How Much Money An FBI Special Agent Earns In A Year

FBI special agents are federal government employees who work to protect our national security. This is a highly prestigious and sought-after role, but like many law enforcement jobs, it's not without its challenges. To become an FBI apecial agent, applicants must meet certain requirements regarding their age, physical fitness, education, and background. You must be able to obtain Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance and be between the ages of 23 and 36. While there are some exceptions, meeting all these criteria can be a lot of work. So, how does it pay when compared to the surprising pay of police officers?

The federal government has a pay scale referred to as the General Schedule, but for law enforcement officers (LEO), another pay scale called the General Law (GL) scale is used during training, which is how an FBI special agent's salary is calculated until they're promoted. Several factors go into determining how much money an FBI special agent earns in a year. However, every new FBI agent starts at the GL-10 step 1 level, which pays $59,405 per year according to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). After graduating from the training academy, pay for this law enforcement position can change depending on assignment location and other factors.

Like most jobs, an FBI special agent's yearly earnings depend on their experience and education level. But one of the major factors that can affect pay for this federal law enforcement position is location. The GS pay scale, which is used for pay calculation after training and promotion, automatically adds a 1.7% increase to the pay for FBI special agents with an additional 17.06% locality pay bump for most locations across the United States. So, according to the OPM's official website, an agent at the GS-10 step 1 pay rate will earn $69,539 per year in most places. Working in a state with a higher cost of living, though, means a higher pay rate for people in this role.

Hawaii, one of the most expensive states to live in, provides a locality payment increase of 22.21%, putting FBI special agent pay for the same GS-10 step 1 rate at $72,599 per year. Surprisingly, Alaska offers a 32.36% locality payment increase, so an FBI special agent stationed there can make $78,628 at the GS-10 step 1 pay rate. Working in a field office outside the U.S. doesn't qualify an agent for any locality payment increases. Making it to the top of the GS pay scale, or the GS-15 step 10 level, comes with the high earning potential of $190,424 in most of the country. Of course, it can take many years of hard work and dedication to get there.

How much money you can make in a year probably shouldn't be your only consideration if you want to be an FBI special agent. The FBI's website lists many other benefits that come with the position that may also affect your decision. Federal government employees receive comprehensive health and life insurance, giving families peace of mind. A 401(k) plan with a 5% match is also quite attractive, especially for younger people who may want to start saving for retirement. Extensive paid time off allows FBI special agents plenty of opportunity to be with family and spend time away from work. Agents are entitled to 11 paid federal holidays, 13 days of paid sick leave, and up to 26 days of annual leave.

Attending specialized training gives an FBI special agent more opportunities to expand their knowledge and hone their skills, while the limitless variety of work each day keeps boredom and burnout at bay. Plus, many locations provide reimbursement for using public transportation, so agents can save on gas costs and reduce wear and tear on their personal vehicles. These benefits and more provide value beyond yearly earnings that could entice prospective FBI special agents enough to apply.