The US Marshals Service (USMS) is one of the oldest federal law enforcement agencies in the United States, responsible for protecting the federal judiciary, apprehending fugitives, and overseeing high-risk operations. Task Force Officers (TFOs) are integral members who collaborate with federal, state, and local agencies to carry out critical law enforcement missions.
Understanding the salary, allowances, benefits, and career progression for US Marshals Task Force Officers is vital for aspiring officers, current personnel, and those comparing federal law enforcement opportunities.
Overview of US Marshals Task Force Officers
Task Force Officers are federal law enforcement professionals who are detailed to the US Marshals Service to participate in fugitive apprehension, witness protection, and specialized operations. These officers can be drawn from federal, state, or local law enforcement agencies and are often highly trained in tactical operations.
Key Responsibilities
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Apprehending fugitives and high-risk offenders
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Executing federal warrants and protective operations
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Assisting in prisoner transport and custody management
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Participating in tactical operations and raids
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Coordinating with interagency task forces for investigations
Qualifications
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Must be a commissioned law enforcement officer (federal, state, or local)
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Active law enforcement certification or commission
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Completion of federal firearms and tactical training
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Ability to pass a Top Secret or Secret security clearance
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Strong physical fitness and operational readiness
US Marshals Task Force Officer Salary Structure
Salary for Task Force Officers depends on federal pay grades (GS scale), years of experience, and special allowances. Officers detailed from local or state agencies may retain their original salary but also receive federal compensation when serving in USMS operations.
1. Base Pay by GS Grade
Task Force Officers are typically classified in the GS-9 to GS-12 federal pay grades depending on experience, duties, and location.
| GS Level | Annual Base Pay | Monthly Base Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-9 | $58,505 – $76,098 | $4,875 – $6,341 | Entry-level federal task force officer |
| GS-10 | $65,332 – $84,451 | $5,444 – $7,038 | Experienced officers with additional duties |
| GS-11 | $73,826 – $95,555 | $6,152 – $7,963 | Mid-level federal law enforcement officers |
| GS-12 | $87,198 – $113,362 | $7,266 – $9,447 | Senior task force officers and supervisors |
Note: Salaries are adjusted annually and may vary slightly based on federal pay scale updates and locality adjustments.
2. Locality Pay Adjustments
Federal pay is adjusted based on geographic location, recognizing cost-of-living differences. High-cost areas like Washington D.C., New York City, and San Francisco can increase total compensation by 15–35%.
3. Special Pays and Law Enforcement Incentives
Task Force Officers may qualify for additional compensation, including:
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Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP): 25% of base pay for officers in high-demand operational roles
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Overtime and Premium Pay: Federal law allows overtime for operational missions and court appearances
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Hazardous Duty Pay: For high-risk fugitive apprehension or tactical operations
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Retention Bonuses: Incentives for officers serving in critical or hard-to-fill positions
Allowances and Benefits
US Marshals Task Force Officers enjoy a robust benefits package that supplements base pay.
1. Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
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Officers assigned away from their permanent residence may receive BAH based on rank and location
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Can range from $1,800 to $4,200 per month depending on city and dependents
2. Travel and Operational Allowances
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Reimbursements for mission-related transportation, lodging, and per diem
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Includes temporary duty (TDY) travel pay for assignments outside the home duty station
3. Health and Retirement
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Federal employees are enrolled in FEHB (Federal Employee Health Benefits) and FEGLI (Federal Life Insurance)
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Retirement under FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System) after 20 years of service or at age 62 with minimum service
4. Paid Leave
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13 days of annual leave in first three years, increasing with tenure
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13 days of sick leave annually
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10 federal holidays
Career Progression
Entry-Level Officers
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Typically start at GS-9 or GS-10
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Focus on field operations, fugitive apprehension, and basic federal task force duties
Mid-Level Officers
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GS-11 and GS-12: Lead operational teams, mentor junior officers, manage regional task force operations
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Participate in specialized missions, including witness protection and tactical raids
Supervisory and Management Roles
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Task Force Supervisors, Assistant Marshals, or Program Managers
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Salary increases with responsibility, leadership, and years of service
Total Compensation Example
| GS Level | Base Pay | LEAP | BAH | Health/Retirement Benefits | Total Monthly Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-9 | $4,875 | $1,219 | $2,000 | $900 | $8,994 |
| GS-11 | $6,152 | $1,538 | $2,500 | $1,000 | $11,190 |
| GS-12 | $7,266 | $1,817 | $3,000 | $1,200 | $13,283 |
Includes approximate allowances, LEAP, and benefits.
Salary Comparison with Other Federal Law Enforcement Roles
| Position | Annual Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US Marshals TFO | $58,500 – $113,000 | Base pay plus LEAP, allowances, and bonuses |
| FBI Special Agent | $62,000 – $142,000 | Comparable federal law enforcement pay |
| DEA Special Agent | $60,000 – $140,000 | Federal pay scale with hazardous duty pay |
| ATF Special Agent | $59,000 – $135,000 | Pay varies with location and years of service |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the starting salary for a US Marshals Task Force Officer?
Typically GS-9 base pay $58,505/year, with additional allowances. -
Do TFOs receive housing allowances?
Yes, BAH varies by location and dependents. -
Is there special pay for high-risk operations?
Yes, LEAP and hazardous duty pay apply to operational missions. -
Can local or state officers become TFOs?
Yes, officers from state/local agencies can be detailed to USMS task forces. -
Are benefits included in total compensation?
Yes, including health, retirement, paid leave, and life insurance. -
How does TFO pay compare to other federal agents?
Comparable to FBI, DEA, and ATF agents, particularly with allowances and LEAP. -
Do salaries vary by location?
Yes, locality adjustments account for cost of living in high-expense areas. -
Are promotions based on rank or experience?
Both; officers advance with experience, performance, and supervisory responsibility. -
Is overtime compensated?
Yes, for court appearances, missions, and tactical operations. -
Do TFOs have opportunities for specialized assignments?
Yes, including tactical operations, fugitive task forces, and witness protection programs.
Conclusion
The US Marshals Task Force Officer salary structure in 2025 is competitive, combining base pay, LEAP, allowances, and benefits to attract highly skilled federal law enforcement officers. From entry-level GS-9 officers to senior supervisors, TFOs enjoy strong career progression, robust benefits, and opportunities for specialized operational missions.
For those seeking a career in federal law enforcement, the US Marshals Task Force offers financial stability, professional development, and the chance to serve at the forefront of public safety and national security.