What does a Police Intelligence Officer in Australia really earn in 2025?
With rising interest in national security, cybercrime, counterterrorism, and organized crime investigations, Police Intelligence Officers have become critical assets in law enforcement. But how are they paid for such a high-stakes job?
This guide breaks down the Police Intelligence Officer salary in Australia by rank (2025), revealing what officers earn at every level — from entry-level analysts to senior intelligence commanders. If you’re considering a career in intelligence policing or simply curious about law enforcement pay scales in Australia, this article will give you all the insights you need.
Let’s dive into the rank-based salary system and explore what drives police intelligence pay across Australia.
What Does a Police Intelligence Officer Do in Australia?
A Police Intelligence Officer plays a specialized role within Australian law enforcement. Rather than performing frontline duties like regular officers, intelligence officers work behind the scenes, gathering, analyzing, and interpreting critical data to inform strategic operations.
Their tasks often include:
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Conducting surveillance and undercover investigations
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Gathering and interpreting intelligence reports
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Tracking organized crime and terrorism threats
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Collaborating with national agencies like ASIO, AFP, and AUSTRAC
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Using advanced software and databases to map criminal networks
These officers are vital in pre-empting threats, preventing crimes, and supporting operations with evidence-based strategies. Their salaries reflect this specialized expertise and operational importance particularly at senior levels.
Police Intelligence Officer Salary in Australia by Rank (2025)
The salary of a Police Intelligence Officer in Australia depends largely on their rank, years of service, location, and qualifications. Salaries are structured under enterprise agreements across various police departments — like the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and state-level forces (NSW Police, Victoria Police, etc.).
Below is a breakdown of expected average base salaries by rank for 2025:
1. Intelligence Support Officer / Entry-Level Analyst
Average Salary: AUD $70,000 – $85,000 per year
This is the typical starting point for officers with recent training, degrees in criminology or intelligence studies, and little field experience. They handle administrative support, open-source data gathering, and preliminary analysis.
2. Intelligence Analyst
Average Salary: AUD $85,000 – $100,000 per year
At this level, officers perform core intelligence duties like data correlation, preparing reports, and supporting investigations. They often work closely with detectives and operational teams.
3. Senior Intelligence Analyst
Average Salary: AUD $100,000 – $120,000 per year
With 4–6 years of experience, senior analysts take the lead in intelligence planning and strategic assessments. They may oversee junior analysts and contribute to national operations like counter-terrorism or financial crimes investigations.
4. Principal Intelligence Officer
Average Salary: AUD $120,000 – $140,000 per year
Principal officers hold supervisory roles, guiding intelligence teams and coordinating high-level projects. They often collaborate with federal agencies or participate in inter-agency taskforces.
5. Intelligence Commander / Managerial Role
Average Salary: AUD $140,000 – $160,000+ per year
These are senior leadership positions responsible for entire intelligence divisions within a police force. They oversee strategic intelligence operations, budgeting, resource allocation, and interdepartmental coordination.
6. Federal Intelligence Specialist (AFP or National Taskforces)
Average Salary: AUD $160,000 – $190,000+ per year
Officers in this tier often work in elite units, counter-terrorism taskforces, or international assignments. They require deep specialization, security clearance, and decades of experience.
Note: Salaries vary based on overtime, shift allowances, regional hardship pay, and departmental bonuses — especially in roles requiring high security clearance.
Factors That Influence Police Intelligence Officer Salary in Australia
Salary isn’t based on rank alone. Several factors influence how much a Police Intelligence Officer can earn:
1. Jurisdiction (Federal vs. State)
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) tends to pay more than state-level police due to national responsibilities and higher clearances.
2. Location of Posting
Officers working in remote, high-risk, or metropolitan areas (like Sydney or Melbourne) often receive location-based incentives.
3. Education and Certification
Officers with specialized degrees (in criminology, data science, cybersecurity, or intelligence analysis) often qualify for higher positions and faster promotions.
4. Years of Service and Experience
Like most government jobs, pay increases with experience. Officers with over 10 years of service usually earn above AUD $130,000.
5. Security Clearance Level
Roles requiring top-secret clearance usually pay more due to the sensitive nature of operations.
6. Operational Risk and Unit Type
Officers in counterterrorism or financial intelligence units may earn more due to higher operational demands.
How to Become a Police Intelligence Officer in Australia
If you're considering this career, here are the typical steps to becoming a Police Intelligence Officer in Australia:
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Earn a Relevant Degree – Most officers have degrees in criminology, intelligence studies, cybersecurity, or law enforcement.
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Apply Through AFP or State Police Recruitment Channels – Job listings are usually available on agency websites.
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Pass Background and Security Checks – Due to the sensitive nature of intelligence work.
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Complete Academy or Specialist Training – This includes on-the-job training in surveillance, analysis, and secure data handling.
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Gain Field Experience – Many intelligence officers start as general duties police before transitioning into intelligence units.
Summary Table: Police Intelligence Officer Salary by Rank (2025)
| Rank | Estimated Salary Range (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level Analyst | $70,000 – $85,000 |
| Intelligence Analyst | $85,000 – $100,000 |
| Senior Intelligence Analyst | $100,000 – $120,000 |
| Principal Intelligence Officer | $120,000 – $140,000 |
| Intelligence Commander | $140,000 – $160,000+ |
| Federal Intelligence Specialist | $160,000 – $190,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do Police Intelligence Officers in Australia carry weapons?
Most intelligence officers do not carry weapons unless they are sworn officers involved in field operations.
2. Is the role different from a detective?
Yes. Detectives handle direct criminal investigations, while intelligence officers work behind the scenes with data and surveillance.
3. Can civilians apply for intelligence roles?
Some intelligence roles are open to civilians with the right qualifications, especially in analysis and tech-focused units.
4. Do intelligence officers work regular hours?
No. They may work irregular hours, especially during active investigations or high-threat operations.
5. Is there career progression in intelligence policing?
Yes. Officers can rise from analyst roles to senior strategic positions over time.
6. Is this a high-stress job?
It can be. Dealing with national security and organized crime brings pressure, but also offers meaningful impact.
7. Can you work in intelligence without being a sworn police officer?
Yes, many agencies hire unsworn civilian intelligence analysts, especially for data, cyber, and open-source intelligence.
8. What agencies employ intelligence officers in Australia?
The Australian Federal Police, NSW Police, Victoria Police, Queensland Police, and national bodies like ASIO and AUSTRAC.
9. Are there bonuses or extra benefits?
Yes. Officers may receive allowances for risk, overtime, regional hardship, or specialist skills.
10. Is top-secret clearance required for all roles?
Not all. But roles involving classified material typically require a security clearance.
Final Thoughts
A Police Intelligence Officer salary in Australia reflects both the complexity and critical importance of the role. With opportunities for career growth, specialization, and above-average public sector pay, this career path is increasingly attractive in 2025.
Whether you're a recent graduate or a sworn officer looking to transition into intelligence, there’s plenty of room to grow — both professionally and financially — in this field. Just be prepared for the high standards, responsibility, and discretion the job demands.
If this guide helped, consider exploring career opportunities with the AFP or your state police force today.