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Federal Special Agent Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Federal Special Agent information

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$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:

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 with Security Clearance

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

$93K - $133K/yr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


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

POSITION OVERVIEW The position advertised has been exempted from the federal civilian hiring freeze. Job Title SPECIAL AGENT, GL-09/GL-10 Full Performance Level GS-13 Location U.S. Locations Working Hours Minimum of 50 hours per week Job Type Full Time/Permanent Who May Apply Open to ALL U.S. Citizens Questions Email Salary $93,749 - $133,200 per year (calculation is base + locality + availability pay) Please note: Applicants must be U.S. citizens and consent to a complete background investigation, urinalysis, and polygraph. You must be suitable for federal employment as determined by a background investigation. All applicants should be prepared to take the PFT immediately upon submission of the application. Salary information: In addition to base salary, Agent Trainees receive locality pay for the Washington, D.C. area plus availability pay, which is 25% of the base and locality pay (the calculation is 25% x (base + locality). Upon graduation from training, your salary will be adjusted according to the locality of your office assignment and . JOB SUMMARY As an FBI Special Agent, you will have the opportunity to channel your expertise to protect our nation from cyber-attacks, terrorism, fraud, and evolving threats. From conducting high-stakes investigations to leveraging your in-depth knowledge to uncover crucial information, your 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. KEY REQUIREMENTS You must meet the following requirements at the time of application: * Be a U.S. Citizen
* Have a bachelor's degree or higher from a U.S. accredited college or university.
* Possess one (1) year of full-time sworn law enforcement (local, state, tribal, or federal) and a bachelor's degree or a master's or doctorate degree and no work experience. OR
* Possess two (2) years of full-time work experience and a bachelor's degree or one year of full-time work experience and a master's or doctorate degree. AND
* Be eligible for a Top-Secret SCI Clearance.
* Be able to legally possess / carry a firearm.
* Be at least 23 years old and not have reached your 37th birthday on appointment; exceptions may apply.
* Meet the requirements.
* Must pass the Physical Fitness Test .
* Meet the medical requirements of the position. * Possess a valid driver's license with at least six months driving experience.
* Be available for assignment to any of the FBI's 56 Field Offices.
* Travel may be required. MAJOR DUTIES * Plan and conduct investigations of potential violations of federal laws.
* Exercise judgement, resourcefulness, and versatility in meeting investigative demands.
* Create and maintain effective liaison relationships with federal, state, local, tribal, territorial and international law enforcement agencies.
* Coordinate and/or participate in searches, seizures, and arrests.
* Carry a firearm and be willing to use force, to include deadly force, if necessary.
* Maintain a level of physical fitness to ensure readiness required to perform law enforcement duties.
All applicants will be rated on the following Competencies: * Collaboration
* Communication
* Flexibility/Adaptability * Initiative
* Interpersonal Ability
* Leadership
* Organizing and Planning
* Problem Solving and Judgment QUALIFICATIONS AND EVALUATIONS GL-09 All applicants must have one year of full-time sworn law enforcement (local, state, tribal or federal) work experience and a bachelor's degree or no work experience required if you have an advanced degree (master's or doctorate degree). A sworn law enforcement officer is authorized under statute to enforce laws, carry a firearm, make arrests. GL-10 All applicants must have two years of full-time work experience and a bachelor's degree or one year of full time work experience if you have an advanced degree (master's or doctorate degree). All applicants should demonstrate Specialized Experience (SE). SE is defined as: * Gathering and analyzing information and data to make proper conclusions or decisions.
* Establishing solutions to problems, assessing vulnerabilities, considering risks, and choosing the best outcome.
* Organizing, planning, and prioritizing various and competing work assignments. * Consistently navigating complex and/or evolving environments.
* Communicating orally and in writing to prepare and present reports, briefings, and/or exchange information. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION Please review the list of required documents below and submit them with your application. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the qualifications outlined in the job announcement and to validate your responses to the online assessment questionnaire. If applying online is a hardship, please email before the closing date for assistance. If you do not submit all required documents, your application will not be processed and will be discontinued. * Utilizing the Resume Builder, outline your relevant work experience and associated start and end dates. Uploaded resumes will not be reviewed or used for qualification purposes. * Official or unofficial college transcript(s) that list your degree and the date conferred from a U.S. accredited college or university
* Former civilian Federal employees must submit a copy of your MOST RECENT SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your tenure, grade and step, salary, and type of position occupied (i.e., Excepted or Competitive); or similar Notification of Personnel Action documentation, i.e., Transcript of Service, Form 1150, etc. This is a requirement to verify your Time in Grade (TIG). Actions such as promotion, within grade increase, or reassignment actions must be submitted as your most recent SF 50.
* Memorandum for Record: (if applicable) Work performed outside assigned duties (that would not normally be documented on an SF-50, i.e., back-up duties), has to be documented in detail by an immediate supervisor in order to receive full credit for amount of time worked in that position. If no documentation is furnished, no credit will be given for time worked in that position. The following notations must be specified in the documentation (Memorandum for Record):
* Percent of time worked in the position (cannot conflict with main duties)
* The month/year work began and ended
* Frequency worked (i.e., daily, monthly, etc.)
* Specific duties performed
Attach the Memorandum for Record to your application as type "Other" in the My Career Tools section on the Careers Home page. Current or Former Members of the Armed Forces * DD-214, Member 4 copy or Service 2 copy
* Statement of Service (if not yet separated) * VA letter dated within one year (to include Disabled Veterans)
* SF-15, Veterans' Preference form (optional)
Please Note: * DO NOT attach a cover letter. * Please make sure that all pages are readable when scanning and uploading your documents(s).
* DO NOT upload any picture files (JPEG, TIFF, PNG, BMP). SPECIAL AGENT APPLICATION PROCESS The application process includes the following steps, each of which must be successfully completed. Applicants who meet the initial screening criteria will receive an email invitation to take the Phase I exam. Step 1: Application and Screening
Step 2: Phase I Test
Step 3: Information Session Step 4: Official Physical Fitness Test (PFT) / Phase II (a) Written
Step 5: Phase II (b) Interview Step 6: Conditional Appointment Offer
Step 7: Background Investigation
Step 8: Fit for Duty Medical Review
Step 9: Basic Field Training Course Finish: Career Placement ADDITIONAL INFORMATION * Opportunity to 'opt in' to return to applicant's processing field office after accepting Final Job Offer
* You are strongly encouraged to review the before beginning the application process. This guide provides helpful information about the application and selection for the Special Agent position.
* Probationary employees are typically precluded from being considered for all job opportunities until 12-months of their 24-month probationary period has concluded. Veterans' preference may be subject to a one-year probationary period.
* Upon successful completion of the two- year probationary period, Special Agents will transition from the GL to the General Schedule (GS) pay scale.
* All FBI positions are in the excepted service.
* Positions with fitness-for-duty requirements or those requiring international travel may require proof of certain vaccinations.
* Failure to provide the required and relevant information as outlined in this vacancy announcement may disqualify you from consideration. Additional information will not be requested if your application is incomplete and will be evaluated solely on the information you provide.
* The identification of promotion potential in this announcement is not a guarantee of promotion. Advancement will depend on administrative approval, operational needs, and performance of higher-level duties.
* Applicants may be eligible for a waiver to the maximum entry age requirement. Those who qualify for veteran's preference may receive a no age-limit waiver. Starting August 17, 2026, applicants up to the age 38 at the time of application without veteran's preference may be eligible for an age-limit waiver. If you meet the age requirement or believe you may qualify for an age waiver, please select "Yes" when completing the application. Veterans' Preference If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume and application. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. Nepotism Nepotism is the act of favoring relatives in the hiring process and is prohibited by law. Public officials are prohibited from hiring or promoting relatives or relatives of officials in their chain of command, as well as activ

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