Federal Protective Service (FPS) Officers are federal law enforcement professionals responsible for protecting federal buildings, employees, and the public. They play a critical role in maintaining security at federal facilities, investigating threats, and coordinating emergency responses.
In 2025, FPS Officer salaries were adjusted to reflect federal pay scale updates, locality adjustments, and performance incentives, ensuring competitive compensation.
This comprehensive guide explores monthly salary structures, pay by grade and location, benefits, allowances, career progression, and frequently asked questions for FPS Officers across the USA.
Federal Protective Service Officer Salary Overview (2025)
FPS Officer salaries depend on multiple factors:
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Federal General Schedule (GS) pay grade
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Duty location and locality pay
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Years of experience and step progression
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Overtime and hazard pay
Summary Table: FPS Officer Monthly Salary (2025)
| Grade Level | Base Monthly Salary (USD) | Locality Pay (%) | Estimated Total Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 Entry | $3,700 – $4,400 | 15–30% | $4,255 – $5,720 |
| GS-6 Early Career | $4,100 – $4,800 | 15–30% | $4,715 – $6,240 |
| GS-7 Experienced | $4,500 – $5,300 | 15–30% | $5,175 – $6,890 |
| GS-8 Senior | $5,000 – $5,900 | 15–30% | $5,750 – $7,670 |
| GS-9 Supervisory | $5,600 – $6,400 | 15–30% | $6,440 – $8,320 |
Figures are estimates based on 2025 federal base pay and locality adjustments.
How Federal Protective Service Officer Salary Structure Works (2025)
1. Federal General Schedule (GS) Pay
FPS Officers are federal employees classified under the GS pay system, starting at GS-5 or GS-6 depending on education and experience.
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Step Increases: Officers progress through steps within their grade, earning higher pay over time.
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Higher Grades: Senior or supervisory roles may reach GS-9 or above, offering larger salaries and leadership opportunities.
2. Locality Pay Adjustments
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Salaries vary by region due to cost-of-living differences.
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High-cost areas, such as Washington, D.C., New York, and Los Angeles, offer the highest locality pay (up to 30%).
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Locality pay ensures FPS Officers are compensated fairly relative to the regional cost of living and other federal law enforcement roles.
3. Overtime and Shift Differential
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FPS Officers often work night shifts, weekends, and holidays.
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Overtime pay is calculated at 1.5x the regular rate, increasing total monthly earnings.
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Shift differentials for nights or weekends may add significant additional compensation.
4. Hazard Pay
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Officers assigned to high-risk federal buildings, tactical operations, or emergency responses may receive hazard pay.
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Hazard pay typically adds 10–20% of base salary, acknowledging the dangers of certain assignments.
5. Promotions and Career Advancement
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Career paths include Entry-Level Officer → Experienced Officer → Senior Officer → Supervisory Officer → Managerial/Administrative Roles.
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Specialized roles include K9 units, tactical teams, investigative units, and emergency response coordinators.
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Promotion increases salary and may include additional hazard pay, locality adjustments, and leadership bonuses.
FPS Officer Salary by Grade and Experience (2025)
| Grade Level | Experience | Base Monthly Pay | Total with Locality Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 Entry | 0–2 Years | $3,700 – $4,000 | $4,255 – $5,200 |
| GS-5 | 3–4 Years | $4,000 – $4,400 | $4,600 – $5,720 |
| GS-6 Early Career | 0–2 Years | $4,100 – $4,500 | $4,715 – $5,850 |
| GS-6 | 3–4 Years | $4,500 – $4,800 | $5,175 – $6,240 |
| GS-7 Experienced | 0–2 Years | $4,500 – $5,000 | $5,175 – $6,500 |
| GS-7 | 3–5 Years | $5,000 – $5,300 | $5,750 – $6,890 |
| GS-8 Senior | 0–2 Years | $5,000 – $5,500 | $5,750 – $7,150 |
| GS-8 | 3–5 Years | $5,500 – $5,900 | $6,325 – $7,670 |
| GS-9 Supervisory | 5+ Years | $5,600 – $6,400 | $6,440 – $8,320 |
FPS Officer Salary by Location (2025)
Washington, D.C. — Headquarters and High-Security Areas
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Base Salary: $4,500 – $6,400
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Locality Pay: 30%
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Total Monthly Pay: $5,850 – $8,320
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Notes: High pay due to cost-of-living and federal locality adjustments.
High-Cost Federal Duty Areas
| City | Base Salary | Locality Pay | Total Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | $4,400 – $6,300 | 30% | $5,720 – $8,190 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $4,300 – $6,200 | 25% | $5,375 – $7,750 |
| Chicago, IL | $4,200 – $6,000 | 20% | $5,040 – $7,200 |
Other Duty Locations
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Base Salary: $3,700 – $5,800
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Locality Pay: 15–25%
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Total Monthly Pay: $4,255 – $7,250
Benefits and Allowances (2025)
Core Benefits
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Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision through FEHB
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Retirement: FERS pension, Social Security, TSP contributions
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Life Insurance: FEGLI coverage
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Paid Leave: 13–26 days annual leave, 13 sick days
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Holidays: 11 federal holidays
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Training: Access to federal law enforcement and tactical certifications
Allowances
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Overtime Pay: For extended shifts or emergency response
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Shift Differential: Night, weekend, and holiday pay
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Hazard Pay: For high-risk federal building assignments
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Travel Per Diem: Temporary duty assignments outside primary location
Comparison with Other Federal Law Enforcement Roles
| Position | Average Monthly Pay | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Protective Service Officer | $4,255 – $8,320 | Moderate hazard, federal building security focus |
| US Marshals Deputy | $4,800 – $9,720 | Higher hazard pay due to fugitive apprehension |
| Secret Service Uniformed Division | $4,500 – $8,500 | Protective services for Secret Service facilities |
| FBI Agent | $5,000 – $10,000 | Investigation-focused, specialized law enforcement |
Factors Affecting FPS Officer Salary (2025)
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Federal Grade Level (GS Step)
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Years of Experience and Step Increases
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Duty Location and Locality Adjustments
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Overtime, Night, and Holiday Shifts
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Hazard and Special Assignment Pay
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Performance Awards and Federal Retention Bonuses
Career Path and Advancement
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Entry-Level Officer: Secures federal buildings, conducts routine patrols
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Experienced Officer: Investigates threats, assists in emergency response
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Senior Officer: Supervises small teams, coordinates tactical response
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Supervisory Officer: Manages units, policy enforcement, training oversight
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Specialized Roles: K9 units, tactical teams, investigations, emergency response coordination
FAQs — Federal Protective Service Officer Salary (2025)
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What is the starting monthly salary?
$3,700 – $4,400 depending on grade and location. -
Does locality pay apply?
Yes, ranging from 15–30% depending on the city or region. -
Do FPS Officers get hazard pay?
Yes, typically 10–20% for high-risk assignments. -
Are overtime and night differentials included?
Overtime and shift differential pay are in addition to base salary. -
Do officers receive federal benefits?
Yes, including health insurance, retirement, and paid leave. -
Can FPS Officers transfer between locations?
Yes, subject to vacancy availability and federal approval. -
Are promotions based on performance?
Yes, along with experience, training, and leadership potential. -
Is training provided?
Yes, including tactical, law enforcement, and emergency response certifications. -
How long to reach supervisory roles?
Typically 5–10 years depending on performance and position availability. -
Do FPS Officers receive pensions?
Yes, through FERS including Social Security and TSP contributions.
Conclusion
In 2025, Federal Protective Service Officers enjoy competitive salaries, locality pay, overtime, hazard pay, and comprehensive federal benefits.
The position offers stable pay, career advancement opportunities, federal recognition, and the chance to protect high-profile federal facilities.
With federal support, training, and compensation, a career as an FPS Officer is one of the most respected and rewarding law enforcement roles in the USA.