How much do FBI agents make starting out?

New FBI Special Agents start at the GS-10 level with a base salary of approximately $52,000 to $62,500, plus 25% Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP), bringing starting total pay to about $65,000 to $78,000, depending on location-based locality pay.

How hard is it to become an FBI agent?

Extremely competitive. The FBI accepts roughly 5-10% of applicants. You need a bachelor's degree, professional experience, and must pass extensive testing, background investigations, polygraph, and physical fitness standards. The entire process takes one to two years.

What degree is best for FBI?

Degrees in accounting, computer science, cybersecurity, law, and foreign languages are most valued. However, the FBI recruits from all academic backgrounds. Advanced degrees (JD, MBA, Ph.D.) and specialized skills like foreign language fluency provide additional competitive advantages.

Do FBI agents travel a lot?

Travel requirements vary by assignment. Some agents travel extensively for investigations, while others work primarily from their assigned field office. Agents investigating complex cases may travel nationally or internationally. You must also be willing to relocate for initial assignment and potential transfers.

Can FBI agents retire early?

Yes, FBI agents have special retirement provisions allowing retirement at age 50 with 20 years of service, or at any age with 25 years of service. Mandatory retirement age is 57. Agents receive a pension equal to roughly 1.7% of their highest average salary multiplied by years of service.

FBI Agent Salary: How Much Do They Really Make?

Government & Public ServiceAbout as fast as average

FBI Special Agents investigate federal crimes including terrorism, cybercrime, organized crime, public corruption, civil rights violations, and white-collar crime. They gather intelligence, conduct surveillance, make arrests, interview witnesses, and work with other law enforcement agencies. FBI agents serve as the primary investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Median Salary

$99,700

Salary Range

$62,556 – $160,000

Hourly Equivalent

$47.93/hr

Growth Rate

FBI Agent Salary by Experience Level

Entry Level (0-2 years)$71,784

$34.51/hr

Mid Career (3-6 years)$99,700

$47.93/hr

Senior (7-12 years)$124,625

$59.92/hr

Expert (13+ years)$144,565

$69.50/hr

FBI Agent Salary by State (Top 10)

Rank	State	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
#1	California	$121,634	$58.48/hr
#2	New York	$118,643	$57.04/hr
#3	Washington	$115,652	$55.60/hr
#4	Massachusetts	$114,655	$55.12/hr
#5	New Jersey	$112,661	$54.16/hr
#6	Connecticut	$110,667	$53.21/hr
#7	Maryland	$108,673	$52.25/hr
#8	Alaska	$107,676	$51.77/hr
#9	Hawaii	$106,679	$51.29/hr
#10	Oregon	$104,685	$50.33/hr

FBI Agent Salary by City (Top 10 Metros)

Rank	City	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
#1	San Francisco, CA	$137,586	$66.15/hr
#2	New York City, NY	$131,604	$63.27/hr
#3	San Jose, CA	$129,610	$62.31/hr
#4	Seattle, WA	$124,625	$59.92/hr
#5	Boston, MA	$121,634	$58.48/hr
#6	Washington D.C., DC	$119,640	$57.52/hr
#7	Los Angeles, CA	$117,646	$56.56/hr
#8	Denver, CO	$111,664	$53.68/hr
#9	Austin, TX	$109,670	$52.73/hr
#10	Chicago, IL	$107,676	$51.77/hr

How to Become a FBI Agent

To become an FBI Special Agent, you must hold at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited university and have at least two years of full-time professional work experience, or one year with an advanced degree. The FBI recruits in five career entry programs: Accounting, Computer Science/IT, Language, Law, and Diversified (other degrees with relevant experience).

The application process is extensive and includes an online application, Phase I testing (logic-based reasoning and situational judgment), a writing sample, a comprehensive background investigation, a polygraph exam, physical fitness test, and medical examination. The entire process can take one to two years.

Candidates who pass all phases are invited to attend the FBI Academy at Quantico, Virginia, for approximately 20 weeks. Training covers firearms, defensive tactics, investigative techniques, legal instruction, and behavioral science. The training is physically and academically demanding.

After graduation from the Academy, new agents are assigned to one of the FBI's 56 field offices across the country. Agents must be willing to relocate and may be transferred throughout their career. After gaining experience, agents can pursue specialized roles in counterterrorism, cybercrime, intelligence, hostage rescue, or other areas.

Job Outlook for FBI Agents

3% growth — About as fast as average

The FBI continues to recruit special agents to address evolving threats including cyber-attacks, terrorism, violent crime, and public corruption. The agency hires approximately 900 new special agents per year but receives over 10,000 applications, making it highly competitive.

FBI agent compensation follows the federal GS pay scale with Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP), which adds 25% to base salary. Starting salary for a new agent (GS-10) is approximately $62,556 plus LEAP, bringing total starting pay to about $78,195. Experienced agents and supervisors at higher GS levels can earn $120,000 to $160,000+.

FBI agents receive comprehensive federal benefits including health insurance, retirement plans (FERS with special retirement provisions allowing retirement at age 50 with 20 years of service), life insurance, and paid leave. The mandatory retirement age of 57 means agents receive their pension earlier than most federal employees.

Education & Certifications

Education Required

Bachelor's Degree (minimum); Advanced degree preferred

Key Certifications

FBI Academy Graduation
Top Secret Security Clearance
Firearms Qualification