What does a Lead Special Agent do?

Special agents are detectives or criminal investigators who work for government agencies to investigate suspected and alleged criminal violations of laws and to determine if the evidence is sufficient to warrant prosecution. Special agents work in the investigation, criminal justice, and homeland security functions. They investigate many forms of illegal activity including kidnapping, bank robbery, cybercrime, and other white-collar crime. They work to enforce the nation’s law and are involved in national security issues and matters and monitor ongoing situations and conduct investigations to look for possible threats.

Special agents protect national borders and are responsible for investigating interstate crimes, international espionage, and potential terrorist threats. They work in undercover assignments to gather evidence, do surveillance and observation, and monitor activity on court-authorized wiretaps. They interview witnesses or suspects to obtain intelligence on illegal activities, and they examine personal, financial, and business records. They serve arrest warrants and take individuals into custody as approved by the court. Special agents need a minimum associate's degree with a concentration in criminal justice.

What responsibilities are common for Lead Special Agent jobs?
  • Assist in preparing court documents for criminal cases, hearings, and collections.
  • Prepare reports and recommendations as directed by project manager.
  • Update and close case files continually and in an accurate manner.
  • Use defined research procedures to identify and resolve issues.
  • Resolve escrow closing issues with property owners, agencies, and escrow holders.
  • Conduct initial interviews of people calling regarding fraud allegation and to generate fraud referrals.
  • Assist with field rollout of new products, programs, and tools.
  • Act as an advance agent or support agent for security operations.
What are the typical qualifications for Lead Special Agent jobs?
  • Bachelor's Degree in business or computer science.
  • Strong command of the English language and good communication/interview skills.
  • Exhibit strong leadership, time management, and problem solving skills.
  • Mastery of multiple languages is an asset.
Education--
Work/Life Balance
3.4 ★
Total Pay--
Career Opportunity
3.4 ★
Avg. Experience8+ years

How much does a Special Agent make near United States?

Confident
$142,758 /yr
Total Pay
$130,000
 /yr

Base Pay

+
$12,758
 /yr

Additional Pay

$142,758

 / yr
$87K$237K
Most Likely Range
Possible Range
See More Insights

Lead Special Agent Career Path

Learn how to become a Lead Special Agent, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.

Lead Special Agent
$142,758/yr
Director of Investigations
$174,178/yr
Lead Special Agent

Years of Experience Distribution

0 - 1
19%
2 - 4
30%
5 - 7
7%
8+
44%
Not including years spent in education and/or training

Lead Special Agent Insights

Read what Lead Special Agent professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
New WesternNew Western
Acquisitions/Dispositions Agent
Jun 29, 2022

“it’s fun and competitive and probably the best thing about the company is the culture and the quarterly trips lol”

I Dial UI Dial U
Agent
Oct 31, 2021

“Lastly salaries are late if you missed an hour you need to contact admins for you get your salaries.”

ConcentrixConcentrix
DBC Agent
Mar 20, 2023

“This is great thus projecting our joy and productivity to help and assist our clients.”

TeleperformanceTeleperformance
Deposits Agent
Feb 18, 2022

“u get to work from home and they semd u the equipment which is amazing..”

Link BrokeragesLink Brokerages
Agent
Mar 14, 2022

“They have great mentorship that makes my career in Real Estate fun and helps me to always learn and grow.”

US Department of Homeland SecurityUS Department of Homeland Security
Special Agent
Sep 8, 2022

“This has been the best career and I wouldn't have done anything different or changed anything.”

Advance FinancialAdvance Financial
Verification Agent
Sep 28, 2022

“I received an email stating training attire was a black shirt and black pants or khakis.”

alldayPAalldayPA
Call Handling Agent
Dec 19, 2022

“Can recommend this highly to others as a job that pays well and offers such flexible shifts.”

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Lead Special Agent Interviews

Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Lead Special Agent

The most similar professions to Lead Special Agent are:
  • Police Officer
  • Security Officer
  • Police Sergeant
  • Correctional Officer

Related Careers

Police Officer
$66,803
No skills overlap
Security Officer
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Police Sergeant
$88,647
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Correctional Officer
$46,519
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Lead Special Agent Jobs