Odds of Hanging On
If you've got the skills and the will to get in, you'll stay in. There are a decent number of CIA jobs across the U.S. that pay in the $70,000 range and above, particularly if you have an advanced degree (source).
One thing is for certain: With the wide variety of things CIAs are responsible for, the job is never boring. The correctional institution administrator's job is one of the top positions in the criminal justice field. Once you're there, you've arrived. Enjoy it.