The United States Secret Service (USSS) is one of the most elite federal law enforcement agencies in the country. Known for its dual mission — protecting the President, Vice President, and visiting foreign dignitaries, as well as investigating financial crimes like counterfeiting and cyber fraud — the Secret Service demands exceptional dedication, skill, and professionalism.

In 2025, the salary and benefits for Secret Service Agents remain highly competitive compared to other federal law enforcement careers. The pay structure reflects the demanding nature of the job, which often includes long hours, frequent travel, and high-stakes protective operations.

This guide provides a complete breakdown of monthly salaries, allowances, and benefits for Secret Service Agents in 2025, along with details on how pay is determined, career progression, and frequently asked questions.

Secret Service Agent Monthly Salary Summary Table (2025)

Secret Service Agents are paid according to the federal General Schedule (GS) pay scale, along with Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP), which adds 25% to base pay, and potential location-based adjustments.

Position / Rank Base Monthly Salary (USD) Monthly Salary with LEAP Estimated Total with Allowances
Special Agent (GL-7) Entry $4,676 $5,845 $6,500 – $7,200
Special Agent (GL-9) Entry $5,233 $6,541 $7,200 – $8,000
Special Agent (GS-11) $6,021 $7,526 $8,300 – $9,500
Special Agent (GS-12) $7,272 $9,090 $10,200 – $11,500
Special Agent (GS-13) Senior $8,679 $10,849 $12,000 – $13,500
Supervisory Special Agent (GS-14) $10,258 $12,822 $14,000 – $15,800
Special Agent in Charge (GS-15) $12,410 $15,513 $17,000 – $19,000

Note: Figures are based on federal 2025 pay tables and average location pay for Washington, D.C. or other major metro areas. Agents working in high-cost cities like New York or San Francisco may earn more due to higher locality pay.

How the Secret Service Salary Structure Works

The Secret Service salary system is built on the following key components:

  1. Pay Grade & Step

    • New agents typically start at GL-7 or GL-9 depending on qualifications.

    • Promotions move agents to GS pay grades (GS-11 through GS-15).

    • Each grade has steps (1–10) that increase pay incrementally.

  2. Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP)

    • Adds 25% of base pay for being available beyond a standard 40-hour work week.

    • Recognizes the unpredictable hours required for protective and investigative duties.

  3. Locality Pay

    • Adjusts salaries based on the cost of living in the duty location.

    • For example, Washington, D.C. has a higher locality rate than smaller cities.

  4. Allowances & Bonuses

    • Agents may receive Protective Mission Pay, hazard pay, relocation incentives, and overtime in certain assignments.

Detailed Monthly Salary by Rank and Experience (2025)

Special Agent (GL-7 Entry Level)

  • Base Monthly Salary: $4,676

  • With LEAP: $5,845

  • With Allowances: $6,500 – $7,200

  • Role: Entry-level agents after graduation from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). Conduct investigative work, participate in protective details.

Special Agent (GL-9 Entry Level)

  • Base Monthly Salary: $5,233

  • With LEAP: $6,541

  • With Allowances: $7,200 – $8,000

  • Role: Similar duties as GL-7, but requires higher qualifications (e.g., advanced degree, prior law enforcement experience).

Special Agent (GS-11)

  • Base Monthly Salary: $6,021

  • With LEAP: $7,526

  • With Allowances: $8,300 – $9,500

  • Role: More independent investigative authority, lead small case teams, participate in advanced protective missions.

Special Agent (GS-12)

  • Base Monthly Salary: $7,272

  • With LEAP: $9,090

  • With Allowances: $10,200 – $11,500

  • Role: Senior investigator, lead protective advance teams, coordinate multi-agency operations.

Special Agent (GS-13)

  • Base Monthly Salary: $8,679

  • With LEAP: $10,849

  • With Allowances: $12,000 – $13,500

  • Role: Supervises investigative squads, manages protective shift schedules, liaises with foreign security services.

Supervisory Special Agent (GS-14)

  • Base Monthly Salary: $10,258

  • With LEAP: $12,822

  • With Allowances: $14,000 – $15,800

  • Role: Manages field offices, oversees large-scale investigations, coordinates national protective events.

Special Agent in Charge (GS-15)

  • Base Monthly Salary: $12,410

  • With LEAP: $15,513

  • With Allowances: $17,000 – $19,000

  • Role: Leads entire Secret Service divisions or major field offices, oversees high-level operations.

Secret Service Agent Allowances and Additional Pay

Secret Service Agents receive several allowances beyond base salary and LEAP:

  • Locality Pay: Adjusts for cost of living in duty station.

  • Protective Mission Pay: Compensates for extended travel and high-security assignments.

  • Overtime Pay: In certain situations beyond LEAP coverage.

  • Hazard Pay: For high-risk protective duties.

  • Relocation Assistance: For mandatory transfers.

  • Uniform/Equipment Allowance: For specialized gear and attire.

Benefits for Secret Service Agents

  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (federal employee plans)

  • Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension

  • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with matching contributions

  • Paid Leave: 13–26 vacation days, 13 sick days, and 11 federal holidays annually

  • Training Opportunities: Ongoing advanced law enforcement training

  • Education Assistance: Tuition reimbursement for career-related studies

Comparison with Other Federal Law Enforcement Salaries

  • FBI Agents: Similar pay structure, but slightly higher starting salaries in some locations.

  • DEA Agents: Comparable pay; more overseas assignments.

  • ATF Agents: Similar GL/GS pay, with fewer protective assignments.

Secret Service pay is competitive due to LEAP and protective duty allowances, making it one of the higher-paying federal law enforcement careers.

Factors Affecting Salary Levels

  1. Duty Location – Higher pay in high-cost cities.

  2. Years of Service – Pay increases with grade and step.

  3. Special Assignments – Advance teams, foreign travel, or high-risk missions add bonuses.

  4. Promotions – Moving into supervisory roles increases pay significantly.


Entry Requirements (2025)

  • U.S. Citizenship

  • Age 21–37 at application

  • Bachelor’s degree

  • Excellent physical fitness

  • Background clearance (Top Secret)

  • Successful completion of FLETC training


Career Progression

  • GL-7/GL-9 to GS-11 in ~2 years

  • GS-11 to GS-12 in ~2–3 years

  • GS-12 to GS-13 based on performance and openings

  • Supervisory roles (GS-14 and GS-15) for highly experienced agents


FAQs

  1. What is the starting monthly salary for a Secret Service Agent in 2025?
    Around $6,500–$7,200 with LEAP and allowances.

  2. Do agents get overtime pay?
    LEAP covers most overtime, but certain duties allow extra pay.

  3. Is hazard pay available?
    Yes, for high-risk protective missions.

  4. Do agents get free housing?
    No, but BAH-like locality pay helps offset costs.

  5. What’s the highest-paying position?
    Special Agent in Charge (GS-15), earning up to $19,000 per month.

  6. Are agents required to travel?
    Yes, frequently and sometimes with little notice.

  7. Can agents transfer locations?
    Yes, but transfers may be mandatory based on agency needs.

  8. What retirement plan do they have?
    FERS with pension and TSP.

  9. How often do pay raises occur?
    Annually through step increases, and with each promotion.

  10. Is the job dangerous?
    Yes, due to high-profile protective duties, but extensive training mitigates risk.

Conclusion

In 2025, Secret Service Agent monthly salary and allowances make it one of the most financially rewarding careers in federal law enforcement. With competitive pay, generous benefits, and unique mission prestige, the role attracts highly skilled professionals.

While the work is demanding, involving long hours, high-risk situations, and frequent travel, the compensation structure ensures that agents are well-supported financially.

For those considering a career in the U.S. Secret Service, understanding this salary system is key to planning a long-term federal law enforcement career.