Central Intelligence Agency Salary

As of April 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Central Intelligence Agency in the United States is $110,986. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $53. Salaries at Central Intelligence Agency typically range from $96,959 to $127,109 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Central Intelligence Agency

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Is Central Intelligence Agency’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Central Intelligence Agency's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
Rutgers $108,233
-2.5%
Confirms Rutgers is a direct competitor vying for the exact same talent pool.
Orange Twp Police Department $114,636
+3.3%
Influenced by prevailing union wage agreements specific to Orange Twp Police Department's sector.
Mercyhurst College $91,209
-17.8%
Typical compensation structure for smaller regional agencies like Mercyhurst College.
U-M Central Student Government $100,934
-9.1%
U-M Central Student Government likely leverages performance bonuses over the high base salary shown here.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+3.9%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at Central Intelligence Agency

Considering a career at Central Intelligence Agency? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
I appreciate the company’s dedication to creating a positive, engaging workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to succeed. This team has great systems in place. Working for this educational institution has been incredibly fulfilling. Leadership is supportive and open to feedback. Job security is excellent and consistent.
Much of the work is repetitive, and innovation is rarely encouraged. Technology tools are up-to-date and helpful. Strong focus on community service. The environment encourages open communication, collaboration, and innovation, allowing everyone to contribute meaningfully. Leadership fosters a culture of respect, inclusivity, and collaboration. There's a focus on service, accountability, and learni...
Colleagues are passionate professionals who collaborate generously. I’ve had several interactions with this group, and every one has been positive. Employee input directly influences policies and work processes. Job stability and a comprehensive benefits package add to the many reasons I enjoy this job.
Collaborative teams and excellent resources help me thrive every day. Good intentions, but administrative speed varies. Training is thorough, and professional development is supported. A positive example of how government and education teams should operate.
The focus on public service and education feels fulfilling. One of the best aspects of working here is the focus on work-life balance. Meaningful work that directly impacts the community in a positive way. Internal movement is possible.

Central Intelligence Agency Overview

Website
www.cia.gov
Founded In
1947
Employees
200 - 500 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
Office of Public Affairs Washington District of Columbia DC 20505
Revenue
$50 Million - $200 Million
Phone Number
+1 7034823413
Social Media
About Central Intelligence Agency
The Central Intelligence Agency was created in 1947. The primary purpose of the CIA is act as the principal adviser to the President for intelligence matters related to the national security; and serve as head of the Central Intelligence Agency.

What Benefits Does Central Intelligence Agency Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Central Intelligence Agency offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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What Is the Cost of Living Near Washington?

Understanding the cost of living near Washington is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Central Intelligence Agency.
Washington D.C.'s Cost of Living Index is approximately 148.7 (48.7% more expensive than US average). Nation's capital, very high housing costs, extensive public transit (WMATA), high overall expenses. When planning your budget based on a salary from Central Intelligence Agency, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $2,200 - $3,300+ A significant portion of Central Intelligence Agency salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $150 - $250 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $70-200+ (WMATA SmarTrip varies by use) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $450 - $680 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $500 - $900+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $400 - $750+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,770 - $5,880+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Central Intelligence Agency

1. How much does Central Intelligence Agency in the United States pay?

Central Intelligence Agency pays its employees an average of $110,986 per year. The average salary at Central Intelligence Agency range from $96,959 to $127,109 per year. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills and location.

2. Do Central Intelligence Agency employees get a higher salary than its peer company?

The salary at Central Intelligence Agency is higher than its peer company. The average annual salary at Central Intelligence Agency is $110,986, or an hourly wage of $53, in comparison to Rutgers which pays $108,233 per year or $52 per hour.

3. What are the highest paying jobs at Central Intelligence Agency?

The higher-paying job at Central Intelligence Agency, according to our data, include Managing Director (avg. $859,129 per year), Chief Information Officer (avg. $336,266 per year), and Deputy Director (avg. $326,915 per year). Pay for these roles reflects significant responsibility, specialized skills and experience.

4. How much does salary increase with years of experience at Central Intelligence Agency?

Salary progression with years of experience at Central Intelligence Agency is typical. Generally, as employees gain more relevant experience, develop more skills, and take on greater responsibilities, their earning potential increases. For example, a role with 5-7 years of experience will usually pay more than the same role requiring 0-2 years.

5. Do salaries at Central Intelligence Agency vary by office location?

Yes, it's very likely that salaries at Central Intelligence Agency vary by office location. Companies often adjust pay based on local market rates, cost of living, and talent competition in different geographic areas. For instance, a role in a high-cost city like New York City may offer a higher nominal salary than the same role in a lower-cost city like Omaha, NE. Our Cost of Living Insights for Washington section provides more context.

6. Does Central Intelligence Agency offer good benefits?

Central Intelligence Agency typically offers a comprehensive benefits package that adds significant value to an employee's total compensation. Common benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan often with a company match, paid time off. For example, a strong 401(k) match or excellent, low-cost health insurance can be worth thousands of dollars annually, effectively increasing your overall earnings beyond your base salary. For a more detailed list of benefits, please see our "Employee Benefits at Central Intelligence Agency" section on this page.