The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) relies not only on special agents but also on a broad range of support staff who ensure the agency operates efficiently. These professionals include administrative personnel, IT specialists, analysts, linguists, HR officers, finance staff, and other critical roles.
In 2025, the FBI updated its pay structures for support staff, ensuring competitiveness with federal positions and private sector equivalents while factoring in local cost-of-living adjustments, experience, grade level, and specialized skills.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of FBI support staff salaries, allowances, benefits, career progression, and FAQs. It is designed for anyone seeking to understand compensation in these vital federal roles.
Overview of FBI Support Staff Salary in 2025
FBI support staff salaries are primarily based on the federal General Schedule (GS) pay system. Compensation depends on:
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GS grade level (typically GS-5 to GS-12 for support staff)
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Years of federal service
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Locality pay based on duty location
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Specialized skills or certifications
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Overtime and premium pay for high-demand periods
Support staff positions are critical to FBI operations, supporting investigations, intelligence analysis, legal functions, cybersecurity, and administrative management.
Summary Table: FBI Support Staff Salary by GS Grade (2025)
| GS Grade | Years of Service | Estimated Annual Salary (USD) | Approx. Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | 0–2 yrs | $38,000 – $48,000 | $18 – $23 | Entry-level clerical or support roles |
| GS-7 | 2–4 yrs | $46,000 – $60,000 | $22 – $29 | Mid-level support staff with some specialized skills |
| GS-9 | 4–6 yrs | $55,000 – $72,000 | $26 – $35 | Analysts, IT support, and junior administrative officers |
| GS-11 | 6–10 yrs | $65,000 – $88,000 | $31 – $42 | Senior specialists, project coordinators, and tech experts |
| GS-12 | 10+ yrs | $78,000 – $105,000 | $38 – $51 | Team leaders, senior analysts, and specialized professionals |
Note: Salaries vary with locality pay, especially in Washington D.C., New York, and other high-cost areas.
How FBI Support Staff Salary Structure Works (2025)
1. Federal General Schedule (GS) Pay
FBI support staff are federal employees, and their base pay is determined by the General Schedule (GS):
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GS-5 to GS-12: Standard range for administrative, technical, and operational support roles
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Higher GS levels or SES equivalents may apply to leadership or specialized roles
Pay increases with grade, experience, and time-in-service. Promotions to higher GS grades come with significant salary increases.
2. Locality Pay Adjustments
Locality pay accounts for the cost of living in the area where an employee is stationed. High-cost duty stations like Washington D.C., New York, and Los Angeles include 15–35% additional pay over base salary.
3. Overtime and Premium Pay
Support staff in high-demand roles, such as cybersecurity, legal, or IT, may receive:
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Overtime pay at 1.5x the hourly rate
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Premium pay for work on critical cases or emergency operations
This can significantly increase annual earnings, especially during periods of high FBI activity.
4. Specialized Skills and Certifications
Employees with IT certifications, language skills, financial analysis credentials, or cybersecurity expertise may qualify for:
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Higher starting GS levels
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Recruitment or retention bonuses
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Mission-specific allowances
5. Performance-Based Increases
Annual performance evaluations influence eligibility for within-grade increases (WGI), which typically occur every 1–3 years, depending on grade and performance rating.
Detailed FBI Support Staff Salary by Grade (2025)
GS-5 Support Staff
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Salary Range: $38,000 – $48,000
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Experience: Entry-level positions
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Roles: Clerical assistants, junior administrative support, data entry, reception duties
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Notes: High growth potential with experience and training; local cost-of-living adjustments can significantly increase salary
GS-7 Support Staff
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Salary Range: $46,000 – $60,000
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Experience: 2–4 years
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Roles: IT assistants, HR support, operational coordinators, junior analysts
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Notes: Increasing responsibility; may include specialized certifications for advancement
GS-9 Support Staff
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Salary Range: $55,000 – $72,000
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Experience: 4–6 years
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Roles: Analysts, junior investigators, IT support, project management
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Notes: Eligible for overtime and premium pay for critical projects
GS-11 Support Staff
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Salary Range: $65,000 – $88,000
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Experience: 6–10 years
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Roles: Senior analysts, IT specialists, project coordinators, legal support
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Notes: May lead small teams; higher locality pay in urban duty stations
GS-12 Support Staff
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Salary Range: $78,000 – $105,000
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Experience: 10+ years
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Roles: Team leads, senior specialists, cybersecurity experts, senior project managers
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Notes: High responsibility; may include mission-specific bonuses
Benefits and Allowances for FBI Support Staff (2025)
Key Benefits
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Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
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Retirement Plans: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) including Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
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Life Insurance: Federal life insurance coverage
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Paid Leave: Annual and sick leave, plus federal holidays
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Education & Training: Access to specialized FBI training programs and federal development courses
Key Allowances
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Locality Pay Adjustments: Based on duty station
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Overtime and Premium Pay: For high-demand or emergency work
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Special Skills Bonuses: For IT, language, and cybersecurity expertise
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Travel and Relocation Allowances: For moves to critical duty locations or temporary assignments
Factors Influencing FBI Support Staff Salaries in 2025
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GS Grade Level: Primary determinant of base pay
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Years of Federal Service: Increases base pay and eligibility for promotions
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Special Skills and Certifications: Can elevate starting grade and additional pay
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Locality and Cost-of-Living Adjustments: Significantly impact salary in urban areas
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Overtime and Premium Pay: Based on workload and operational demands
Career Progression for FBI Support Staff
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Entry-Level (GS-5): Clerical or junior analyst roles
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Mid-Level (GS-7 to GS-9): Operational support, IT, and analyst positions
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Senior-Level (GS-11 to GS-12): Team leads, project managers, senior analysts
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Leadership / Specialized Roles: SES or GS-13+ for management, strategic operations, or mission-critical roles
Promotions are based on experience, performance, skill development, and contribution to agency operations.
FAQs — FBI Support Staff Salary by GS Pay Scale (2025)
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What is the starting salary for FBI support staff?
Entry-level GS-5 positions start at $38,000 – $48,000 annually, excluding locality pay. -
Do support staff receive overtime?
Yes, eligible employees receive 1.5x hourly pay for approved overtime work. -
Are there bonuses for specialized skills?
Yes, skills in IT, cybersecurity, and foreign languages may qualify for recruitment or retention bonuses. -
Does locality pay affect salary?
Yes, employees in high-cost areas like D.C. and New York receive up to 35% additional pay. -
What benefits are included?
Health insurance, retirement through FERS, life insurance, paid leave, and federal development programs. -
Do support staff get relocation assistance?
Yes, for moves to critical duty locations or temporary assignments. -
Can support staff advance to senior positions?
Yes, with experience and performance, employees can reach GS-12 and above. -
Is overtime guaranteed?
No, it is based on operational needs and workload demands. -
Are FBI support staff considered federal employees?
Yes, they are federal employees under the GS pay system. -
How does promotion affect salary?
Promotions to higher GS grades result in significant increases in base pay and eligibility for additional allowances.
Conclusion
In 2025, FBI support staff salaries reflect competitive federal compensation, accounting for GS grade, locality pay, experience, and specialized skills. Employees benefit from extensive federal benefits, training opportunities, career progression, and mission-critical allowances.
For professionals pursuing a career in administrative, analytical, IT, or operational support within the FBI, these roles provide a stable, rewarding career path with both financial and professional growth opportunities.