What is higher than a CIA agent?

Asked by: Kacey Aufderhar  |  Last update: January 3, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (20 votes)

Currently, the Central Intelligence Agency answers directly to the Director of National Intelligence, although the CIA Director may brief the President directly. The CIA has its budget approved by the US Congress, a subcommittee of which see the line items.

Who is higher than the CIA?

The Center of Intelligence. As a principal member of the United States Intelligence Community (IC), the CIA reports to the director of national intelligence and is primarily focused on providing intelligence for the president and Cabinet.

Which is the most powerful secret agency?

1 Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

Over the past 70 years, the CIA has been involved in various covert and paramilitary operations aimed at advancing U.S. interests globally. The CIA is also considered the most technologically advanced spy agency in the world.

Who has authority over the CIA?

The Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (DCIA) serves as the head of the CIA and reports to the Director of National Intelligence.

Who is the highest rank in the CIA?

Director of the CIA
  • Role of the Director. ...
  • CIA Director John L. Ratcliffe. ...
  • Deputy Director of the CIA. ...
  • Chief Operating Officer. ...
  • Chief Operating Officer Maura Burns.

FBI vs CIA - How Do They Compare?

26 related questions found

What branch is above the CIA?

The CIA is not within a cabinet level department so it stands alone except for some budgetary control and priorities by the Director of National Intelligence (DNI).

What is the CIA's highest honor?

Distinguished Intelligence Cross. The Distinguished Intelligence Cross is the highest decoration awarded by the United States Central Intelligence Agency.

Do FBI and CIA get along?

For the FBI, intelligence is the fodder of prosecutions, while the CIA's focus is on intelligence as a stepping stone to more knowledge. Legal walls built to protect intelligence sources and defendants, over time, also added to the general lack of cooperation between agencies.

Who protects CIA agents?

CIA Police Officers protect Agency personnel, facilities, and information through the enforcement of Federal laws and Agency Regulations, including making arrests and enforcing traffic laws.

Who makes more, CIA or FBI?

“ According to Glassdoor.com, a CIA operations officer (case officer) starts at about $84,000 per year. Base salary for a newly hired FBI special agent is about $38,000 per year, although there are various add-ins that raise that by about $20,000 per year. So, a new case officer at the CIA would make more money.

What is the most elite CIA?

CIA Special Activities Division (SAD) / Special Operations Group. The Special Activities Division (SAD) is the Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) covert paramilitary operations unit. They are one of America's most secretive and lowest profile special ops organizations.

Who is the best spy in the world?

However, certain secret agents stand out for their activities and contributions to history.
  • Sidney Reilly, the 'Ace of Spies' and Secret Agent. ...
  • Sir Francis Walsingham and His Spy Network. ...
  • Ian Fleming, Creator of James Bond and Intelligence Professional. ...
  • Juan Pujol Garcia, Successful Double Agent.

Is the CIA more secretive than the FBI?

Another notable difference is in their approach to secrecy and transparency. The CIA is renowned for its clandestine operations and a high degree of secrecy. Many of its activities, particularly covert operations, are rarely disclosed to the public.

What is the highest CIA salary?

The highest-paying job at CIA is a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with a salary of $242,011 per year (estimate). What is the lowest salary at CIA? The lowest-paying job at CIA is a Security Officer with a salary of $45,316 per year (estimate).

What are CIA spies called?

Other countries use the same terminology in different ways. In the United States, for instance, an agent is a member of an intelligence or security agency such as the FBI or CIA. Such agencies call a covert human intelligence source an "informant" rather than an "agent."

What GPA do you need for the CIA?

The CIA requires applicants to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. A degree in law enforcement, criminal justice or a related field serves as good preparation for a career as a CIA agent.

Can CIA carry guns?

In special instances the Director of Security may authorize the issuance of firearms permits to employees who have been qualified to carry firearms by a recognized authority such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Military services, various police departments, and the like.

What perks do CIA agents get?

We offer paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave:
  • Holidays.
  • Annual leave.
  • Sick leave.
  • Paid parental leave.
  • Family and medical leave.
  • Family-friendly federal leave policies.
  • Voluntary leave programs.

Who is the most powerful agency in the world?

Here's a look at the top five intelligence agencies in the world.
  • CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) – United States. ...
  • Mossad – Israel. ...
  • MI6 (Secret Intelligence Service) – United Kingdom. ...
  • DGSE (Direction Générale de la Sécurité Extérieure) – France. ...
  • MSS (Ministry of State Security) – China.

What is higher than FBI?

Within the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI is responsible to the attorney general, and it reports its findings to U.S. Attorneys across the country. The FBI's intelligence activities are overseen by the Director of National Intelligence.

Who does the CIA answer to?

The DCI's title now is "Director of the Central Intelligence Agency" (DCIA), serving as head of the CIA. Currently, the Central Intelligence Agency answers directly to the Director of National Intelligence, although the CIA Director may brief the President directly.

What is the most prestigious military rank?

General of the Armies of the United States, more commonly referred to as General of the Armies, is the highest military rank in the United States.

Is a bronze star a big deal?

The Bronze Star Medal with the "V" device to denote heroism is the fourth highest military decoration for valor. Although a service member may be cited for heroism in combat and be awarded more than one Bronze Star authorizing the "V" device, only one "V" may be worn on each suspension and service ribbon of the medal.