As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Defense Analyst in the United States is $75,249 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.
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
|
$79,011 |
5%
|
|
Time Management
|
$79,011 |
5%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$77,506 |
3%
|
|
Analysis
|
$77,506 |
3%
|
|
Coordination
|
$76,754 |
2%
|
|
Standard Operating Procedures
|
$76,754 |
2%
|
For Defense Analyst roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Defense Analyst positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Defense Analyst as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $90,299 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $90,299 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $90,299 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $90,299 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $90,299 | $43.0 | 20% |
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 September 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 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $63,573 |
| 2024 | $63,966 |
| 2025 | $63,396 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Defense Analyst roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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