FBI agents' salaries vary widely depending on experience, location, and role within the agency.
- Entry-level FBI special agents typically start at a GS-10 pay grade, with a base salary around $51,921 to $66,900 per year. With locality pay (adjusted for cost of living in areas like Washington, D.C.) and availability pay (a 25% premium for unpredictable hours), starting salaries can range approximately from $64,900 to $83,400 annually
- The average annual salary for FBI special agents is about $110,673, with reported salaries ranging from $55,000 to $168,000 depending on experience and position
- Mid-career agents with 4 to 9 years of experience earn roughly $55,000 per year, while those with 10 to 20 years can make around $79,000. Agents with over 20 years of experience may earn up to $90,000 annually
- Higher-level positions such as supervisory or managerial roles fall under GS-14 or GS-15 pay grades, with salaries exceeding $219,000 per year including availability pay. Senior executive roles can reach up to $274,000 annually
- Pay also depends on location, with agents working in high-cost cities like New York or Washington, D.C. earning more due to locality adjustments
In summary, FBI agents earn from about $50,000 for new agents to over $200,000 for senior positions, with the average around $110,000 per year
