but there are civilian skills you may lack:
Resume writing and civilian language: Stop using Navy jargon. Civilians don't know what "OPINTEL" or "M3" means. Translate everything into plain English focused on outcomes and impact.
Interview skills: Navy ISs are humble and let their work speak for itself. Civilian interviews require self-promotion. Practice explaining your intelligence work in terms of mission impact and results.
Networking: In the Navy, jobs are assigned. In the civilian world, jobs are found through networking. Connect with former Navy ISs on LinkedIn. Join intelligence professional associations (AFCEA, INSA, USGIF).
Corporate communication: Civilian intelligence work involves more collaboration, email communication, and cross-functional teamwork. Military intel is more hierarchical. Adjust your communication style.
Salary negotiation: Navy pay is fixed. Civilian pay is negotiable. Research market rates (ClearanceJobs salary calculator, Glassdoor) and always negotiate. $5K-$10K increases are common if you ask.
Patience with hiring processes: Civilian hiring is slow—multiple interview rounds, background checks, HR delays. IC agency hiring can take 6-12 months. Plan accordingly and apply early.
Real Navy IS success stories
Alicia, 28, former Navy IS → Intelligence Analyst at DIA
After 6 years as an IS, Alicia separated as an E-5 with TS/SCI and GEOINT experience. Applied to DIA, NGA, and contractors. DIA offered GS-11 at $92K. Now GS-12 after 2 years earning $107K with excellent benefits and a pension.
Derek, 30, former Navy IS → Targeting Analyst at SOCOM contractor
Derek served 8 years as an IS supporting NSW and SEAL teams. Separated as an E-6. Applied to SOCOM contractors doing targeting analysis. Started at $105K. Deployed OCONUS for 18 months at $140K. Now a senior targeting analyst at $130K stateside.
Maria, 26, former Navy IS → GEOINT Analyst at NGA
Maria did 5 years as an IS with heavy GEOINT background. Got her CGP certification while still active duty. Applied to NGA and Maxar. NGA offered GS-11 at $88K. Two years later, she's GS-12 at $105K doing GEOINT analysis she loves.
James, 32, former Navy IS → Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst at Booz Allen
After 10 years as an IS (including K37A cyber threat analyst time), James separated as an E-6. Earned GCTI certification during terminal leave. Applied to Booz Allen, CACI, and CrowdStrike. Took Booz Allen role at $110K supporting Cyber Command. Now earning $125K after 3 years.
Rachel, 35, former Navy IS → Intelligence Program Manager at Leidos
Rachel served 12 years, retired as an E-7. Started as an all-source analyst at Leidos at $95K. Earned PMP certification. Promoted to team lead ($115K), then program manager ($135K). Now manages a $15M intelligence contract earning $145K.
Action plan: Your first 90 days out
Here's your step-by-step transition checklist:
Month 1: Assessment and setup
- Update your resume using civilian language (see translation table)
- Register on ClearanceJobs.com (primary job board for intelligence jobs)
- Set up LinkedIn profile with IS skills translated to civilian terms (All-Source Analyst, GEOINT, Targeting)
- Get 10 copies of DD-214 (certified copies)
- Apply for VA benefits (if eligible)
- Research target employers: DIA, NGA, CIA, NSA, and top defense contractors (Booz Allen, CACI, Leidos, BAE)
Month 2: Certifications and applications
- Get Security+ if you don't have it (required for most IC contractor jobs)
- Earn CGP (GEOINT cert) if you have GEOINT background (high ROI)
- Apply to 20-30 jobs per week on ClearanceJobs, Indeed, LinkedIn, USAJobs (for federal IC agencies)
- Target defense contractors supporting IC agencies (Booz Allen, CACI, Leidos, Peraton, BAE)
- Apply directly to IC agencies: DIA, NGA, CIA, NSA (hiring is slow—start early)
- Network with former Navy ISs on LinkedIn (join Navy IS groups, intelligence professional associations)
Month 3: Interviews and offers
- Practice interview answers using STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
- Prepare intelligence portfolio (unclassified examples of your analytic work, reports you've written—sanitized)
- Emphasize clearance in every interview ("I hold an active TS/SCI clearance")
- Research each company/agency before interviews
- Negotiate salary offers (use ClearanceJobs salary tool, Glassdoor data)
- Compare total compensation: salary, benefits, 401k, PTO, remote work, OCONUS deployment pay
- Accept offer and coordinate start date with terminal leave
Bottom line for Navy IS
Your Navy IS rating is a golden ticket to civilian intelligence careers.
The combination of all-source intelligence analysis, GEOINT experience, targeting expertise, and TS/SCI clearance makes you one of the most sought-after candidates in the intelligence community.
Many Navy ISs receive job offers before they even separate. That's how valuable your skillset is.
First-year salaries of $75,000-$95,000 are standard. Within 3-5 years, $110,000-$130,000+ is realistic. Senior intelligence analysts and program managers earn $130K-$160K+.
Your clearance is worth $20,000-$40,000+ in salary premium. Don't let it lapse—get hired within 2 years of separation.
Get certified (Security+, CGP if GEOINT) immediately. These credentials are required for most jobs.
Start your job search 6 months before separation. IC agencies are slow to hire; defense contractors move faster but want to coordinate with your timeline.
Network with former Navy ISs. They'll refer you to open positions and share insights about which contractors and agencies are best.
Target the right roles: All-source analyst, GEOINT analyst, targeting analyst, or cyber threat intelligence. Each has different pay scales and employers.
Don't undersell yourself. Your intelligence analysis skills, clearance, and tradecraft are in extremely high demand.
You're not starting from zero. The intelligence community needs you, and you'll have multiple offers before terminal leave if you execute this plan.
Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your Navy IS skills to civilian intelligence jobs, research salaries, and track your certifications.