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Special Agent Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Special Agent information

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$35K

$65.6K

$104.5K

How much do special agent jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 special agent?

A special agent is a law enforcement professional working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). As a special agent, you are in charge of investigating criminal violations that fall into federal jurisdiction. At this level, you are not involved as heavily with enforcement as you are with solving crimes. Your daily job duties may include gathering evidence, serving arrest warrants, or interviewing witnesses. Depending on your post, your job can either be primarily deskbound or out in the field. You are assigned to investigate specific crimes, such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, or cybercrime.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a special agent?

To thrive as a Special Agent, you need a bachelor's degree (often in criminal justice or a related field), strong investigative instincts, and physical fitness. Familiarity with surveillance technology, firearms, database systems, and sometimes specialized certifications like law enforcement training are typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, critical thinking, discretion, and the ability to remain calm under pressure make candidates stand out. These skills and qualities are essential for conducting complex investigations, ensuring public safety, and navigating high-stakes, sensitive situations successfully.

What are some common challenges special agents face in balancing fieldwork and administrative duties?

Special Agents often juggle dynamic fieldwork with substantial administrative responsibilities, such as writing reports and case documentation. Balancing these tasks can be challenging, as field assignments may be unpredictable and time-sensitive, while paperwork is essential for case integrity and legal compliance. Effective time management, prioritization skills, and adaptability are key to staying organized and ensuring both investigative and administrative duties are completed accurately and on time.

What is the difference between Special Agent vs Federal Investigator?

AspectSpecial AgentFederal Investigator
CredentialsTypically requires a background check, security clearance, and specialized trainingOften requires similar credentials, including background checks and certifications
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, field operations, investigationsInvestigative roles within federal agencies, often in the field or office
Employer & IndustryFederal agencies like FBI, DEA, ATFFederal agencies conducting investigations, such as FBI, IRS, or DHS

Special Agents and Federal Investigators often share similar credentials and work environments, both serving in federal agencies. The main difference lies in the title used by different agencies or roles, but their responsibilities and qualifications are closely aligned.

How much do special agents get paid?

Special agents typically earn a starting salary ranging from $50,000 to $70,000 annually, with experienced agents earning over $100,000. Salaries vary based on agency, location, experience, and rank, and agents often receive benefits such as overtime pay, retirement plans, and specialized training.

What cities are hiring for Special Agent jobs?

Cities with the most Special Agent job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Special Agent jobs?

The most popular types of Special Agent jobs are:

What states have the most Special Agent jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Special Agent jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Special Agent job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,642 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Special Agent Supervisor

Department of Justice

Sacramento, CA โ€ข On-site

$9.4K - $14K/mo

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Under the general supervision of the Special Agent in Charge, the Special Agent Supervisor (SAS) is responsible for supervising a team of Special Agents and professional staff assigned to the Bureau of Investigation, Human Trafficking and Sexual Predator Apprehension Team (HT SPAT). The primary focus of the SAS is the leadership, management and supervision of complex and sophisticated human trafficking and sexual predator investigations and the personnel assigned to the team.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • SPECIAL AGENT SUPERVISOR, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-529222
Position #(s):
419-809-8524-002
Working Title:
Special Agent Supervisor
Classification:
SPECIAL AGENT SUPERVISOR, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE $9,423.00 - $14,093.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Fresno County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Work Shift:
Day
Work Week:
Monday - Friday
Department Information
  • This position is located in the Division of Law Enforcement, Bureau of Investigation, Human Trafficking and Sexual Predator Apprehension Team, Fresno Regional Office.
  • Please disregard the SROA/Surplus language below, as the Department of Justice requires applicants to submit their SROA/Surplus Letter if that is the basis of their eligibility.
  • Pending Budget Approval.
  • For more information about the Department please visit the Attorney General's website at www.oag.ca.gov .
  • Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit Human Resources Manual - CalHR .

Special Requirements
  • The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
  • The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
  • The position(s) require(s) Psychological Evaluation clearance prior to being hired.

Please do not include additional documents other than those listed in the "Required Application Package Documents" section.
Candidates must have a current California POST Basic which meets Penal code 8310.1, 830.2, 830.3 or Specialized Certificate in order to be considered.
Please note that all new to state employees will be given the minimum salary of the classification. For current state employees and/or those with reinstatement rights, your salary will be determined in accordance with the applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
Education Incentive
Agents with an Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, or Intermediate POST certificate will receive a 2.5% salary differential of the base pay. Agents with a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Advance POST certificate will receive a 5% salary differential of the base pay.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 9/14/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Justice
DLE- Priscilla Vong
Attn: Priscilla Vong - JC 529222
Department of Justice / DLE-OC- Personnel Services Unit
1300 I Street, Suite 1140
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Justice
DLE- Priscilla Vong
Priscilla Vong - JC 529222
Department of Justice / DLE-OC- Personnel Services Unit
1300 I Street, Suite 1140
Sacramento , CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
  • Statement of Qualifications - The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) serves as a documentation of your ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing, should be typed, and no more than one page in length. Failure to address the specific SOQ prompt below may result in disqualification.
    • Please describe your experience working on an investigation where you took the lead. Explain your role, the challenges, and the outcome of the assignment. Provide specific examples.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Strong analytical skills.
  • Good research skills.
  • Effective time management and organizational skills.
  • Possess a diverse investigative background which will translate to an effective leader as well as guide and direct investigations to a successful conclusion with established law enforcement contacts at the local, state and federal levels in the law enforcement community throughout the state.
  • Must have the ability to foster positive working relationships with internal/external customers.
  • Ability to successfully lead and supervise a group of individuals.
  • Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
  • Possess integrity and the ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Good attendance.
  • Must have the ability to work with all team members in a position of strong leadership and management.
  • Ability to follow directions and guidance from the Special Agent in Charge.
  • Process and deliver any prescribed tasks with minimal supervision.
  • Be a self-starter, flexible, and have a positive attitude.
  • Expertise in conducting complex investigations, ability to teach law enforcement topics, good judgment and leadership qualities.
  • Innovative leadership with technology-based ideas to move the program into the future which will include concepts from the 21st Century Policing Model.

Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Priscilla Vong
(000) -
Priscilla.Vong@doj.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
EEO Officer
(916) 210-7580
EERROffice@doj.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Additional Information on Application Filing
Please note, if using the United States Postal Service for delivery, there is no guarantee that your application will be date stamped and will arrive by the final filing date. If your application does not have a postmark or date stamp and arrives after the final filing date, your application will not be accepted. Therefore, to ensure timely delivery of your application, it is recommended that you use either electronic delivery, parcel service, or certified mail. Using one of these options will provide proof of delivery prior to the final filing date.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.