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Federal Special Agent Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The State of Arizona

SPECIAL AGENT

$78K/yr

SPECIAL AGENT Apply now Job No: 535251 Work Type: Full-time Location: REMOTE OPTIONS, PHOENIX ... This position requires the ability to work as a team consisting of federal, state, local and school ...

Arizona Department of Administration

$78K/yr

SPECIAL AGENT Job No: 535251 Work Type: Full-time Location: REMOTE OPTIONS, PHOENIX Categories ... This position requires the ability to work as a team consisting of federal, state, local and school ...

The State of Arizona

SPECIAL AGENT

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$78K/yr

SPECIAL AGENT Apply now Job No: 535616 Work Type: Full-time Location: PHOENIX Categories ... Conduct criminal investigations into violations of the Liquor Law, State, and Federal laws. This ...

U.S. Secret Service

Special Agent

Anchorage, AK · On-site +1

$48K - $118K/yr

Exceptions may apply for those with current or prior service in federal law enforcement positions ... Special Agent Entrance Exam (SAEE) * Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT) * Interview Phase ...

State of Virginia

Special Agent #00023

Richmond, VA · On-site

$77K - $96K/yr

Special Agent #00023 Apply now Job no: 5111129 Work type: Full-Time (Salaried) Location: Richmond ... Working knowledge of applicable federal and state statutes and administrative policies. Working ...

The State of Arizona

RACING SPECIAL AGENT

Phoenix, AZ · On-site +1

$67K - $77K/yr

RACING SPECIAL AGENT Apply now Job No: 542385 Work Type: Full-time Location: PHOENIX Categories ... Cooperates with and secures the assistance of Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies ...

State of Georgia

$95K/yr

GDNA Special Agent Explore a World of Opportunity with the State of Georgia! We are the force that ... Enforces all applicable state and federal drug rules and laws related to any registrants and other ...

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Federal Special Agent information

See salary details

$35K

$65.6K

$104.5K

How much do federal special agent jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal special agent in the United States is $65,642.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $78,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a federal special agent?

Federal Special Agents are law enforcement officers who work for federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, or Secret Service. Their duties typically involve investigating federal crimes, gathering evidence, making arrests, and working on cases that range from terrorism and organized crime to cybercrime and public corruption. Special Agents often work undercover, conduct surveillance, and may be required to testify in court. They undergo rigorous training and must meet strict qualifications, including background checks and physical fitness requirements.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a federal special agent?

To thrive as a Federal Special Agent, you need a bachelor’s degree, strong analytical and investigative skills, and often law enforcement or military experience. Familiarity with firearms, surveillance technology, case management systems, and specialized certifications like those from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) are typically required. Exceptional interpersonal communication, discretion, and resilience under pressure set top agents apart. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure effective investigations, uphold national security, and maintain public trust.

What are common challenges faced by federal special agents in the field?

Federal Special Agents often encounter challenges such as managing high-stress situations, adapting quickly to evolving threats, and maintaining strict confidentiality. The role frequently involves irregular hours, travel, and the need to make rapid decisions under pressure. Additionally, agents must collaborate closely with various law enforcement agencies and balance investigative duties with administrative responsibilities, requiring strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

What is the difference between Federal Special Agent vs Federal Detective?

AspectFederal Special AgentFederal Detective
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree, background checks, and specialized training at agencies like the FBI or DEASimilar requirements, often with prior law enforcement experience and training
Work EnvironmentFieldwork involving investigations, surveillance, and arrests across various federal agenciesInvestigative work within federal agencies, often focusing on specific crimes or cases
Employer & IndustryFederal government agencies such as FBI, DEA, ATFFederal law enforcement agencies, often overlapping with special agents

Federal Special Agents and Federal Detectives share similar qualifications and work environments, both serving within federal agencies. The main difference lies in terminology and specific agency roles, but both perform investigative duties to enforce federal laws.

How hard is it to get a job as a federal special agent?

Becoming a federal special agent typically requires meeting specific eligibility criteria, including a bachelor's degree, relevant work experience, and passing a series of assessments such as physical fitness tests, background checks, and interviews. Candidates often need to demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, integrity, and the ability to handle demanding situations, with competitive hiring processes due to high applicant volume.

How much does a federal special agent make?

Federal special agents typically earn a starting salary around $50,000 to $70,000 annually, with experienced agents making over $100,000 depending on their agency, location, and years of service. Salaries often increase with promotions, specialized skills, and additional certifications, and agents may receive benefits such as overtime pay and allowances for travel or protective equipment.

What do federal special agents do?

Federal special agents investigate violations of federal laws, enforce regulations, and gather evidence to support criminal cases. They often work in areas such as law enforcement, cybersecurity, or financial crimes, and require specialized training and certification. Agents may conduct surveillance, interviews, and raids, often working in high-pressure environments and irregular hours.
More about Federal Special Agent jobs

What cities are hiring for Federal Special Agent jobs?

Cities with the most Federal Special Agent job openings:

What states have the most Federal Special Agent jobs?

States with the most job openings for Federal Special Agent jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Federal Special Agent jobs?

For Federal Special Agent jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Federal Special Agent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Special Agent job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,642 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Special Agent

Modesto, CA • On-site

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
See more jobs at Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)external

$97K - $125K/yr

Other

Posted yesterday

New

Federal Bureau of Investigation rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

The position advertised has been exempted from the federal civilian hiring freeze.

As an FBI special agent, you'll directly impact national security. By harnessing your background to transition into federal law enforcement, you can help shape the Bureau’s approach to safeguarding our nation. At the FBI, you will have the opportunity to channel your expertise to protect our nation from cyberattacks, terrorism, fraud, and evolving threats.

From conducting high-stakes investigations to leveraging your depth of knowledge in cybersecurity to uncover crucial information, your technical skills are essential to investigating crimes that threaten public safety. Your transition from a specialized career to a special agent role will be transformative, utilizing your expertise to tackle national security challenges in innovative ways.

Every day brings new challenges that demand your adaptability and resilience, but you’re not alone in this journey. The Bureau matches your dedication with a commitment to professional growth, a supportive work environment, and a robust benefits package that prioritizes you.

SALARY LEVEL

Pay level for this position:

  • $97,300.00–$125,544.00

Salary is commensurate with base, locality, and availability pay. Upon graduation, new special agent salaries plus AVP range from $129,045.00–$166,500.00.

MAJOR DUTIES
  • Plan and conduct investigations of potential violations of federal laws, cybersecurity, and public safety
  • Exercise judgment, resourcefulness, and versatility in meeting investigative demands
  • Create and maintain effective liaison relationships with federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and international law enforcement agencies.
  • Maintain a level of physical fitness to ensure the readiness required to perform law enforcement duties.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must be able to obtain a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Clearance.
  • Must be willing to travel as required
  • Must meet the FBI’s Employment Eligibility requirements.
  • Must have a bachelor's degree or higher from a U.S. accredited college or university.

The FBI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for this vacancy. Unless explicitly authorized by law, selection will be made without regard to, and there will be no discrimination because of, color, race, religion, national origin, marital status, parental status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age (40 or over), sex, pregnancy and related conditions, or on the basis of personal favoritism, or any other non-merit factors.

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