The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is one of the most prestigious law enforcement agencies in the United States. Known worldwide for its role in combating crime, terrorism, cyber threats, and organized crime, the FBI demands the highest levels of integrity, skill, and dedication from its agents. In return, it offers competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and clear career advancement opportunities.
In 2025, the FBI salary structure for special agents reflects adjustments to federal pay scales, cost-of-living increases, and additional allowances for high-risk assignments. Whether you’re a prospective applicant or simply interested in how much FBI agents earn, this guide provides a complete breakdown from entry-level pay to the highest ranks alongside benefits, allowances, and career progression details.
FBI Special Agent Salary Overview (2025)
The FBI uses the General Schedule (GS) pay scale to determine salaries for special agents, starting typically at GS-10 after training. Pay increases with years of service, promotions in rank, and locality adjustments based on where an agent is stationed.
Summary Table: FBI Special Agent Salary by Rank and Years of Service (2025)
| Rank / Pay Grade | Years of Service | Base Annual Salary (USD) | With Locality Pay (Approx.) | Monthly Salary (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Agent (GS-10 Step 1) | 0–1 | $56,983 | $66,000 – $72,000 | $5,500 – $6,000 |
| Special Agent (GS-10 Step 10) | 2–4 | $73,852 | $83,000 – $90,000 | $6,900 – $7,500 |
| Senior Special Agent (GS-13 Step 1) | 5–7 | $86,962 | $97,000 – $105,000 | $8,100 – $8,750 |
| Supervisory Special Agent (GS-14 Step 1) | 8–10 | $102,477 | $115,000 – $125,000 | $9,500 – $10,400 |
| Assistant Special Agent in Charge (GS-15 Step 1) | 11–15 | $120,246 | $135,000 – $145,000 | $11,200 – $12,100 |
| Special Agent in Charge | 16+ | $155,700+ | $165,000 – $180,000 | $13,750 – $15,000 |
| Executive Assistant Director / Deputy Director | Varies | $185,000 – $200,000+ | N/A | $15,400 – $16,700 |
| Director of the FBI | Presidential Appointment | $221,400 | N/A | $18,450 |
Note: Locality pay varies by city. For example, New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. have higher pay adjustments due to cost of living.
How the FBI Special Agent Salary Structure Works
The FBI’s salary system combines federal GS pay grades with steps and locality pay adjustments. Here’s how it works:
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Pay Grade and Step System
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New agents typically start at GS-10 Step 1 after completing training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
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Each Step represents a salary increase within the same grade, based on time served and performance.
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Promotions in Grade (e.g., GS-10 to GS-13) come with significant pay increases and greater responsibilities.
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Locality Pay
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Salaries are adjusted based on the cost of living in different U.S. regions.
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An agent in San Francisco or New York earns more than one in a smaller city like Omaha.
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Overtime and Availability Pay
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FBI agents receive 25% availability pay in addition to their base salary, compensating for irregular hours and being on call.
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Promotions and Leadership Roles
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Moving from field agent to supervisory roles (GS-14, GS-15) brings higher salaries and management responsibilities.
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Detailed Breakdown: FBI Special Agent Salary by Rank and Years of Service (2025)
1. New FBI Special Agent (GS-10)
Annual Salary Range: $56,983 – $73,852 (Base)
With Locality Pay: $66,000 – $90,000
Monthly: $5,500 – $7,500
Roles & Responsibilities:
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Conducting investigations
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Gathering evidence
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Surveillance operations
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Participating in arrests
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Preparing reports
Career Insight: This is the entry-level rank for FBI agents post-academy training. Most new agents spend their first years gaining operational experience.
2. Special Agent (GS-11 to GS-12)
Annual Salary Range: $64,000 – $86,000 (Base)
With Locality Pay: $74,000 – $100,000
Roles & Responsibilities:
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Handling major cases with minimal supervision
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Working in specialized units such as cybercrime, counterterrorism, or white-collar crime
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Coordinating with other federal agencies
Career Insight: Agents at this level are more independent and often manage complex cases.
3. Senior Special Agent (GS-13)
Annual Salary Range: $86,962 – $113,362 (Base)
With Locality Pay: $97,000 – $125,000
Roles & Responsibilities:
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Leading investigative teams
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Acting as case agent for high-profile cases
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Training junior agents
Career Insight: Senior agents have significant investigative experience and often act as subject-matter experts.
4. Supervisory Special Agent (GS-14)
Annual Salary Range: $102,477 – $132,000 (Base)
With Locality Pay: $115,000 – $145,000
Roles & Responsibilities:
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Managing field office divisions or specialized squads
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Oversight of multiple investigations
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Coordinating inter-agency operations
5. Assistant Special Agent in Charge (GS-15)
Annual Salary Range: $120,246 – $160,000 (Base)
With Locality Pay: $135,000 – $170,000
Roles & Responsibilities:
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Assisting the Special Agent in Charge in running a field office
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Handling budget and resource allocation
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Supervising senior-level staff
6. Special Agent in Charge (SAC)
Annual Salary: $155,700+ (Base)
With Locality Pay: $165,000 – $180,000
Roles & Responsibilities:
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Commanding entire field offices
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Leading major regional operations
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Serving as the senior FBI representative in their jurisdiction
7. Executive Leadership Roles
These include Executive Assistant Directors, Deputy Directors, and the FBI Director.
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Executive Assistant Directors: ~$185,000
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Deputy Directors: ~$190,000+
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FBI Director: $221,400
These roles involve national policy, oversight of the entire bureau, and coordination with the Department of Justice and the President.
Allowances and Benefits for FBI Special Agents (2025)
Beyond base pay, FBI agents receive a comprehensive benefits package:
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Availability Pay (25%) – Added to base salary for being on call.
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Overtime Pay – For hours beyond standard work schedules.
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Health Insurance – Multiple federal health plans available.
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Retirement Benefits – Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) with pension eligibility.
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Life Insurance – Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
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Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) – Similar to a 401(k) with government matching.
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Paid Leave – 13–26 days of annual leave plus 13 sick days.
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Training Opportunities – Funded specialized courses and certifications.
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Relocation Assistance – For transfers between field offices.
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Education Assistance – Some tuition reimbursement programs available.
Factors Affecting FBI Special Agent Salaries
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Location – Locality pay significantly increases earnings in high-cost areas.
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Experience – Higher steps and grades with more years of service.
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Specialization – Cybercrime, counterterrorism, and language specialists often receive priority promotions.
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Performance – Exceptional work can lead to faster promotions.
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Leadership Roles – Moving into management boosts salaries sharply.
Comparison with Other Federal Law Enforcement Agencies (2025)
| Agency | Entry-Level Pay (Approx.) | Mid-Career Pay | Top Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| FBI | $66,000 – $72,000 | $100,000+ | $180,000+ |
| DEA | $61,000 – $67,000 | $95,000+ | $170,000+ |
| Secret Service | $63,000 – $70,000 | $98,000+ | $175,000+ |
| U.S. Marshals | $60,000 – $66,000 | $90,000+ | $165,000+ |
Observation: FBI salaries are among the highest for federal law enforcement, especially at senior levels.
Entry Requirements to Become an FBI Special Agent (2025)
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U.S. citizenship
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Age 23–36 at time of application
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Bachelor’s degree or higher
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At least two years of professional work experience (or one year with advanced degree)
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Valid driver’s license
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Pass rigorous background check, polygraph, and drug test
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Meet physical fitness standards
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Willingness to relocate anywhere in the U.S.
Career Progression and Promotion Path
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New Agent (GS-10) →
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Special Agent (GS-11/12) →
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Senior Special Agent (GS-13) →
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Supervisory Special Agent (GS-14) →
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Assistant Special Agent in Charge (GS-15) →
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Special Agent in Charge (SES level) →
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Executive Leadership Roles
Promotions are based on performance, years of service, and available positions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the starting salary for an FBI Special Agent in 2025?
Around $66,000 – $72,000 with locality pay.
2. Do FBI agents get paid overtime?
Yes, plus 25% availability pay.
3. How much does a senior FBI agent earn?
Senior Special Agents (GS-13) make $97,000 – $125,000 with locality pay.
4. Which cities have the highest FBI salaries?
San Francisco, New York, Washington D.C., Los Angeles.
5. How often do salaries increase?
Annually through step increases or with promotions.
6. Do FBI agents get pensions?
Yes, through the Federal Employees Retirement System.
7. What’s the top salary for an FBI agent?
Over $180,000 for Special Agents in Charge; $221,400 for the FBI Director.
8. Can education affect starting pay?
Yes, advanced degrees can lead to quicker promotions.
9. Is FBI pay competitive with private sector jobs?
For law enforcement, yes, though specialized private sector roles may pay more.
10. Do FBI agents get housing allowances?
No, but relocation assistance is available.
Conclusion
The FBI Special Agent salary in the USA (2025) remains one of the most competitive in federal law enforcement, with clear progression from entry-level agents to top executive roles. The combination of base pay, availability pay, benefits, and locality adjustments ensures agents are fairly compensated for their demanding and essential work.
For those with the skills, discipline, and commitment to serve, a career with the FBI offers not just financial rewards but also the chance to make a significant impact on national security and public safety.