The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is one of the most recognized law enforcement agencies in the world, responsible for national security, counterterrorism, and criminal investigations. Among its elite tactical units is the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, which responds to high-risk operations such as hostage rescues, armed barricades, counterterrorism missions, and raids against violent criminals.
Because of the high-risk nature of this role, many aspiring law enforcement professionals are interested in the FBI SWAT Officer salary, pay scale, and benefits in 2025. This article provides a complete guide to how much SWAT officers earn, including base pay, allowances, overtime, career progression, and federal employee benefits.
FBI SWAT Officer Salary Structure (2025 Overview)
FBI SWAT Officers are Special Agents who have undergone additional tactical training. Their salaries are based on the federal General Schedule (GS) pay scale, with most agents starting at GS-10 after academy graduation.
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Entry-level Special Agent (GS-10 Step 1): Starting salary for new agents, including those assigned to SWAT.
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Mid-career Agents (GS-11 to GS-13): With years of service and proven performance.
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Senior Agents & Supervisors (GS-14 to GS-15): Tactical team leaders and experienced agents.
Pay Scale Breakdown (Base Salary – 2025 Estimates)
| Grade & Step | Base Salary (Annual) | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| GS-10 Step 1 | $61,367 | $29.48 |
| GS-11 Step 1 | $68,662 | $32.95 |
| GS-12 Step 1 | $82,752 | $39.73 |
| GS-13 Step 1 | $98,496 | $47.35 |
| GS-14 Step 1 | $116,577 | $55.95 |
Note: These are base federal pay rates. With step increases, locality pay, and overtime, FBI SWAT Officers can earn significantly more.
Locality Pay Adjustments
Base salaries rise depending on the cost of living in different regions:
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High-cost cities (New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C.) → +20–35% above base.
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Medium-cost areas (Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta) → +10–20%.
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Lower-cost areas → Close to base GS pay.
Example: A GS-12 FBI SWAT Officer in San Francisco could earn $110,000+ annually, while in the Midwest, earnings may be closer to $85,000.
Factors That Influence FBI SWAT Officer Salary
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GS Grade and Step Level – Promotions and annual step increases.
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Locality Pay – Higher salaries in expensive cities.
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Overtime & Hazard Pay – FBI agents receive additional pay for extended hours and dangerous missions.
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Special Assignments – SWAT and tactical roles often qualify for availability pay (25% extra).
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Experience & Tenure – Promotions to supervisory roles increase earnings.
Role and Responsibilities of FBI SWAT Officers
FBI SWAT teams are highly specialized and handle some of the nation’s most dangerous operations. Their key duties include:
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High-risk arrests of armed suspects.
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Hostage rescue and counterterrorism response.
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Tactical raids and searches.
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Armed security during major events.
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Supporting other FBI units in critical operations.
Because of these responsibilities, SWAT officers undergo rigorous physical, tactical, and firearms training beyond regular FBI agent preparation.
Benefits of Working as an FBI SWAT Officer
Like all federal agents, FBI SWAT officers enjoy comprehensive benefits:
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Health Insurance
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Coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
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Wide plan choices with government cost-sharing.
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Retirement Plans
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Covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
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Includes pension, Social Security, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) (similar to 401k with matching).
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Paid Leave
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13–26 days of annual leave (depending on tenure).
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13 days sick leave per year.
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11 federal holidays.
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Availability Pay
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FBI agents, including SWAT, receive 25% added pay for working unpredictable schedules.
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Training and Advancement
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Ongoing tactical training, leadership courses, and federal career development.
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Career Progression for FBI SWAT Officers
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New Agents (GS-10/11) – Entry-level agents, may be selected for SWAT after training.
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Experienced Agents (GS-12/13) – Tactical operators with years of experience.
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Supervisory Special Agents (GS-14/15) – SWAT leaders, tactical coordinators, and instructors.
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Executive Roles – Some transition into higher management within the FBI.
Many SWAT officers also move into roles in counterterrorism, hostage rescue teams (HRT), or international assignments, which come with higher pay and prestige.
Comparison with Other Law Enforcement Agencies
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FBI SWAT Officers: $80,000–$120,000+ with locality pay and availability pay.
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DEA Special Agents (tactical roles): $70,000–$115,000.
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ATF Special Agents: $65,000–$105,000.
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Local Police SWAT Officers: $55,000–$90,000 (varies by city).
FBI SWAT salaries are among the highest in U.S. law enforcement, thanks to federal benefits and availability pay.
Key Influencing Factors on FBI Pay in 2025
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Federal Budget & Pay Raise – In 2025, federal workers received an average 4.7% salary increase.
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Inflation & Cost of Living – Locality adjustments remain high in expensive areas.
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Law Enforcement Demand – SWAT units are critical to counterterrorism and national security.
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Union & Policy Influence – While the GS system is standard, law enforcement associations advocate for additional pay support.
Joining Requirements for FBI SWAT Officers
To qualify, candidates must first become FBI Special Agents, then compete for SWAT selection. Requirements include:
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U.S. citizenship.
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Bachelor’s degree or higher.
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Professional experience (2+ years, or 1 year with advanced degree).
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Age 23–36 at entry.
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Excellent physical fitness.
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Firearms and tactical skills (developed during training).
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Background check and Top Secret clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the starting salary for an FBI SWAT Officer in 2025?
About $61,000–$70,000, depending on locality. -
How much can experienced FBI SWAT Officers earn?
Over $120,000 with promotions, locality pay, and availability pay. -
Do FBI SWAT Officers get overtime pay?
Yes, plus 25% availability pay for irregular schedules. -
Is FBI SWAT considered dangerous?
Yes, it is one of the most high-risk federal law enforcement jobs. -
What benefits do FBI agents receive?
Health, retirement, TSP, paid leave, and training. -
Can FBI SWAT Officers work remotely?
No, due to the tactical nature of the job. -
How often do FBI agents get raises?
Step increases annually, plus grade promotions. -
What’s the difference between SWAT and HRT?
SWAT handles regional crises, while Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) is a national counterterrorism unit. -
Do FBI SWAT Officers receive hazard pay?
Yes, in addition to availability pay, depending on assignments. -
What’s the career outlook for FBI SWAT in 2025?
Strong, due to counterterrorism and violent crime operations.
Summary Table – FBI SWAT Officer Salary & Benefits (2025)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Scale | GS-10 to GS-14 (Special Agents) |
| Starting Salary | $61,367 – $70,000 (with locality) |
| Experienced Salary | $100,000 – $120,000+ |
| Locality Pay | +15–35% depending on region |
| Availability Pay | +25% of base salary |
| Benefits | Health, retirement, TSP, paid leave |
| Career Growth | Promotions to GS-15 or tactical leadership |
| Training | Advanced tactical and firearms training |
Conclusion
The FBI SWAT Officer salary in 2025 offers a highly competitive federal income combined with prestigious tactical responsibilities. While entry pay starts around $61,000–$70,000, locality pay, availability pay, and promotions can raise earnings above $120,000 annually.
Beyond salary, SWAT officers benefit from strong federal benefits, retirement plans, job security, and elite training opportunities. For individuals seeking a career in federal law enforcement with tactical specialization, FBI SWAT is one of the most challenging yet rewarding paths available.