The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is one of the most secretive and respected intelligence organizations in the world. Its mission is to gather, analyze, and act on information critical to the national security of the United States. Among the many roles within the CIA, the Operations Officer plays one of the most challenging and important parts — conducting clandestine operations, managing human intelligence (HUMINT) sources, and often working in high-risk environments overseas.
With such demanding responsibilities, it’s natural to ask: How much do CIA Operations Officers earn? In 2025, the salary structure for CIA Operations Officers reflects a combination of base federal pay, bonuses, allowances, and unique benefits designed to attract and retain top talent.
Whether you’re considering a career with the CIA or you’re simply curious about intelligence salaries, this comprehensive guide will give you an in-depth look at CIA Operations Officer salaries in 2025, including:
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Base pay by grade and years of service
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Overseas and danger pay allowances
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Performance and retention bonuses
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Benefits and perks
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Factors influencing salaries
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Career progression
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Frequently asked questions
CIA Operations Officer Salary Overview (2025)
Unlike most federal jobs, CIA pay is not fully public. However, Operations Officers are typically paid under the Federal Government’s General Schedule (GS) or the CIA’s own pay band system. Entry-level officers often start at GS-10 to GS-12 equivalents, with significant increases for higher grades, specialized skills, and overseas postings.
Summary Table: CIA Operations Officer Salary & Bonuses (2025)
| Grade / Level | Years of Service | Base Annual Salary (USD) | With Overseas & Danger Pay (Approx.) | Monthly Pay (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Officer (GS-10 Step 1) | 0–1 | $58,000 | $68,000 – $75,000 | $5,600 – $6,250 |
| Operations Officer (GS-12 Step 5) | 2–4 | $78,000 | $90,000 – $100,000 | $7,500 – $8,300 |
| Senior Operations Officer (GS-13 Step 7) | 5–8 | $98,000 | $115,000 – $125,000 | $9,500 – $10,400 |
| Branch Chief / Supervisory Officer (GS-14 Step 5) | 9–12 | $118,000 | $135,000 – $150,000 | $11,200 – $12,500 |
| Division Chief / Senior Manager (GS-15 Step 5) | 13–18 | $138,000 | $160,000 – $175,000 | $13,300 – $14,600 |
| Senior Executive Service (SES Level) | 18+ | $165,000+ | $180,000 – $200,000+ | $15,000 – $16,600 |
Note: Overseas and danger pay depend on assignment location, security risk level, and hardship factors.
How the CIA Operations Officer Salary Structure Works
The CIA’s salary framework combines federal GS pay with agency-specific allowances and incentives. Here’s how the structure functions:
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Base Salary (GS or Pay Bands)
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CIA Operations Officers are usually paid at GS-10 to GS-15 equivalents.
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Annual step increases reward performance and time in grade.
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Overseas Allowances
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Officers deployed abroad often receive Post Allowance, Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), Danger Pay, and Hardship Differential.
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Performance and Retention Bonuses
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High performers may receive annual performance bonuses.
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Specialized skills (e.g., foreign languages, cyber expertise) can attract additional pay incentives.
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Confidential Compensation Adjustments
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Some aspects of CIA pay are not publicly disclosed due to operational security.
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Detailed Breakdown: CIA Operations Officer Salary by Rank and Years of Service (2025)
1. Entry-Level Operations Officer (GS-10 Equivalent)
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Base Annual Salary: ~$58,000
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With Overseas/Danger Pay: $68,000 – $75,000
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Monthly Pay: $5,600 – $6,250
Responsibilities:
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Collecting human intelligence (HUMINT)
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Building and managing foreign contacts
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Supporting field operations
2. Operations Officer (GS-12 Equivalent)
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Base Annual Salary: ~$74,000 – $82,000
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With Bonuses/Allowances: $90,000 – $100,000
Responsibilities:
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Leading intelligence collection missions
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Coordinating with other U.S. agencies
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Conducting counterintelligence activities
3. Senior Operations Officer (GS-13 Equivalent)
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Base Annual Salary: ~$98,000 – $105,000
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With Overseas/Danger Pay: $115,000 – $125,000
Responsibilities:
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Managing large-scale operations
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Supervising junior officers
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Advising U.S. policy makers
4. Supervisory Roles (GS-14 Equivalent)
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Base Annual Salary: $118,000 – $125,000
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With Allowances: $135,000 – $150,000
Responsibilities:
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Leading CIA station branches
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Overseeing high-risk operations
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Handling budget and staffing decisions
5. Division Chief (GS-15 Equivalent)
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Base Annual Salary: $138,000 – $145,000
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With Bonuses: $160,000 – $175,000
Responsibilities:
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Setting operational strategies
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Coordinating inter-agency operations
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Reporting to senior executives and directors
6. Senior Executive Service (SES)
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Annual Salary: $165,000 – $200,000+
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Responsibilities: Directing national intelligence missions and high-level coordination with the White House and National Security Council.
Bonuses and Allowances for CIA Operations Officers (2025)
CIA officers often receive extra pay beyond their base salary. Common bonuses and allowances include:
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Overseas Post Allowance – Adjusts pay for higher cost of living abroad.
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Danger Pay – For assignments in hazardous environments.
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Hardship Differential – For living in challenging locations.
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Language Proficiency Bonus – For fluency in critical foreign languages.
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Performance Bonus – Annual award for outstanding service.
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Relocation Assistance – Paid for moves between domestic or overseas posts.
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Retention Incentives – For experienced officers in critical skill areas.
Benefits for CIA Operations Officers
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Health Insurance – Federal health benefit plans.
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Life Insurance – Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance.
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Retirement – Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
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Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) – With government matching.
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Paid Leave – 13–26 days of annual leave plus 13 sick days.
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Training Opportunities – Specialized operational training.
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Education Assistance – Tuition reimbursement for certain programs.
Factors Affecting CIA Operations Officer Pay
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Posting Location – High-risk and high-cost areas increase pay.
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Years of Service – Higher grades and steps mean higher salaries.
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Specialized Skills – Language, cyber, or technical expertise boosts pay.
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Performance Ratings – Strong evaluations can lead to bonuses and faster promotions.
Comparison with Other U.S. Intelligence Agencies (2025)
| Agency | Entry-Level Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Top-Level Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIA Operations Officer | $68k – $75k | $115k+ | $200k+ |
| NSA Intelligence Analyst | $64k – $70k | $105k+ | $180k+ |
| DIA Case Officer | $66k – $72k | $110k+ | $190k+ |
| FBI Special Agent | $66k – $72k | $125k+ | $180k+ |
Entry Requirements for CIA Operations Officers (2025)
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U.S. citizenship
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Bachelor’s degree or higher
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Minimum 3 years of professional work experience (exceptions for critical skills)
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Excellent physical and mental health
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Willingness to relocate anywhere worldwide
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Pass a comprehensive background check and polygraph test
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Meet stringent language or cultural expertise requirements (preferred)
Career Progression for CIA Operations Officers
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Entry-Level Officer (GS-10/11) →
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Operations Officer (GS-12) →
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Senior Operations Officer (GS-13) →
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Supervisory Officer (GS-14) →
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Division Chief (GS-15) →
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Senior Executive (SES)
Promotions depend on performance, operational needs, and years of service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the starting salary for a CIA Operations Officer?
Around $68,000 – $75,000 with allowances.
2. Do CIA officers get danger pay?
Yes, if deployed to hazardous locations.
3. How much can a senior CIA officer earn?
Up to $200,000+ with bonuses.
4. Do CIA officers receive pensions?
Yes, under the Federal Employees Retirement System.
5. How often do salaries increase?
Annually via step increases or promotion.
6. Does the CIA pay more than the FBI?
For overseas and specialized roles, often yes.
7. Are CIA salaries public?
Base ranges are known, but some pay details remain classified.
8. Can language skills increase CIA pay?
Yes, via the Language Proficiency Bonus.
9. Do CIA officers get free housing?
Not typically, but allowances may cover costs overseas.
10. Is the CIA Operations Officer job dangerous?
Yes, especially for overseas assignments in unstable regions.
Conclusion
The CIA Operations Officer salary in the USA (2025) offers competitive pay that reflects the complexity, skill, and risk involved in the role. From entry-level positions to top executive posts, salaries grow significantly with experience, performance, and specialized expertise. Combined with bonuses, allowances, and strong federal benefits, the compensation package is designed to attract and retain some of the nation’s most capable intelligence professionals.
For those ready to commit to a career in service to national security, the CIA offers not just financial rewards but also the opportunity to shape world events and protect the United States from evolving threats.