As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Defense Analyst in the United States is $75,089 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a Defense Analyst's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Defense Analyst's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Defense Analyst's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Defense Analyst | $73,097 |
| Intermediate Level Defense Analyst | $73,683 |
| Senior Level Defense Analyst | $75,089 |
| Specialist Level Defense Analyst | $78,961 |
| Expert Level Defense Analyst | $80,605 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Defense Analysts. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 5.21% |
| Equipment Operation | 3.69% |
| Public Works | 2.37% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Waste Management
|
$78,843 |
5%
|
|
Time Management
|
$78,843 |
5%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$77,341 |
3%
|
|
Analysis
|
$77,341 |
3%
|
|
Coordination
|
$76,590 |
2%
|
|
Standard Operating Procedures
|
$76,590 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Defense Analysts enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Defense Analyst with a No Diploma is between $69,226 and $76,768).
Defense Analyst Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.8% |
| High School | 81.7% |
| Associates | 8.4% |
| Bachelors | 4.6% |
| Masters | 1.1% |
| Doctorate | 0.4% |
Understanding how a Defense Analyst's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Salaries for a Defense Analyst can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $63,573 in 2023 to around $63,396 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Defense Analyst salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $63,573 |
| 2024 | $63,966 |
| 2025 | $63,396 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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