A career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) offers not just prestige, but also competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and strong job stability. As we step into 2025, many aspiring federal agents and law enforcement professionals are keen to know what they can expect to earn, how their experience affects their income, and what credentials can boost their pay.
In this article, we’ll break down the average FBI salary in 2025, the factors that influence it, career-level variations, and broader employment trends.
🧾 What Is the Average FBI Salary in 2025?
As of 2025, the average salary for an FBI Special Agent in the United States ranges between $80,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on rank, years of experience, and location.
Entry-level agents typically start at the GS-10 step on the federal pay scale, with base salaries around $60,000 to $70,000, but bonuses and locality pay can increase total compensation significantly.
💼 Salary by Experience Level
Like most federal jobs, the FBI follows the General Schedule (GS) pay scale. Salary progression is structured and based on grade level and step increments.
FBI Salary by Experience:
| Experience Level | GS Level | Estimated Salary (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Agent | GS-10 Step 1 | $62,000 – $68,000 |
| Mid-Level Agent (5-9 yrs) | GS-12 – GS-13 | $85,000 – $105,000 |
| Senior Agent (10+ yrs) | GS-14 – GS-15 | $110,000 – $135,000 |
| Supervisory/Director | SES Levels | $145,000 – $180,000+ |
📊 Key Factors That Influence FBI Salary
Several components determine an FBI employee’s overall compensation:
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Location (Locality Pay): Agents in high-cost areas like New York, Los Angeles, or Washington, D.C., receive locality pay, sometimes adding 15-35% to base pay.
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Experience & Grade Level: Promotions through the GS steps bring incremental raises.
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Overtime & Availability Pay: FBI agents receive a flat 25% availability pay on top of their base salary for being on call beyond standard hours.
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Special Assignments: Tactical, linguistics, or cybersecurity roles may come with bonuses or additional hazard pay.
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Certifications & Skills: Advanced degrees, language proficiency, or certifications in digital forensics, cybersecurity, or accounting can increase opportunities and pay.
📈 FBI Job Market Trends in 2025
The job outlook for FBI agents remains strong and stable in 2025. Key reasons include:
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Increased focus on cybercrime: The FBI is investing heavily in cybersecurity, digital forensics, and AI crime prevention.
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Counterterrorism efforts remain a top national priority.
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Recruitment for diversity and specialty roles continues to expand.
Due to increasing digital threats, there’s high demand for agents with STEM backgrounds, particularly in computer science, cyber operations, and data analysis.
🎓 Education & Certifications That Boost Salary
While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement, certain academic paths and certifications can lead to higher starting salaries and faster promotions:
Recommended Education:
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Criminal Justice
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Cybersecurity
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Accounting/Finance
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Law or Political Science
Helpful Certifications:
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CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
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CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner)
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CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
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CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
💡 FBI vs. Comparable Roles: Salary Comparison (2025)
| Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| FBI Special Agent | $90,000 – $120,000 |
| Penetration Tester (Cyber) | $95,000 – $140,000 |
| Peloton Instructor (Popular) | $100,000 – $500,000 (varies with fame) |
| Senior Navigator (Auxano) | $75,000 – $95,000 |
| Private Security Consultant | $80,000 – $110,000 |
While roles like Peloton instructor salaries or pen testers can sometimes surpass FBI agents in top brackets, the FBI offers unmatched job security, benefits, and purpose-driven work.
🏆 Benefits of Working for the FBI
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25% Availability Pay (increases total comp)
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Federal retirement system (FERS)
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Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
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Health, dental, and vision insurance
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Tuition assistance and student loan forgiveness programs
🔮 Final Thoughts: Is the FBI a Good Career in 2025?
Absolutely. With competitive pay, rising demand for digital crime fighters, and structured growth, working for the FBI remains a highly respected and financially stable career path in 2025.