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FBI Agents

Earnings

Special agent trainees start out at the federal government's GL-10, Step 1 level—$58,412 in 2024, depending on where the agent lives. Salaries for agents are increased slightly if they reside in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, where there is a high cost of living. FBI agents in non-supervisory positions can reach the GS-13 grade—at about $88,520 in 2024. Agents who move into management positions can earn a GS-14 ($104,604) or GS-15 ($123,041) salary. Some agents then move into a different employment category called the Senior Executive Service, where they made salaries that ranged from $172,100 to more than $235,600 annually in 2023 working for the FBI.

Agents also receive an additional 25 percent of their base pay (known as law enforcement availability pay, or LEAP) as compensation for being available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. FBI agents can earn within-grade pay increases upon satisfactory job performance, and grade increases may be earned as the agent gains experience through good job performance.

As federal employees, FBI special agents enjoy generous benefits, including health and life insurance, 13 days of paid sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays. Agents may also receive job-related tuition reimbursement. All special agents are required to retire at the age of 57; they may choose to retire at 50 if they have put in 20 years of service.

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