Position
Salary

How much does a Special Agent make?

The average salary for a Special Agent is $111,798 per year in the US.

A Special Agent works for the government to protect the country and its people. They investigate crimes and gather important information. This job is very important and comes with a good salary. The average yearly salary for a Special Agent is about $111,798. This means they earn a lot of money each year.


Special Agents earn different amounts based on their experience and how long they have worked. The starting salary is around $73,080. As they gain more experience, they can earn up to $113,895 a year. This shows that with time, Special Agents can make even more money. Their job is not just about the salary, but also about making the country safer.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Special Agent?

Special Agents can find top-paying jobs in several major cities. Washington, DC, offers the highest average salary at $115,737. Other cities like Boston, MA, and San Diego, CA, also provide competitive salaries. These cities attract Special Agents with their strong job opportunities and attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Special Agent jobs, highlighting Washington, DC with the highest at $115,737 and San Francisco, CA with the lowest at $110,998.
  1. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $115,737
    In Washington, DC, you can expect to work in a dynamic environment with many key government agencies. The city offers a wealth of opportunities to make a significant impact. Agencies like the FBI and CIA are prominent employers.
    Find Special Agent jobs in Washington, DC


  2. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $111,659
    Boston provides a rich history and a vibrant community for those in this role. The city's strong educational institutions and tech companies create a unique work environment. You will find many opportunities to collaborate with other professionals.
    Find Special Agent jobs in Boston, MA


  3. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $111,429
    San Diego offers a beautiful coastal setting with a strong focus on national defense. The city is home to several military bases and defense contractors. Working here means being part of a community that values security and service.
    Find Special Agent jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $111,404
    Sacramento serves as the state capital, offering a mix of government and private sector opportunities. The city's central location makes it a hub for various investigative activities. You will find a supportive community with many resources.
    Find Special Agent jobs in Sacramento, CA


  5. Cincinnati, OH
    Average Salary: $111,332
    Cincinnati provides a balanced lifestyle with a strong sense of community. The city has a mix of industries, including finance and healthcare, offering diverse investigative opportunities. Working here means being part of a city that values both work and leisure.
    Find Special Agent jobs in Cincinnati, OH


  6. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $111,283
    Los Angeles offers a diverse and dynamic environment with many opportunities in entertainment and technology. The city's large population and varied industries make it a rich field for investigation. You will find a vibrant community with many professional connections.
    Find Special Agent jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  7. Miami, FL
    Average Salary: $111,247
    Miami provides a tropical climate with a diverse population and many international connections. The city's strategic location makes it a key area for border security and immigration issues. Working here means being part of a fast-paced and multicultural environment.
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  8. Jacksonville, FL
    Average Salary: $111,217
    Jacksonville offers a growing economy with a mix of industries, including finance and logistics. The city's strategic location along the coast makes it important for maritime security. You will find a supportive community with many opportunities for professional growth.
    Find Special Agent jobs in Jacksonville, FL


  9. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $111,013
    Dallas provides a strong business environment with many opportunities in finance and technology. The city's central location makes it a key hub for various investigative activities. Working here means being part of a dynamic and growing community.
    Find Special Agent jobs in Dallas, TX


  10. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $110,998
    San Francisco offers a unique blend of technology and finance with a vibrant cultural scene. The city's innovative companies and startups create a challenging work environment. You will find a community that values creativity and forward-thinking.
    Find Special Agent jobs in San Francisco, CA

What are the best companies a Special Agent can work for?

Job seekers looking for Special Agent roles can find top-paying opportunities with the United States Capitol Police, offering an average salary of $128,944. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also provides a competitive salary of $112,647. BNSF Railway offers a solid average salary of $95,287. These companies provide not only attractive compensation but also the chance to work in important and impactful roles.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Special Agent jobs, highlighting United States Capitol Police with the highest at $128,944 and State of South Carolina with the lowest at $65,951.
  1. United States Capitol Police
    Average Salary: $128,944
    The United States Capitol Police offers rewarding Special Agent jobs. They protect the Capitol complex and its occupants. This role involves working in Washington, D.C., and other locations as needed.


  2. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
    Average Salary: $112,647
    The FBI offers exciting Special Agent jobs. Agents work on national security and criminal investigations. They operate across the United States and in international locations.


  3. BNSF Railway
    Average Salary: $95,287
    BNSF Railway provides Special Agent jobs with a focus on security. They protect railway assets and personnel. This role includes work in various locations across the United States.


  4. Genesis Biotechnology Group LLC
    Average Salary: $86,019
    Genesis Biotechnology Group LLC offers Special Agent jobs in the biotech industry. They focus on protecting intellectual property. This role is based in California and other biotech hubs.


  5. State of Illinois
    Average Salary: $84,134
    The State of Illinois offers Special Agent jobs in law enforcement. They work on state-level investigations and security. This role is based in Illinois with opportunities to work in various cities.


  6. State of New Mexico
    Average Salary: $80,969
    The State of New Mexico offers Special Agent jobs focused on state security. They work on investigations and law enforcement. This role is based in New Mexico with opportunities in multiple cities.


  7. State of Arizona
    Average Salary: $75,140
    The State of Arizona offers Special Agent jobs in state security. They focus on investigations and law enforcement. This role is based in Arizona with opportunities in various locations.


  8. Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
    Average Salary: $69,300
    The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General offers Special Agent jobs in state law enforcement. They work on criminal investigations and security. This role is based in Pennsylvania.


  9. National Insurance Crime Bureau
    Average Salary: $69,132
    The National Insurance Crime Bureau offers Special Agent jobs in fraud investigations. They work to combat insurance fraud. This role is based in Illinois with opportunities to work in various locations.


  10. State of South Carolina
    Average Salary: $65,951
    The State of South Carolina offers Special Agent jobs in state law enforcement. They focus on criminal investigations and security. This role is based in South Carolina with opportunities in various cities.

How to earn more as a Special Agent?

A career as a Special Agent offers many opportunities for growth and increased earnings. Special Agents can earn more by taking certain steps to advance their careers. These steps can lead to higher salaries and more responsibilities. Understanding these factors can help job seekers aim for higher earnings in this field.

Here are some key factors that can help Special Agents earn more:

  1. Experience: Gaining more experience can lead to higher pay. Special Agents often start at a lower salary and increase their earnings as they gain more experience.
  2. Education: Higher education can lead to higher pay. Special Agents with advanced degrees may earn more than those with only a bachelor's degree.
  3. Specializations: Specializing in areas like cybercrime or counterintelligence can lead to higher pay. Special Agents with unique skills often earn more.
  4. Promotions: Moving up the ranks can lead to higher pay. Special Agents who get promoted to supervisory roles often earn more.
  5. Location: Working in certain locations can lead to higher pay. Special Agents in major cities or high-cost areas may earn more.

Currently 227 Special Agent job openings, nationwide.

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

Learn what a Special Agent does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Special Agent today.
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Special Agent
227 Job Openings