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Secret Service Special Agents

Earnings

Special agents generally receive Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) on top of their base pay. Agents usually start at the GS-7 or GS-9 grade levels, which in 2020 were $37,301 and $45,627, respectively, excluding LEAP. (Salaries may be slightly higher in some areas with high costs of living.) Agents automatically advance until they reach the GS-13 level, which in 2020 was $78,681, excluding LEAP. The payscale also includes 10 "Steps" within each grade that can increase these base earnings by anywhere from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars. Top officials in the Secret Service are appointed to Senior Executive Service (SES) positions; they do not receive the availability pay. Top SES salaries are well over $150,000 a year.

Benefits for special agents include low-cost health and life insurance, annual and sick leave, paid holidays, and a comprehensive retirement program. In addition, free financial protection is provided to agents and their families in the event of job-related injury or death.

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