Position
Salary

How much does a Special Agent make?

The average salary for a Special Agent is $115,116 per year in the US.

Special Agents play a vital role in keeping communities safe. These professionals work in various federal agencies, including the FBI and the DEA. They earn a solid yearly salary, which reflects their critical work. The average yearly salary for a Special Agent is around $115,116. This makes it a rewarding career for those willing to take on the challenges.


Special Agents can expect their salary to grow as they gain experience. Starting agents can earn about $73,208 a year. As they move up in their careers, their pay increases. Experienced agents in the top 10% can make over $118,000 annually. Factors like location, years of experience, and the specific agency all affect the final salary. This range shows the potential for growth in this field.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Special Agent?

Special Agents can earn top salaries in several cities across the country. Washington, DC, leads the way with an average salary of $116,964. Close behind are Billings, MT, and Augusta, GA, with averages of $116,299 and $115,700, respectively. These cities offer competitive pay packages, making them attractive locations for aspiring Special Agents.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Special Agent jobs, highlighting Washington, DC with the highest at $116,964 and Oklahoma City, OK with the lowest at $114,098.
  1. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $116,964
    In Washington, DC, professionals tackle cases that impact national security. Working with the FBI and CIA, one can expect dynamic and complex assignments. The city offers many opportunities to interact with key decision-makers.
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  2. Billings, MT
    Average Salary: $116,299
    Billings, MT, provides a unique setting for those passionate about environmental law enforcement. The Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are prominent employers. The vast landscapes here offer diverse investigative challenges.
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  3. Augusta, GA
    Average Salary: $115,700
    Augusta, GA, offers a blend of urban and rural settings. Working in this city, one can focus on cybercrime and organized crime cases. The close-knit community ensures strong support networks for professionals.
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  4. Omaha, NE
    Average Salary: $114,244
    Omaha, NE, is known for its strong agricultural sector and financial services. Special Agents here often work with the Department of Agriculture and the FBI. The city’s central location provides easy access to various regions.
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  5. New Haven, CT
    Average Salary: $114,235
    New Haven, CT, provides a historic setting with many Ivy League institutions. Special Agents often collaborate with universities and research centers. The city’s rich history adds depth to investigative work.
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  6. Kansas City, MO
    Average Salary: $114,208
    Kansas City, MO, offers a vibrant mix of urban and suburban settings. The city is home to major companies like Cerner Corporation and Sprint. Special Agents here often tackle cases involving financial fraud and cybercrime.
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  7. Honolulu, HI
    Average Salary: $114,188
    Honolulu, HI, provides a unique setting with its beautiful beaches and diverse culture. Special Agents work with the Department of Defense and local law enforcement agencies. The city’s laid-back atmosphere offers a unique work-life balance.
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  8. Louisville, KY
    Average Salary: $114,167
    Louisville, KY, is known for its rich bourbon heritage and vibrant arts scene. Special Agents here often work with federal agencies and local law enforcement. The city offers a strong sense of community and support for professionals.
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  9. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $114,146
    Minneapolis, MN, offers a blend of urban living and natural beauty. The city is home to major companies like Target and U.S. Bancorp. Special Agents here often work on cases involving financial crimes and cyber threats.
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  10. Oklahoma City, OK
    Average Salary: $114,098
    Oklahoma City, OK, provides a dynamic setting with a mix of urban and rural environments. Special Agents work with federal agencies and local law enforcement. The city’s growing tech sector offers new opportunities for professionals.
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What are the best companies a Special Agent can work for?

Aspiring Special Agents can find lucrative opportunities with the United States Capitol Police, offering the highest average salary among listed companies. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Union Pacific Railroad also provide competitive compensation packages for Special Agent positions. These companies value the skills and dedication required for these roles, reflecting their investment in employee pay.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Special Agent jobs, highlighting United States Capitol Police with the highest at $130,257 and Norfolk Southern Railroad with the lowest at $72,000.
  1. United States Capitol Police
    Average Salary: $130,257
    The United States Capitol Police offers Special Agent positions that focus on protecting the U.S. Capitol complex. This includes safeguarding members of Congress and their staff. The company operates primarily in Washington, D.C.


  2. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
    Average Salary: $116,197
    The FBI hires Special Agents to investigate federal crimes and protect national security. Positions are available nationwide and in international locations. The FBI is known for its rigorous training and diverse investigative roles.


  3. Union Pacific Railroad
    Average Salary: $111,364
    Union Pacific Railroad provides Special Agent positions to protect company assets and personnel. These agents work across multiple states, ensuring the safety and security of the railroad’s operations. They focus on preventing theft, vandalism, and other crimes.


  4. Career Connections, Inc.
    Average Salary: $107,000
    Career Connections, Inc. offers Special Agent jobs with a focus on security and investigations. Positions can be found in various locations across the country. They provide training and support to ensure agents are prepared for diverse challenges.


  5. BNSF Railway
    Average Salary: $103,604
    BNSF Railway hires Special Agents to secure its vast network of rail operations. These positions span across many states. Agents are trained to handle various security issues, from theft prevention to emergency response.


  6. U.S. Secret Service
    Average Salary: $97,357
    The U.S. Secret Service employs Special Agents tasked with protecting the nation’s leaders and investigating financial crimes. They operate nationwide and internationally. Their roles include cybersecurity and protective operations.


  7. STATE OF NEW MEXICO-ALTSD
    Average Salary: $80,228
    The State of New Mexico's Alternative Law Enforcement Training Department (ALTSD) provides Special Agent jobs focusing on law enforcement training. Positions are available across New Mexico. They aim to develop skilled law enforcement professionals.


  8. State of Arizona
    Average Salary: $75,163
    The State of Arizona offers Special Agent jobs within its law enforcement agencies. These positions are located throughout the state. The focus is on public safety, criminal investigations, and community protection.


  9. National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)
    Average Salary: $72,622
    The NICB hires Special Agents to combat insurance fraud. They operate across the United States, collaborating with law enforcement agencies to investigate and solve insurance-related crimes.


  10. Norfolk Southern Railroad
    Average Salary: $72,000
    Norfolk Southern Railroad offers Special Agent positions to protect its rail assets and personnel. Positions are available across various states. They focus on preventing crime and ensuring the safety of operations.

How to earn more as a Special Agent?

Becoming a Special Agent offers many benefits, including the chance to earn more over time. With dedication and the right strategies, an individual can significantly increase their earnings in this field. One key factor is gaining experience. The more time an agent spends in the role, the more skilled and valuable they become. This experience allows them to take on higher-level assignments and responsibilities, leading to better pay opportunities.

Education also plays a crucial role. Special Agents with advanced degrees or specialized certifications often earn more. These qualifications make them more competitive in the job market and qualify them for higher-paying roles. Networking is another important factor. Building relationships with other professionals in the field can lead to new job opportunities and higher salaries. Attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and staying connected with colleagues all contribute to a more lucrative career.

Special Agents can boost their earnings by seeking promotions and taking on leadership roles. These positions come with higher pay and additional benefits. Finally, moving to locations with a higher cost of living can result in better pay packages. Employers often offer more to cover the increased expenses in these areas. By focusing on these factors, Special Agents can work towards increasing their income.

To help job seekers, here are five factors to consider:

  • Gain experience in the field
  • Obtain advanced degrees or certifications
  • Network with other professionals
  • Seek promotions and leadership roles
  • Consider relocating to higher-paying areas

Currently 384 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
384 Job Openings