How To Get A Job With The Cia

Home » Law Enforcement » The Path to CIA Agent Careers

THE PATH TO CIA AGENT CAREERS

CIA agents have challenging and rewarding careers.

federal-and-state-cia-agent-job-information-resized

The job of a CIA agent is often glamorized on TV and in the movies. While it can have its cushy parts, the career can also be challenging and potentially dangerous.

If you're a bright, energetic, and dedicated person, you may be a good fit for the CIA.

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Career Fields

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) recommends that you start by researching one of their many career paths:

Investigations
Technical and engineering
Security
Clandestine services
Language opportunities
Analytical opportunities
Support services

Determining what interests you most will help guide you toward the appropriate college degree program.

CIA Agent Degree

The CIA requires a bachelor's degree for most entry-level positions and an advanced degree for non-clerical careers such as overseas officer or intelligence analyst. Once you've reviewed the different career paths and have chosen one that interests you, start researching four-year degrees that are most relevant to what you hope to do. A few to consider:

Criminal justice
Homeland security
Engineering
Math
Sciences
Accounting

About the Career

The hiring and screening process for CIA agents is very competitive, lengthy, and thorough. You'll also be required to take a polygraph test to become a CIA agent. If you're fluent in a foreign language, particularly Arabic, Farsi, or Urdu, this could help you get hired more quickly. It can also put more money in your pocket.

The CIA pays out a one-time lump sum bonus—the maximum amount is $35,000—to individuals fluent in another language.

You must be a U.S. Citizen and be no older than 35 years of age (the age limit may be waived in certain cases). If you are married, your spouse must also be a U.S. Citizen.

CIA Salary and Job Growth

CIA agent salaries vary, but you can anticipate making between $50,000 and $95,000 a year, depending on the specific job, your work experience, and level of education. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2019 Occupational Employment Statistics classifies federal and special agents under police and detectives and reports the average annual wage as $67,600.

Employment for law enforcement officers is expected to grow 5% through 2029, which should add over 39,000 jobs in that time frame. Do note, though, that not all of those jobs will be with the federal government.

As you work toward a career in the CIA, remember that earning a degree can help increase your salary and create more opportunities for advancement.