In 2025, cybersecurity is one of the most important fields in the United States. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) plays a central role in protecting the nation from cyberattacks, hacking, ransomware, and digital espionage. At the heart of this mission are FBI Cybersecurity Agents, highly trained professionals who combine law enforcement skills with advanced technical expertise.
The salary of an FBI Cybersecurity Agent depends on several factors primarily rank, years of experience, education, and location. With cybercrime rising each year, the FBI continues to invest in competitive salaries and benefits to attract top cybersecurity talent. This guide provides a complete breakdown of FBI Cybersecurity Agent salaries by rank in the USA (2025 update), along with benefits, career growth, comparisons to private sector roles, and answers to common questions.
Overview of FBI Cybersecurity Agent Salary Structure
The FBI follows the federal General Schedule (GS) pay scale, but agents also receive special Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) adjustments, locality pay, and availability pay (25% added for unscheduled duty). Cybersecurity specialists within the FBI usually enter at GS-10 or GS-11 levels and progress through promotions up to senior ranks.
Key salary determinants include:
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Rank/Grade Level – Entry-level vs. supervisory vs. senior executives
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Years of Experience – Longevity pay increases within each grade
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Education and Training – Advanced degrees or certifications (CISSP, CEH, etc.) can qualify for higher grades
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Location – Salaries vary by locality adjustments (e.g., New York, San Francisco, Washington, D.C.)
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Special Assignments – Certain cyber task forces or national security units offer additional pay incentives
FBI Cybersecurity Agent Salary Table (2025 by Rank)
| Rank/Grade | Base Salary (USD) | With Availability Pay (25%) | Average Total Compensation (with Locality Pay) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (GS-10/Step 1) | $60,900 | $76,125 | $82,000 – $88,000 |
| GS-11 Cyber Agent | $72,800 | $91,000 | $98,000 – $105,000 |
| GS-12 Cyber Agent | $87,400 | $109,250 | $115,000 – $123,000 |
| GS-13 Senior Cyber Agent | $103,000 | $128,750 | $135,000 – $145,000 |
| GS-14 Supervisory Agent | $122,000 | $152,500 | $160,000 – $172,000 |
| GS-15 Special Agent in Charge | $143,000 | $178,750 | $185,000 – $200,000 |
| Senior Executive Service (SES) | $170,000 – $195,000 | N/A | $190,000 – $220,000 |
Note: Salaries vary based on location adjustments. High-cost cities such as San Francisco or New York can add 20–25% to total pay.
How the FBI Salary System Works for Cybersecurity Agents
FBI Cybersecurity Agents fall under the GS pay scale with special provisions:
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Base Salary – Determined by grade and step.
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Availability Pay (25%) – Extra pay for irregular schedules and emergency call-ups.
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Locality Pay – Adjustments based on cost of living in major metropolitan areas.
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Promotion Pay – Each promotion increases grade, step, and base pay.
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Performance Bonuses – Certain divisions award additional pay for critical cyber missions.
This structure ensures that FBI Cybersecurity Agents receive competitive salaries while acknowledging the demanding nature of their roles.
Detailed Breakdown of FBI Cybersecurity Agent Salary by Rank
Entry-Level Cybersecurity Agent (GS-10/GS-11)
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Salary Range (2025): $60,900 – $105,000 with adjustments
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Role: Newly appointed agents, often with backgrounds in computer science, IT security, or digital forensics. They undergo FBI Academy training and join cyber task forces.
GS-12 Cybersecurity Agent
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Salary Range (2025): $109,000 – $123,000
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Role: Experienced agents who handle complex cybercrime cases, digital evidence recovery, and work with inter-agency cyber teams.
GS-13 Senior Cybersecurity Agent
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Salary Range (2025): $135,000 – $145,000
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Role: Lead investigators for large-scale cyber operations. Often manage junior agents and coordinate with private sector partners.
GS-14 Supervisory Special Agent
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Salary Range (2025): $160,000 – $172,000
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Role: Supervises teams of cyber agents, sets investigative priorities, and oversees multi-state cybercrime operations.
GS-15 Special Agent in Charge
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Salary Range (2025): $185,000 – $200,000
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Role: Senior leadership position overseeing FBI cyber divisions in large field offices.
Senior Executive Service (SES)
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Salary Range (2025): $190,000 – $220,000
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Role: Top-level executives shaping national FBI cyber strategy, policy, and coordination with federal intelligence agencies.
Allowances and Benefits for FBI Cybersecurity Agents
In addition to base pay, FBI Cybersecurity Agents receive:
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Health and Life Insurance
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Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) pension
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Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style retirement)
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Paid Leave (13–26 days annually + sick leave + federal holidays)
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Tuition Assistance and Training Programs
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Student Loan Repayment (for eligible agents)
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Hazard and Overtime Pay (when applicable)
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Relocation Benefits
Comparison: FBI Cybersecurity Salary vs. Private Sector
While private tech companies often offer higher base salaries (e.g., cybersecurity engineers earning $140,000–$180,000 in Silicon Valley), the FBI provides unique benefits:
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Job Security (federal employment)
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Federal pension and retirement contributions
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Prestige and mission-driven work
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Access to top-secret technology and investigations
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Training and career development
Thus, although some private roles may pay more, many professionals choose the FBI for stability and the opportunity to protect national security.
Factors Influencing FBI Cybersecurity Agent Salary
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Education – Advanced degrees (Master’s, PhD in Cybersecurity) can qualify candidates for higher entry grades.
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Certifications – Industry certifications (CISSP, CEH, CompTIA Security+) strengthen pay progression.
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Experience – Previous IT, law enforcement, or military cyber experience accelerates promotions.
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Location – Higher locality pay in cities like Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and New York.
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Special Assignments – Counterterrorism cyber units may include hazard pay.
Career Growth for FBI Cybersecurity Agents
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Entry-Level: Join as GS-10/GS-11 after academy training.
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Mid-Career: Advance to GS-12 or GS-13 handling major cases.
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Leadership: Promotion to GS-14/GS-15 supervising cyber divisions.
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Executive: Move into SES roles influencing FBI cyber policy nationwide.
Agents can also transition to specialized divisions like counterintelligence, counterterrorism, or international cyber operations.
Summary Table: FBI Cybersecurity Agent Salary by Rank (2025)
| Rank | Average Salary (with adjustments) |
|---|---|
| GS-10 Entry-Level | $82,000 – $88,000 |
| GS-11 Cyber Agent | $98,000 – $105,000 |
| GS-12 Agent | $115,000 – $123,000 |
| GS-13 Senior Agent | $135,000 – $145,000 |
| GS-14 Supervisor | $160,000 – $172,000 |
| GS-15 Special Agent in Charge | $185,000 – $200,000 |
| SES | $190,000 – $220,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the starting salary of an FBI Cybersecurity Agent in 2025?
Entry-level agents earn between $82,000 and $88,000 depending on locality pay.
2. Do FBI Cybersecurity Agents receive bonuses?
Yes, agents may receive performance awards and mission-related bonuses.
3. How does FBI Cybersecurity Agent pay compare to private sector?
Private firms may pay more, but the FBI offers pensions, federal benefits, and job security.
4. What rank do most FBI Cybersecurity Agents start at?
Most begin at GS-10 or GS-11 after completing the FBI Academy.
5. Does location affect salary?
Yes, agents in Washington, D.C., New York, San Francisco receive higher locality pay.
6. Can FBI Cybersecurity Agents work remotely?
Generally no, due to classified systems — most work is on secure FBI networks.
7. How long does it take to reach GS-13?
Usually 5–7 years of strong performance and experience.
8. Are student loans forgiven for FBI Cybersecurity Agents?
Yes, many qualify for federal loan repayment and forgiveness programs.
9. What retirement system covers FBI agents?
Agents are under the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS).
10. Is being an FBI Cybersecurity Agent worth it?
Yes, for those motivated by national service, career stability, and high-level cyber work.
Conclusion
The role of an FBI Cybersecurity Agent is one of the most crucial in modern law enforcement. In 2025, salaries range from $82,000 at entry level to over $220,000 at senior ranks, with additional allowances and benefits. While private industry may offer higher salaries, the FBI provides unmatched career stability, federal retirement benefits, and the honor of protecting the nation from cyber threats.
For cybersecurity professionals seeking a career that combines competitive pay, prestige, and public service, joining the FBI offers a rewarding and impactful path.