Position
Salary

How much does a Special Agent make?

The average salary for a Special Agent is $113,714 per year in the US.

Special Agents in the federal government can expect to earn a competitive salary. The average yearly salary for this role is $113,714. This figure can vary based on experience and location. Junior agents often start with salaries on the lower end of the scale. As they gain experience, their salaries rise. Experienced agents can earn significantly more.

Agents working in major cities might see higher salaries. The cost of living in these areas often justifies higher pay. The salary distribution shows a wide range, from around $73,000 to over $118,000. This indicates that there are opportunities for growth. Many Special Agents also receive additional benefits. These can include health insurance, retirement plans, and vacation time. These perks often make the job even more attractive.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Special Agent?

Special Agents enjoy good pay in several cities. Washington, DC, leads the way with a high average salary of over $117,000. Close behind are Billings, MT, and Sacramento, CA, both offering over $112,000. Other notable cities include San Antonio, TX, and Miami, FL, where Special Agents also earn well over $110,000. San Diego, CA; Louisville, KY; and Los Angeles, CA, all provide salaries just under $112,000. In Texas, Dallas and Jacksonville also offer competitive pay for Special Agents.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Special Agent jobs, highlighting Washington, DC with the highest at $117,695 and Jacksonville, FL with the lowest at $111,986.
  1. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $117,695
    Serving the nation’s capital provides a unique opportunity to work with top-tier agencies. Special agents here often collaborate with federal entities, gaining invaluable experience. Networking with professionals from various sectors can open doors to advanced career opportunities.
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  2. Billings, MT
    Average Salary: $114,564
    In Billings, special agents focus on both rural and urban security. Working with the local FBI office offers a balanced environment. The area’s natural beauty provides a nice contrast to the daily workload, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
    Find Special Agent jobs in Billings, MT


  3. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $112,298
    Sacramento offers a dynamic environment for those in law enforcement. Special agents here play a key role in tackling cybercrime and other modern challenges. The city’s central location allows for quick travel to other regions, enhancing job versatility.
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  4. San Antonio, TX
    Average Salary: $112,197
    San Antonio’s vibrant culture makes it an exciting place for special agents. The city’s diverse population provides rich experiences and learning opportunities. Local companies like USAA offer unique challenges and projects for agents.
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  5. Miami, FL
    Average Salary: $112,063
    Miami’s strategic location makes it crucial for counter-terrorism and drug trafficking investigations. Special agents here often work on high-profile cases. The city’s diverse population offers valuable insights into various criminal activities.
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  6. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $112,057
    San Diego’s sunny climate and coastal environment create a unique setting for special agents. The city’s tech industry offers opportunities to tackle cybercrime. Nearby military bases provide additional security challenges and collaborations.
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  7. Louisville, KY
    Average Salary: $112,032
    Louisville’s blend of urban and rural settings offers diverse challenges for special agents. Working here provides opportunities to investigate both city crimes and rural issues. The city’s rich history adds depth to casework.
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  8. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $112,010
    Los Angeles offers a vast array of opportunities for special agents. The city’s entertainment industry presents unique challenges. Special agents here often work on high-profile cases involving celebrities and major corporations.
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  9. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $111,986
    Dallas offers a growing economy and diverse population, making it an exciting place for special agents. The city’s tech sector provides opportunities to tackle cybercrime and financial crimes. Working here allows for rapid professional growth.
    Find Special Agent jobs in Dallas, TX


  10. Jacksonville, FL
    Average Salary: $111,986
    Jacksonville’s port and logistics industry offer unique opportunities for special agents. The city’s diverse community provides rich experiences. Working here allows agents to investigate smuggling and trade-related crimes effectively.
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What are the best companies a Special Agent can work for?

Job seekers looking to become Special Agents can find top salaries at several organizations. The United States Capitol Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) lead with the highest average salaries, offering stability and benefits. Other notable employers include BNSF Railway and the United States Secret Service, which also provide competitive pay packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Special Agent jobs, highlighting United States Capitol Police with the highest at $132,190 and State of South Carolina with the lowest at $67,580.
  1. United States Capitol Police
    Average Salary: $132,190
    The United States Capitol Police offers Special Agent jobs that focus on protecting the Capitol complex and its occupants. This role involves high responsibility and security measures. Special Agents work in Washington, D.C., and may be stationed in various locations around the country as needed.


  2. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
    Average Salary: $114,528
    At the FBI, Special Agents are part of a nationwide team dedicated to national security and law enforcement. Special Agents investigate various crimes, including terrorism and cybercrime. They operate across the United States and in international locations.


  3. BNSF Railway
    Average Salary: $95,034
    BNSF Railway hires Special Agents for investigative roles focused on protecting the company’s assets and operations. Special Agents work to prevent theft and other crimes. They are stationed across the United States, in areas where the railway operates.


  4. United States Secret Service
    Average Salary: $94,953
    The United States Secret Service offers Special Agent jobs that include protecting national leaders and investigating financial crimes. Special Agents work closely with other law enforcement agencies. They operate in major cities and special events locations nationwide.


  5. State of New Mexico
    Average Salary: $80,211
    The State of New Mexico employs Special Agents who work on criminal investigations and law enforcement. Special Agents may be involved in multiple roles, such as drug enforcement and fraud investigations. They serve across New Mexico’s diverse regions.


  6. State of Arizona
    Average Salary: $76,494
    In Arizona, Special Agents focus on statewide law enforcement, including criminal investigations and public safety. They work in various locations, from urban areas to rural regions, addressing a range of security issues.


  7. Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
    Average Salary: $71,504
    The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General hires Special Agents to support law enforcement efforts. Special Agents assist with investigations into serious crimes and fraud. They are stationed throughout Pennsylvania.


  8. National Insurance Crime Bureau
    Average Salary: $71,096
    The National Insurance Crime Bureau employs Special Agents to combat insurance fraud. Special Agents investigate claims and suspicious activities to protect consumers and businesses. They operate nationwide.


  9. State of South Carolina
    Average Salary: $67,580
    The State of South Carolina offers Special Agent jobs focused on law enforcement and criminal investigations. Special Agents work on a variety of cases, including drug trafficking and white-collar crimes. They serve across the state’s urban and rural areas.

How to earn more as a Special Agent?

A Special Agent role offers a rewarding career with opportunities to earn more over time. This can happen through various factors that enhance one’s skill set and value in the field. Each of these factors contributes to increasing earning potential and career advancement. Understanding these elements can help agents make strategic career moves to maximize their earnings.

Here are some factors that can help a Special Agent earn more:

  1. Education: Higher levels of education often lead to higher pay. Special Agents with advanced degrees or certifications can earn more due to their specialized knowledge.
  2. Experience: Years of experience in the field generally result in higher salaries. Agents who demonstrate a strong track record can command higher pay.
  3. Specialization: Focusing on a particular area, such as cybercrime or counter-terrorism, can make an agent more valuable. Specializing allows for higher earning opportunities in niche markets.
  4. Leadership Roles: Moving into supervisory or leadership roles can significantly boost earnings. These positions often come with higher salaries and additional benefits.
  5. Continuous Training: Agents who keep their skills sharp through ongoing training and professional development earn more. Staying current with the latest techniques and technologies makes an agent more effective.

Currently 636 Special Agent job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Special Agent in the US?

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Position
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Special Agent
636 Job Openings