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Special Agent In Charge Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ... This position also assists in developing unit policies, performing administrative duties as ...

$152K/yr

Serving as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge/ Chief ATF National Academy (ASAC-ATFNA) reporting to the Special Agent in Charge of the ATF National Academy. The mission of the ATFNA is to lead and ...

$78K/yr

Inspections are conducted in all fifteen (15) Arizona counties and may require extensive travel and occasional overnight stays. Specifically, the Special Agent will: • Conduct interviews, review ...

$78K/yr

As a Special Agent in the Major Fraud Unit, an ideal applicant will have at least three years of investigative experience managing a diverse and complex caseload with minimal supervision. Applicants ...

SPECIAL AGENT Apply now Job No: 535616 Work Type: Full-time Location: PHOENIX Categories ... Agents will work in an undercover capacity, utilizing surveillance techniques. This will include ...

Position: Special Agent Company: CC Services Contract Details: Full-time Location: NY City CC ... it in a clear and concise manner - Work closely with law enforcement agencies and other ...

Special Agent

Anchorage, AK · On-site +1

$48K - $118K/yr

The Special Agent position starts at a base salary of $48,854.00 (GL-07, step 1), with promotion ... Special Agents play a critical role in safeguarding the financial integrity of the United States ...

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Special Agent In Charge information

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$29K

$81.9K

$167.5K

How much do special agent in charge jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for special agent in charge in the United States is $81,924.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,000.00 and $130,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I join ATF without a degree?

To become a Special Agent In Charge at the ATF, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree or higher, along with relevant law enforcement experience. While some positions may accept extensive law enforcement or military experience in lieu of a degree, a formal education is generally required for advancement to senior roles. Certifications, training, and a background in criminal justice or related fields are also important factors.

What is a Special Agent In Charge?

A Special Agent In Charge (SAC) is a senior supervisory position within federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI or DEA. The SAC oversees all operations within a specific field office or division, managing agents, support staff, and ongoing investigations. They are responsible for ensuring that their office meets agency objectives, coordinates with other law enforcement partners, and maintains compliance with legal and procedural standards. SACs often represent their agency at official events and act as the main point of contact for high-level cases within their jurisdiction. Achieving this role usually requires extensive law enforcement experience and demonstrated leadership abilities.

What is the difference between Special Agent In Charge vs FBI Special Agent?

AspectSpecial Agent In ChargeFBI Special Agent
CredentialsRequired: Bachelor's degree, FBI training, extensive experienceRequired: Bachelor's degree, FBI training, relevant experience
Work EnvironmentLeadership role overseeing investigations and teamsFieldwork, investigations, and case management
Employer & IndustryFBI, federal law enforcementFBI, federal law enforcement
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in FBIUnderstanding agent responsibilities and career path

In summary, a Special Agent In Charge (SAIC) is a senior leadership role overseeing investigations within the FBI, while an FBI Special Agent is an operational role conducting investigations and casework. The SAIC manages teams and strategic planning, whereas the Special Agent focuses on fieldwork and case resolution.

Is a Special Agent in charge a high rank?

A Special Agent in Charge (SAC) is a senior leadership position within federal agencies such as the FBI or DEA, typically overseeing multiple field offices or divisions. It is considered a high-ranking role that requires extensive experience, leadership skills, and often a background in law enforcement or investigations.

What are some common challenges faced by a Special Agent In Charge and how can they be effectively addressed?

A Special Agent In Charge (SAC) often faces challenges related to managing large teams, prioritizing complex investigations, and balancing administrative duties with operational oversight. Addressing these challenges effectively involves strong leadership, clear communication, and the ability to delegate tasks appropriately. SACs also need to foster collaboration across departments and maintain up-to-date knowledge of investigative procedures. Continuous professional development and building a supportive team culture are key to overcoming these obstacles and ensuring successful outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Special Agent In Charge, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Special Agent In Charge, you need extensive law enforcement experience, strong investigative skills, and usually a bachelor's degree, often combined with specialized agency training. Familiarity with case management systems, forensic technologies, and federal law enforcement protocols is typically required. Exceptional leadership, decision-making, and interpersonal communication skills help you manage teams and coordinate complex investigations effectively. These competencies are vital for ensuring operational success, agency compliance, and public safety in high-stakes environments.

What does a Special Agent in charge do?

A Special Agent in Charge (SAC) leads investigations within a specific geographic area or department, overseeing case management, coordinating with other agencies, and ensuring compliance with legal procedures. They often manage teams of agents, analyze intelligence, and handle high-level operational decisions to combat crime or threats relevant to their agency's mission.

How much does a Special Agent in charge make?

A Special Agent in Charge (SAC) typically earns a salary ranging from $100,000 to $180,000 annually, depending on experience, agency, and location. They often receive additional benefits such as overtime pay, bonuses, and retirement plans, and may need specialized training and security clearances.
More about Special Agent In Charge jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Special Agent In Charge jobs? The most popular types of Special Agent In Charge jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Special Agent In Charge jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Special Agent In Charge jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Special Agent In Charge jobs? For Special Agent In Charge jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Special Agent In Charge job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,924 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
Supervisory Criminal Investigator (Special Agent in Charge)

Supervisory Criminal Investigator (Special Agent in Charge)

US Department of Commerce

Dallas, TX • On-site

$165K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


U.S. Department Of Commerce rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 700 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This vacancy is for a Supervisory Criminal Investigator (Special Agent in Charge) in the Office of Export Enforcement (OEE), Office of the Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement (EE), Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) within the Department of Commerce.Qualifications:Firearms: This position requires the incumbent to carry a firearm while performing duties and maintain firearm proficiency and successfully pass periodic firearm qualifications. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition in accordance with 18 USC 922 (Lautenberg Amendment). Applicants for the Criminal Investigator position who have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are not eligible for employment.
Lautenberg Amendment: This position authorizes the incumbent to carry a firearm. Any person convicted of a felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, USC Section 992(g)). A felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence is generally defined under the statute as any offense involving the use or attempted use of physical force or the threatened use of a deadly weapon committed by the victim's current or former domestic partner, parent, or guardian. The term convicted, as defined in the statute, excludes any person whose conviction has been expunged, set aside, or pardoned, or any person whose civil rights have been restored, so long as such restoration does not restrict the shipping, transport, possession or receipt of firearms or ammunition. Candidates convicted of a felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence within the meaning of the referenced statutes are not eligible for the position.
Individual Occupational Requirements - Medical Requirements: The duties in this position in this series require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, and knee joints is required. Arms, hands, legs, and feet must be sufficiently intact and functioning for applicants to perform their duties satisfactorily. Sufficiently good vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required to perform the duties satisfactorily. Near vision, corrective lenses permitted, must be sufficient to read printed material the size of typewritten characters. As measured by an audiometer, hearing loss must not exceed 35 decibels at 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz levels. Since the duties of these positions are exacting and responsible and involve activities under trying conditions, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability. Any physical condition that would cause the applicant to be a hazard to himself/herself or others is unqualifying.
AND
In addition to meeting Individual Occupational Requirements, candidates must also meet the additional specialized experience requirement.

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=Occupational-Series
Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.
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.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: You must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as:
  • Directing and managing an investigative/intelligence organization; and
  • Managing/supervising criminal investigators and supporting staff of an investigative/intelligence organization; and
  • Coordinating with other law enforcement/intelligence agencies to conduct joint investigations; and
  • Applying law enforcement investigative techniques to direct a major field component of an investigative organization.
Education:There is no positive education requirement for this position.
Employment Type: OTHER

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