2 answers
John’s Answer
You can see that there is a pay difference based on your location. You will typically start as a GS-7 or GS-9. However in 3-4 years you will max out at a GS-13. You could potentially become a GS-14/15 if you work your way up into management. However, many agents are happy to stay as agents and not supervisors. Many agents in the FBI have degrees in accounting or law. However, some decide to become an agent after working for a local police department and having some other bachelor's degree).
The benefits are probably better than most other jobs (health/retirement) and there's alot of security working for the federal government. Agents don't receive overtime, and you may work extra hours, but they also give agents an additional premium pay to compensate for basically being in call 23/7.
Kimberly’s Answer
Hi Clarissa, a new FBI special agent earns a base salary of $43,441. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, locality pay, which can range from 12.5 percent to 28.7 percent of an agent's salary, increases the agent's wages. Which means, you make more or less depending where your field office is located and the cost of living in that area. For example, agents in the midwest don't have as high a salary as an agent on the east coast or Washington D.C. because it typically costs more to live there. Hope this helps. Good luck.
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