For Educators: Military Resources
Military Human Intelligence Officers
Median Salary
105,517
Workforce Count
9,044
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Intelligence officers who specialize in HUMINT manage operations to obtain intelligence information using humans as both intelligence data sources and collectors. Human intelligence officers may also be responsible for planning and overseeing psychological operations, which are designed to control, influence, predict, and understand persons and groups though communication and contact with these individuals. Intelligence officers who specialize in HUMINT have an expert level of knowledge about the history, culture, geography, and current politics and economics of the country or countries to which they are assigned.
What is the work environment like?
Human intelligence officers work in offices on land and aboard ships. They may work in the field on maneuvers and military exercises.
How many people have this role in the Military?
9,044
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$144,205
2 Years
$97,795
6 Years
$144,205
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Officers are service members who plan, direct operations and manage enlisted personnel, developing a broad range of leadership-related skills.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
Job training for human intelligence officers primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training may include:
- Air, ground, and sea intelligence operations
- Photograph interpretation
- Use of surveillance equipment
- Reconnaissance equipment and weapons systems
- Screenings, debriefings, and interrogations
- Preparing maps and charts
- Human intelligence analysis
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Sociology, General
- Criminology
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods
- Medical/Health Humanities
- Applied/Public Sociology
- Demography and Population Studies
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Rural Sociology
- Applied Demography
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Sociology and Anthropology
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Philosophy and Theology
- Mathematics
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
Investigative
You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.
Social
You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.
Artistic
You love creating things and expressing yourself through art, writing and music.
RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.
Take the RIASEC Test