As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Defense Analyst in California is $82,954 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.
However, a Defense Analyst's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Defense Analyst Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $94,233 | $7,853 | $1,812 | $45 |
| Average | $82,954 | $6,913 | $1,595 | $40 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,634 | $6,136 | $1,416 | $35 |
Kearney - San Francisco, CA
Divergent - Torrance, CA
Divergent - Torrance, CA
Grateful Care ABA - CLARKSVILLE, TN
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 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:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
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 | $99,545 | $48.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $99,545 | $48.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $99,545 | $48.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $99,545 | $48.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $99,545 | $48.0 | 20% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $94,233 | $7,853 | $1,812 | $45 |
| Average | $82,954 | $6,913 | $1,595 | $40 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,634 | $6,136 | $1,416 | $35 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Defense Analyst job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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