The FBI Surveillance Specialist is one of the most crucial support roles in the Federal Bureau of Investigation. These professionals conduct covert surveillance, gather intelligence, and provide evidence that strengthens investigations on national security, counterterrorism, cybercrime, and organized crime.
Because the role is highly specialized and requires discretion, the FBI Surveillance Specialist salary is structured differently from other FBI support positions. Pay is largely determined by General Schedule (GS) grade levels, location, and years of service.
In this 2025 guide, we provide a complete breakdown of FBI Surveillance Specialist salaries by grade level, including base pay tables, benefits, allowances, career growth, comparisons with similar law enforcement roles, and frequently asked questions. This article is designed to answer every possible query about the salary structure to help aspiring specialists, job seekers, and researchers.
Overview of FBI Surveillance Specialist Salary in 2025
In 2025, FBI Surveillance Specialists are classified under the federal GS pay scale, which ranges from GS-7 to GS-12 for most employees, depending on experience, qualifications, and job responsibilities. Salaries also include locality pay adjustments, which vary depending on the cost of living in different cities across the USA.
Here’s a quick summary table:
FBI Surveillance Specialist Salary by Grade Level (2025)
| Grade Level | Annual Base Salary (Approx.) | Monthly Pay (Approx.) | With Locality Adjustment (Range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-7 | $42,200 – $54,000 | $3,516 – $4,500 | $47,000 – $60,000 |
| GS-8 | $46,000 – $59,000 | $3,833 – $4,916 | $51,000 – $66,000 |
| GS-9 | $51,000 – $66,000 | $4,250 – $5,500 | $57,000 – $73,000 |
| GS-10 | $56,000 – $73,000 | $4,666 – $6,083 | $63,000 – $80,000 |
| GS-11 | $62,000 – $81,000 | $5,166 – $6,750 | $70,000 – $89,000 |
| GS-12 | $74,000 – $95,000 | $6,166 – $7,916 | $83,000 – $105,000 |
Note: These figures are estimates for 2025. Locality adjustments can add 15%–35% to base pay depending on region.
How the Salary Structure Works
The salary of an FBI Surveillance Specialist is not a flat figure. Instead, it depends on:
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GS Grade Level – Determines base salary.
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Step Increases – Within each grade, there are 10 steps. Each step means a salary increase based on performance and tenure.
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Locality Pay – Employees in high-cost areas like Washington, D.C., New York City, Los Angeles, or San Francisco earn more than those in smaller cities.
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Overtime and Availability Pay – Specialists may receive extra pay for extended hours, though they are not entitled to the same “law enforcement availability pay” as special agents.
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Promotions – Advancing from GS-7 to GS-12 increases base pay significantly.
This system ensures fairness while rewarding long-term service and career advancement.
Detailed Salary Breakdown by Grade Level
GS-7 FBI Surveillance Specialist Salary
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Base Pay (2025): $42,200 – $54,000 per year
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Typical Roles: Entry-level surveillance assignments, training phase, basic observation.
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With Locality Pay: $47,000 – $60,000
At this stage, specialists usually assist senior officers and undergo training.
GS-8 FBI Surveillance Specialist Salary
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Base Pay (2025): $46,000 – $59,000 per year
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Typical Roles: Routine surveillance operations, report writing, minor independent assignments.
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With Locality Pay: $51,000 – $66,000
This grade is common for those with a few years of experience.
GS-9 FBI Surveillance Specialist Salary
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Base Pay (2025): $51,000 – $66,000 per year
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Typical Roles: Independent operations, advanced surveillance technology handling.
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With Locality Pay: $57,000 – $73,000
GS-10 FBI Surveillance Specialist Salary
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Base Pay (2025): $56,000 – $73,000 per year
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Typical Roles: Lead surveillance in field assignments, training new specialists.
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With Locality Pay: $63,000 – $80,000
GS-11 FBI Surveillance Specialist Salary
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Base Pay (2025): $62,000 – $81,000 per year
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Typical Roles: Supervisory responsibilities, handling complex cases, coordinating multi-agency surveillance.
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With Locality Pay: $70,000 – $89,000
GS-12 FBI Surveillance Specialist Salary
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Base Pay (2025): $74,000 – $95,000 per year
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Typical Roles: Senior-level assignments, high-profile cases, leadership in surveillance teams.
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With Locality Pay: $83,000 – $105,000
This is the highest common grade level for this career track.
Benefits and Allowances
In addition to base salary, FBI Surveillance Specialists receive several benefits:
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Health Insurance (medical, dental, vision)
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Retirement Benefits under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
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Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) similar to a 401(k) with agency contributions
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Paid Leave (13–26 days annual leave + 13 sick days)
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Federal Holidays (11 per year)
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Training and Development Programs
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Life Insurance
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Career Stability and Job Security
These benefits often make up a large part of total compensation.
Comparison with FBI Special Agents and Other Roles
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FBI Special Agents: Earn more due to “Law Enforcement Availability Pay” (25% extra). Their salaries range from $80,000 – $130,000 in 2025.
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FBI Intelligence Analysts: Similar entry-level pay but often capped lower than surveillance specialists.
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Police Detectives (Local Level): Average salary is $70,000 – $85,000, which is competitive but usually without federal benefits.
This comparison shows that while Surveillance Specialists earn less than FBI Agents, they enjoy strong benefits and job security.
Key Factors Influencing Salary Growth
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Experience & Years of Service
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Performance Reviews (affect step increases)
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Special Assignments (urban areas, counterterrorism, cyber surveillance)
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Education & Certifications (advanced degrees can support promotions)
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Budget Allocations to FBI (Congress determines funding)
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Cost of Living Adjustments (locality pay is a major factor)
Career Progression
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Entry Level: GS-7
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Mid-Level: GS-9 / GS-10
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Senior Level: GS-11 / GS-12
Promotion depends on:
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Years of service
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Supervisor recommendations
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Job performance
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Training completion
Some specialists eventually transition into FBI Special Agent roles.
Joining Requirements for FBI Surveillance Specialist
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U.S. Citizenship
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Background Investigation (polygraph, drug test, credit check)
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Age Requirement: At least 21 years old
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Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred, though experience in law enforcement, military, or surveillance may substitute
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Skills: Observation, technology use, discretion, report writing, driving skills
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the starting salary of an FBI Surveillance Specialist in 2025?
The starting salary is about $42,000 per year at GS-7, plus locality pay.
2. What is the highest salary for this position?
Senior specialists at GS-12 can earn up to $105,000 including locality adjustments.
3. Do FBI Surveillance Specialists get overtime?
Yes, but unlike Special Agents, they do not receive automatic 25% availability pay.
4. Is there a promotion path?
Yes, from GS-7 up to GS-12, based on performance and tenure.
5. Do specialists carry firearms?
Generally, no. They are non-agent personnel focused on observation.
6. Do they work with Special Agents?
Yes, they support investigations directly, often working side by side with agents.
7. What cities pay the most?
Washington D.C., New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
8. Can a Surveillance Specialist become a Special Agent?
Yes, with proper qualifications and application, though it is not automatic.
9. How many hours do they work weekly?
Typically 40 hours, but often extended due to case demands.
10. Do they receive federal pensions?
Yes, under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Conclusion
The FBI Surveillance Specialist salary in 2025 offers a stable and rewarding career path with strong federal benefits. While base salaries range from $42,000 at entry-level (GS-7) to over $100,000 for senior GS-12 specialists, locality pay, promotions, and step increases make the role financially attractive.
For individuals who are detail-oriented, disciplined, and interested in contributing to national security without necessarily becoming an FBI Special Agent, this is a promising career choice.