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Federal Law Enforcement Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$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 ...

$79K - $100K/yr

Previous federal law enforcement, military, or specialized tactical unit experience * Instructor certifications related to firearms, tactical operations, defensive tactics, or emergency medical ...

$79K - $100K/yr

S. Federal Government. Headquartered in McLean, VA, CTEC has over 300 team members working on ... We are seeking experienced and highly qualified Advanced Law Enforcement Tactics Instructors to ...

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Federal Law Enforcement information

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$35.5K

$88.8K

$136.5K

How much do federal law enforcement jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal law enforcement in the United States is $88,815.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer, you need a strong background in criminal justice, physical fitness, and investigative skills, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree and completion of federal law enforcement training programs. Familiarity with firearms, surveillance technology, case management systems, and sometimes specialized certifications like security clearance are essential. Strong judgment, ethical integrity, communication, and resilience are critical soft skills for handling high-pressure and sensitive situations. These competencies are vital to ensure effective enforcement of federal laws, public safety, and the integrity of investigations.

What federal agencies hire law enforcement?

Federal law enforcement officers are hired by agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Secret Service. These agencies typically require specialized training, background checks, and sometimes specific certifications or degrees. They operate in various environments, including investigative, protective, and enforcement roles across the country.

What are federal law enforcement officers?

Federal law enforcement officers are agents who work for agencies within the United States federal government, such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, or Secret Service. These professionals are responsible for enforcing federal laws and investigating crimes that cross state lines or impact national security. Their duties can include conducting investigations, making arrests, gathering evidence, and testifying in court. Unlike local or state police, federal officers have jurisdiction across the entire country and often specialize in specific types of crime.

What are 5 federal law enforcement agencies?

Five major federal law enforcement agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection (CBP). These agencies enforce federal laws, investigate crimes, and often require specialized training and clearances for employment. They operate across various jurisdictions and may require relevant certifications or experience in law enforcement procedures.

What is the easiest federal law enforcement job to get?

The Federal Law Enforcement Officer (FLEO) positions with agencies like the Federal Protective Service or U.S. Marshals tend to have lower entry barriers compared to specialized roles, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent and basic background checks. These jobs typically have less competitive hiring processes and shorter training periods, making them more accessible for applicants with minimal experience in law enforcement.

Can you make 300k as a cop?

Federal law enforcement officers can potentially earn $300,000 or more annually through a combination of base salary, overtime, special assignments, and bonuses, especially at higher ranks or with extensive experience. Achieving this level typically requires advanced certifications, specialized skills, and years of service, often in supervisory or leadership roles. However, such high earnings are not common for entry-level officers and depend on agency policies and geographic location.

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

New federal law enforcement officers often encounter challenges such as adapting to the rigorous training requirements, learning complex federal laws and procedures, and adjusting to the structure and culture of their specific agency. The transition can also involve balancing fieldwork with detailed documentation and reporting, as well as navigating high expectations for professionalism and ethical conduct. Building effective working relationships with colleagues and other agencies is essential for success, and mentors or field training officers typically provide guidance during this period.

What is the difference between Federal Law Enforcement vs State Police?

AspectFederal Law EnforcementState Police
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree, background checks, and specialized training (e.g., FBI Academy)Similar requirements: high school diploma or GED, police academy training, and background checks
Work EnvironmentOperate across the country or internationally, focus on federal crimesOperate within a specific state, focus on state laws and local issues
Employer & IndustryFederal agencies like FBI, DEA, ATFState police agencies, highway patrols
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for jurisdiction scope and federal authorityCompared for regional jurisdiction and law enforcement scope

Federal Law Enforcement and State Police both serve vital roles in maintaining law and order. Federal agencies operate nationwide and handle federal crimes, while State Police focus on state laws and regional issues. Both require similar credentials and training, but differ mainly in jurisdiction and scope.

More about Federal Law Enforcement jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Law Enforcement jobs? Cities with the most 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 Federal Law Enforcement jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Law Enforcement jobs include:
Infographic showing various Federal Law Enforcement job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,815 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

$106K/yr

Other

Re-posted 23 days ago


U.S. Department Of Homeland Security rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

92nd of 288 rated public sector bodies


Job description

"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 a unique inter-agency organization preparing the next generation of law enforcement officers to meet our Nation's most pressing security challenges." Click here to learn more.
This announcement is a part of the Voluntary Applicant File (VAF). See Duties for more information.Qualifications:A resume must be no more than two pages. If an applicant's resume exceeds two pages, the USAJOBS database will not allow the application to be submitted. For additional assistance, please visit: USAJOBS Help Center - Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements
This position has a Selective Placement Factor (SPF). If your resume does not demonstrate possession of the SPF, you will be rated ineligible.

SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: In order to be considered for this position you must:

A. Possess experience as a sworn law enforcement officer or agent with full arrest authority in the prevention, detection, apprehension, detention and/or investigation of felony and/or misdemeanor violations of federal, state, local, tribal, or military criminal laws;
-OR-
B. Have held a federal civilian position in the 1801 occupational series.

-AND-
Specialized Experience: You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-12 grade level or pay band in the federal service, or equivalent experience in the private or public sector performing the following duties:
  • Performing law enforcement duties directly related to the topical area(s) for which you are applying. -OR-
  • Instructing law enforcement training curricula in the topical area(s) for which you are applying
Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level.
All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
The law enforcement topical areas for which we are accepting applications include: firearms, driver training, marine training, maritime, active shooter, behavioral science, general investigative skills, counterterrorism, physical techniques, tactical medicine, financial fraud, forensics and special investigations, digital photography/video, electronic surveillance, cyber/digital forensics, enforcement operations, law enforcement leadership, online campus, and general training. Additional information on our instructor positions may be found here.
Time-in-grade: Current General Schedule (GS) federal employees, and those that have served in GS positions within the last 52 weeks, must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade, or a combination of the next lower grade level and an equivalent band in the federal service by the closing of this announcement.
Note: Current or former Federal employees MUST submit a copy of their SF-50 Form which shows competitive service appointment ("position occupied" block 34 on the SF-50 should show a "1"), tenure group (block 24 should show a 1 or 2), grade, and salary. If you are applying for a higher grade, please provide the SF-50 Form which shows the length of time you have been in your current/highest grade (examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, With-in Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s dated a year apart within the same grade/job). If you have promotion potential in your current position, please provide proof. Employees applying with an interchange agreement must provide proof of their permanent appointment. IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT ALL OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE CONSIDERATION AS A STATUS CANDIDATE.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Physical Techniques Instructors: The work requires repetitive long distance running (1 to 3 miles several times daily), repetitive calisthenics, lifting moderate to heavy weights, and considerable physical exertion during the demonstration, instruction and active participation in other physical fitness related activities which include: warm-ups which involve multiple sets of calisthenics and flexibility exercises; strength training requiring full range of motion in all joints; cardiovascular training with the ability to perform a variety of cardiovascular training modes; calisthenics enabling you to perform calisthenics sessions for 30-45 minutes continuously and repetitively; and anaerobic training with the ability to perform sprints of various distances varying 30 feet to 440 yards. As such you will undergo a:

  1. Physical Examination. This is a routine physical examination in accordance with Optional Form 178. No invasive procedures will be included (e.g., blood work); AND
  2. Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB) test. A fitness test consisting of five different elements, you must pass with a minimum 40 percentile in each event. PEB score charts delineated by age and gender may be found here.

Firearms Instructors:

  1. Firearms Proficiency test. This is the standard 60-round course of fire used in the Firearms Instructor Training Program (FITP). A minimum score of 85%, which equates to 255 points out of a possible 300, is considered passing.
Note: Secondary Administrative Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Retirement Coverage is offered for most of the positions advertised. If selected, you will be offered LEO retirement coverage if approval is available from DHS at the time of the official offer.
Transfer Requirement for CSRS: To be eligible for secondary coverage, an employee must: - Transfer without a break in service exceeding 3 days directly from a primary position to a secondary position; AND - Be continuously employed in a secondary position since moving from a primary position; except a break in employment in secondary positions that begins with an involuntary separation (not for cause) and/or voluntary breaks in service that began prior to January 20, 1988.
Transfer Requirement for FERS: To be eligible for secondary coverage, an employee must: - Transfer without a break in service exceeding 3 days directly from a primary position to a secondary position; AND - Have completed 3 years of service in a primary position, including any such service during which no FERS deductions were withheld; AND - Be continuously employed in a secondary position since moving from a rigorous position; except a break in employment in secondary positions that begins with an involuntary separation (not for cause).
Pub. Law 114-285 grants the FLETC approval to hire retired federal employees with law enforcement/investigative experience to meet the expanding mission of the FLETC. Individuals may be selected for time-limited positions with eligibility for the dual-compensation waiver. The dual-compensation waiver allows retirees to return to work, earning their full salary with no offset to their FERS annuity. However, this waiver does not exempt the FERS annuity supplement from being reduced. Therefore, FERS retirees receiving a FERS annuity supplement, must be aware that like social security benefits, the FERS annuity supplement is subject to an earnings test and may be reduced if the salary earned is more than the social security exempt amount of earnings. Additional information is available on OPM's website or by contacting OPM.

FLETC Reemployed Annuitants | Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers
If selected, federal retirees will be eligible for a waiver of the dual compensation reduction. Click here for more information.

Education:Not Applicable
Employment Type: OTHER

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About U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency operating within the government services industry in Washington, DC, US. Established in 2003, the DHS is directly responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries. Its main responsibilities include protecting the United States from and responding to terrorist attacks, man-made accidents, and natural disasters. Through its more than 20 component agencies including Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it ensures the safety of the US through numerous programs and initiatives. The DHS upholds a core value system with the mission of safeguarding the American people, our homeland, and values. Notably, the DHS plays a critical role in the spectral range of activities to prepare, prevent, and respond to possible threats to the US.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003