For Educators: Military Resources
Military Signals Intelligence Officers
Median Salary
136,964
Workforce Count
8,371
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Signals intelligence officers oversee the collection and exploitation of electromagnetic signals, including communication and non-communication signals. They manage personnel and technical equipment engaged in intercepting, decoding, and analyzing communication traffic for content of possible intelligence value. These officers establish priorities of intercept missions for acquisition of desired data and coordinate the work to carry out those missions. They may also participate in jamming operations to disrupt an adversary’s communications.
What is the work environment like?
Signals 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?
8,371
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
$157,219
2 Years
$119,805
6 Years
$157,219
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 signals 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
- Target identification and operational patterns
- Analyzing communications information using technical references
- Preparing technical and tactical intelligence reports
Education
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Cyber/Electronic Operations and Warfare
- Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations, Other
- Command & Control (C3, C4I) Systems and Operations
- Information/Psychological Warfare and Military Media Relations
- Joint Command/Task Force (C3, C4I) Systems
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 personality traits help people thrive in this role?
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 TestRelated Military Occupations
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