How Much Money Do FBI Agents Make?

If you're considering a career in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), you may be wondering about how much money FBI agents make. Even if you're not hoping for a job with the FBI, knowing the salary of an FBI agent may give you some insight into the salaries of similar positions. As with any position, there are going to be various levels of pay, as well as various levels of schooling that may need to be accomplished. Interested parties also need to remember that top pay for any job only comes with the experience, dedication, and investment of time and interest by an employee.

There are many different conditions and assessments that apply to the amount of payment for FBI agents. Remember that these salaries are the base, and moving up, as in any company, is going to depend on time and effort put into the job, as well as exercising high capabilities with the required tasks.

Agents-in-Training

As of 2011, according to the FBI, trainees at the FBI Academy are paid $43,441 per year plus the Quantico, Virginia, locality adjustment of 17.50%. Therefore, in total, trainees make $51,043 annually during their time at the Academy.

Agents

When agents are assigned to an office to begin their work, they make the same as the trainees ($43,441 per year) in addition to locality and availability pay. Locality pay varies by location, but ranges from 12.5% to 28.7% of the base salary. Availability pay refers to the 25% increase in salary that agents receive, since they are required to work an average of 50 hours per week during the course of the year. The average range of salaries after all of those extras have been added in is between $61,100 and $69,900 per year depending on where the agent is assigned.

High Cost Areas

If a new agent is assigned to a region designated as a high cost area, he or she will receive a one-time relocation fee. High costs areas are currently defined as New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Washington D.C., Boston, and Newark. Agents required to move to one of these areas will receive approximately $22,000 in order to help offset the cost of living. In order to qualify for such a program, the agent must be moving from an area that has a lower cost of living to an area with a higher cost of living, if it is one of the regions mentioned.

How to Become an FBI Agent

Certain requirements must be met in order to become an FBI agent.

• You must be a citizen of the United States or of the Northern Mariana Islands.
• You must be at least 23 years old, but younger than 37 upon appointment. Age waivers are granted on occassion for individuals age 37 and older.
• You must have a four-year degree from a nationally or regionally accredited institution.
• You must have a valid driver's license.
• You must be willing to travel anywhere in the FBI's jurisdiction.
• You must have at least three years of professional work experience.

There are certainly a lot of requirements. However, think about how important it is that an FBI agent be a person of sound mind, body, and legal status in the country.

Considerations About Initial Salary Levels

Joining the Federal Bureau of Investigation can be a fulfilling job with great benefits for the individual and community. If future salary is of major importance to you, examining the different starting salaries is helpful. While it is generally safe to assume that raises will eventually be given and that salaries will be adjusted for geographic costs of living, be prepared to work within the basic starting salary.