How much does a Special Agent make?

The average salary for a Special Agent is $137,741 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 1136 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Special Agent employees in United States.

The highest salary for a Special Agent in United States is $179,977 per year.

The lowest salary for a Special Agent in United States is $105,997 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a Special Agent or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Special Agent.

As federal government employees, special agents for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) enjoy high job security, education benefits, health insurance, stable pay and a pension after twenty years of service. Their role comes with additional job-specific perks, including paid time to exercise and opportunities for international travel. Special agents’ pay rises with seniority, but they can escalate it more quickly into the six-figure range by moving into supervisory special agent roles.

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About 67% of special agents report feeling satisfied with their salaries based on anonymous Glassdoor ratings. Years of on-the-job experience, an advanced degree, and an additional $14,560.57 in potential yearly earnings can lead to a good special agent salary.

The total pay range of a special agent is between $83,769.84 and $228,087.20, depending on seniority level. Estimated total pay is $137,741.38 with at least some experience in the field, according to the average career path of a special agent. Earning a graduate degree or special certification can help you advance to the next seniority level, leading to a higher salary as a special agent.

Education and experience can increase the salary of a special agent throughout their career. Earning a graduate-level degree can lead to higher earnings. Gaining special certifications, such as becoming a certified public accountant (CPA), can also help, depending on what type of special agent you want to be. Without an advanced degree, completing an internship while pursuing a bachelor's degree can prepare you for the workforce. Proving yourself in an entry-level position can lead to a promotion to a senior special agent. Advancements following the first typically require a wealth of skill and experience.

Whether you're considering a new job offer or hoping for a raise in your current position, negotiating salary as a special agent is a typical part of the employment process. First, ask your employer if the number is flexible before negotiating. Research what other special agent jobs are paying in the area and create a salary range. You can also ask what other benefits are negotiable to ensure you're receiving a fair total compensation for the amount of work you're doing. Stay confident during your presentation and build your case by giving examples of accomplishments from your career to prove you're worth investing in as an employee.

About 67.30% of Special Agent professionals feel satisfied with their salary, according to anonymous Glassdoor ratings. An additional $14,561 in potential pay per year, among other factors, can qualify the annual pay of a Special Agent in United States as a good salary.

Special Agent professionals in United States have a wide total pay range, between $83,770 and $228,087 depending on experience, with an estimated total pay of $137,741 following the average career path of a Special Agent.