FBI Special Agent Job Description, Career as a FBI Special Agent, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job
bonus agents federal assignments crimes
Education and Training College plus training
Salary Varies—see profile
Employment Outlook Fair
Definition and Nature of the Work
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) special agents investigate violations of U.S. laws and report their findings to the office of the attorney general. They investigate crimes such as kidnapping, extortion, espionage, bank robbery, fraud, and sabotage. To carry out their jobs, they talk to witnesses, observe the activities of their suspects, do research, and participate in raids.
Because their work is strictly investigative, special agents do not express opinions about the guilt or innocence of suspects. These decisions are left to lawyers employed by the federal government. If agents testify in court, they relay the information they have gathered. Much of their work is confidential, so they are not allowed to discuss it with outsiders, including members of their families. On assignments they may have to carry firearms.
Agents work from field offices located in the United States and Puerto Rico and from the national headquarters in Washington, DC. To uncover facts, they use the crime detection laboratory in Washington, where experts analyze blood, paint, and fragments that agents find at the scenes of crimes. They also use a fingerprint database.
Some federal crimes, such as tax evasion and counterfeiting, are investigated by other agencies. However, FBI agents may be called in for assistance. FBI agents also run character and security checks on many employees of the government.
Education and Training Requirements
To become an FBI special agent, you must be a graduate of a state-accredited law school or be a college graduate with a major in accounting. You may also qualify if you have a bachelor's degree in any discipline, with fluency in a foreign language that is especially useful to the bureau; a bachelor's degree in any discipline plus three years of full-time work experience; or an advanced degree plus two years of work experience.
Applicants must be citizens of the United States, between the ages of twenty-three and thirty-seven, and in good physical condition. Excellent eyesight and hearing are essential. Background and character are investigated thoroughly. Applicants must pass physical, written, and oral examinations, which are similar to those required for employment by the federal civil service.
During the first year, which is probationary, agents receive sixteen weeks of intensive training in Washington, DC, and at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA. They learn self-defense, FBI rules and methods, fingerprinting, criminal law, and weapons use. At the end of their training, they are assigned to one of the field offices for the remainder of the year, after which they are given permanent assignments.
Getting the Job
If you are interested in getting a job as a special agent, write to the director of the FBI. In addition to sending a resume and cover letter, request information on vacancies, requirements, and employment applications.
Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook
Special agents are eligible for periodic salary increases. After demonstrating ability and proving that they are capable of assuming more responsibilities, agents may be promoted to supervisory or administrative positions.
Openings are limited. The rate of turnover in the FBI is very low. Each year some agents are hired because of expansion, but most people working as agents remain in their positions until retirement.
Working Conditions
FBI special agents must be ready for assignments in all places at all times. They are subject to call twenty-four hours a day. Because agents generally put in many extra hours, they are compensated with an annual bonus in a fixed amount.
The work can be both exciting and dangerous. Agents work alone or in small groups. Agents who can accept the responsibilities of the job find it a rewarding career. The work is seldom routine.
Earnings and Benefits
In 2004 beginning special agents received a base salary of $42,548 per year, but they could earn $53,185 per year with overtime pay. Experienced agents who had advanced to field assignments that were nonsupervisory received a base salary of $64,478 per year. Overtime brought their total wage to $80,597 per year. Supervisory agents earned $76,193 or more per year. Benefits include paid holidays and vacations, medical insurance, and retirement plans.
User Comments
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over 3 years ago
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about 2 years ago
Nina L.
Hi everyone,
I appreciate people writing this article, but a lot of information is wrong. The pay is much higher and the employment process is different, much different. I am going through the employment process right now. And it is totally different. But some info on here is still ok. Like the requirements. You do need at least a BA to qualify for the language program. That is what I am doing. I also have three years of professional experience so this is a good start for me.
Good luck to all that are looking into this career. Make sure you guys go to more credible websites like the FBI.GOV its self. There is 100% accurate information you need.
over 3 years ago
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4 months ago
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4 months ago
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4 months ago
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4 months ago
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5 months ago
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5 months ago
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6 months ago
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7 months ago
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7 months ago
hey iam from kerala can i join FBI in the future
8 months ago
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8 months ago
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10 months ago
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i am a congolaise nationa seeking for the fed agency job i can speak 5 languages fluently 3 international and two local african
over 2 years ago
guy
"If you are interested in getting a job as a special agent, write to the director of the FBI."
WHAT??!! This is definitely not the way to get more info, or to apply. If I wanted a job with microsoft, would send a letter to Bill Gates? I guarantee the director of the FBI does not have time allotted to personally answer questions about employment.
over 3 years ago
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about 2 years ago
Will
This article is greatly flawed and outdated. For real information, refer to the FBI site www.fbi.gov. The salary information is also not correct. FBI agents make much more money than it says in this article. The least amount they make would be around 61K which includes base pay + local pay (or something like that).
12 months ago
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12 months ago
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about 1 year ago
Hassan Yusuf
Hello, as i was reading the requirements I noticed it said that you can get atleast a bachelors degree in any discipline. does that mean I could get a degree in lets say theatre and still be able to hand in a application with no problem? Also, can you email me the types of positions for a special agent. And are people with low case asthma allowed??? Thank you.
over 1 year ago
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over 1 year ago
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10 months ago
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10 months ago
aubin kalombo
i am a congolaise nationa seeking for the fed agency job i can speak 5 languages fluently 3 international and two local african
10 months ago
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10 months ago
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over 2 years ago
Can a Fbi agent ask a state judge for a search warrant to search your home?
about 3 years ago
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about 3 years ago
i found this site quite useful in planning my future career possibilities. working for the national center for analysis of violent crimes under the FBI is my main focus and has been for many years. This information helped me delve a bit more into the general outlook and likeyhood of aquireing this career.
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over 3 years ago
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11 months ago
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over 2 years ago
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10 months ago
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11 months ago
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about 1 year ago
Hassan Yusuf
Hello, as i was reading the requirements I noticed it said that you can get atleast a bachelors degree in any discipline. does that mean I could get a degree in lets say theatre and still be able to hand in a application with no problem? Also, can you email me the types of positions for a special agent. And are people with low case asthma allowed??? Thank you.
about 2 years ago
Whoa! TONS of misinformation is given in this article. For example, the FBI pay rate is much higher than cited and the application process is much different than writing the director for information.
A beginning agent right out of the academy and working from the Chicago office will make nearly 80k and will be above 6 figures in a few short years.
over 2 years ago
thanks this info helps with my middle school project it helps me to be focused on certain things that i can get to be a special agent thanks i look forward to seeing you guys in a few years i have wanted to be a FBI agent since i was 9
16 days ago
claire
This has good info, but it would be great to update the year for earnings and benefits.
30 days ago
I plan to major in criminal justice and this is exactly what i want to do.
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13 days ago
Can you tell me what are some career importances in the job of a FBI Special Agent?