What does a 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.
- 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.
- 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.
How much does a Special Agent make near United States?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$137,741
/ yrSpecial Agent Career Path
Learn how to become a Special Agent, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Special Agent Insights
New Western“it’s fun and competitive and probably the best thing about the company is the culture and the quarterly trips lol”
I Dial U“Lastly salaries are late if you missed an hour you need to contact admins for you get your salaries.”
Concentrix“This is great thus projecting our joy and productivity to help and assist our clients.”
Teleperformance“u get to work from home and they semd u the equipment which is amazing..”
Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services“Training was minimal and was expected to know what to do even when you just started.”
US Department of Homeland Security“This has been the best career and I wouldn't have done anything different or changed anything.”
Advance Financial“I received an email stating training attire was a black shirt and black pants or khakis.”
alldayPA“Can recommend this highly to others as a job that pays well and offers such flexible shifts.”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Special Agent
When working as a Special Agent, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Graduate Level, Graduate Degree, Top Secret Clearance, General Medical, and Investigating.
- Police Officer
- Security Officer
- Police Sergeant
- Correctional Officer
The most common qualifications to become a Special Agent include a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 years of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.