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Entry Level Federal Law Enforcement Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Department of Homeland Security

$106K/yr

"The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), through strategic partnerships, prepares the federal law enforcement community to safeguard America's people, property, and institutions." We are ...

City of Arcadia

Law Enforcement Recruit

Arcadia, CA · On-site

$47.63/hr

Written Exam (Pass/Fail) - Candidates must pass the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery ... T. certified police academy Learn functions and objectives of Federal, State, and other local law ...

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Entry Level Federal Law Enforcement information

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How much do entry level federal law enforcement jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level federal law enforcement in the United States is $49,343.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $54,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level federal law enforcement officer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Federal Law Enforcement Officer, you generally need a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, physical fitness, and a clean background check. Familiarity with firearms, investigative databases, and law enforcement procedures is important, and some roles may require completion of federal training academies. Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, and resilience help you navigate high-pressure situations and build trust with communities and colleagues. These abilities are crucial for enforcing laws effectively, ensuring public safety, and maintaining the credibility of federal agencies.

How to get started in entry level federal law enforcement?

To start a career in entry level federal law enforcement, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, and meet age and physical fitness requirements. Relevant skills include communication, problem-solving, and sometimes specialized training or certifications, such as a basic law enforcement academy or security clearance. Applying through official agency websites and completing the required testing and training are essential steps.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level federal law enforcement officers during their first year on the job?

Entry level federal law enforcement officers often face challenges such as adjusting to the strict protocols and high standards of federal agencies, learning to navigate complex federal laws and procedures, and adapting to the demands of shift work or irregular hours. Additionally, new officers must quickly develop strong communication and report-writing skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in high-pressure situations. Building trust and rapport with experienced colleagues can also be a key part of successfully integrating into the team.

What are entry level federal law enforcement jobs?

Entry level federal law enforcement jobs are positions within federal agencies, such as the FBI, DEA, Customs and Border Protection, or U.S. Marshals, that are designed for individuals beginning their careers in law enforcement. These roles typically involve enforcing federal laws, investigating crimes, and ensuring public safety. Common entry level positions include Border Patrol Agent, Customs Officer, or Special Agent trainee. Applicants usually need a bachelor’s degree or relevant experience, and must pass background checks, medical exams, and physical fitness tests. Training is provided at federal academies specific to each agency.
More about Entry Level Federal Law Enforcement jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Federal Law Enforcement jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Federal Law Enforcement job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Federal Law Enforcement jobs? The most popular types of Federal Law Enforcement jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Federal Law Enforcement jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Federal Law Enforcement jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Federal Law Enforcement jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Federal Law Enforcement jobs are:
Entry Level Federal Law Enforcement jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Federal Law Enforcement job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,343 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Law Enforcement Officer

Gerald R Ford International Airport Authority

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

$28.37/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Join our dynamic team and elevate your career to new heights!
Apply now with your resume and cover letter


The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority Police Officers provide safety for the flying public by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, and patrolling assigned areas to prevent crime; enforce laws; ordinances and traffic regulations, control crowds, and arrest violators. They promote good community relations as well as work closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.


JOB SUMMARY:

Performs airport security and law enforcement work, including inspection and surveillance of all airport property and premises; the enforcement of local, state and federal laws; investigation of alleged crimes; and the arrest of suspects. Employees must be able to act without direct supervision and to exercise discretion in responding to emergencies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Listed examples are illustrative and representative of the tasks required of this classification, but are not intended to be complete or exhaustive for this position.

  • Enforce State and Local laws and ordinances
  • Maintains law and order on airport premises and on airport grounds, and provides assistance to the general public
  • Patrols airport terminal and air operations area (AOA), and all airport premises and properties.
  • Monitors and provides work direction for contract security personnel
  • Monitors airport staff, tenants, contractors and others with authorized access to secure portions of the airport and airfield to ensure compliance with all federal regulations and directives and all protocols of the airport security program
  • Provides law enforcement in support of passenger screening operations at security checkpoints
  • Directs traffic to maintain flow, enforces traffic regulations, stops violators and issues citations
  • Conducts periodic inspections of Airport grounds and facilities to identify and initiate correction of safety and security hazards
  • Investigates suspicious or illegal activities and apprehends alleged perpetrators
  • Responds to calls for assistance in medical emergencies, traffic accidents, disturbances, and other incidents occurring on airport premises and on airport property
  • Participates in the Airport’s wildlife hazard management program
  • Prepares detailed reports on accidents, arrests, and other incidents
  • Provides assistance to local and state police and federal law enforcement agencies as required
  • Performs related work as required


REQURIED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

  • Graduation from a police academy, or equivalent law enforcement experience
  • Possession of valid Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) certification as a Law Enforcement Officer, or proof of eligibility for certification
  • Possession of a valid, unrestricted Michigan motor vehicle operator’s permit
  • Satisfactory work record and personal history
  • Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county and local statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations.
  • Knowledge of first-aid protocols and CPR methods
  • Ability to interact positively with individuals from widely diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds
  • Good powers of observation and memory skills
  • Good oral and written communication skills
  • Availability to work any or all shifts and schedules
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision


QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

  • Preferred Associate’s degree (or equivalent) in Criminal Justice or other related field
  • Able to maintain valid First Aid and CPR/AED certification
  • Must complete NIMS IS courses 100, 200, 700 and 800 within 6 months of date of hire.


NOTES:

  1. Candidate must be able to pass required FBI fingerprint-based criminal history record check in addition to pre-hire and random drug and alcohol screenings.
  2. Candidate must maintain an appropriate level airport badge at all times.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Demonstrated physical ability to pass all physical criteria required for MCOLES certification as a Law Enforcement Officer
  • Sufficient strength, mobility and dexterity to physically apprehend, restrain and remove suspects from airport premises and property
  • Ability to descend to and ascend from a kneeling position in order to assist accident victims, restrain suspects, and collect evidence
  • Ability to enter and exit patrol and emergency vehicles repeatedly during the work shift
  • Ability to enter and maneuver in confined spaces in order to assist accident victims, apprehend suspects, and/or collect evidence
  • Sufficient visual acuity, with or without corrective lenses, to visually inspect airport premises and property, observe suspicious behavior, locate evidence, and identify other airport situations requiring public safety intervention.
  • Sufficient auditory acuity, with or without audiological appliances, to hear and identify alarms, radio dispatches, pagers, sounds of suspects attempting to evade arrest
  • Sufficient speaking ability to communicate orally with suspects, witnesses, victims and the general public, and to give oral warnings or instructions while containing emergency situations.
  • Ability to detect smoke, fire and fumes
  • Ability to tolerate exposure to inclement weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, humidity, high wind, and precipitation
  • Ability to tolerate exposure to dirt, dust, pollen, motor vehicle exhaust fumes, smoke and other airborne contaminants
  • Ability to wear protective equipment, as required


WORK ENVIRONMENT:

  • While performing the essential functions of this position the employee may be exposed to fire hazards; noxious fumes; dust, dirt, and other airborne particulates; blood-borne pathogens; hazardous materials; noise; and other hazards. Work may involve potential risk of personal jeopardy.