Special Agent
Job details at a glance
| Agency | Federal Bureau of Investigation |
|---|---|
| Department | Department of Justice |
| Location | Location Negotiable After Selection |
| Salary | $93,749–$133,200 per year |
| Grade | GL 9–10 |
| Schedule | Full-time |
| Occupation series | Criminal Investigation (1811) |
| Openings | Many |
| Hiring paths | Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL), Competitive service, Excepted service, Individuals with disabilities, Internal to an agency, Military spouses, Open to the public, Veterans |
| Posted | Jul 7, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Jul 6, 2027 |
| Telework eligible | No |
| Remote job | No |
| Security clearance | Sensitive Compartmented Information |
| Relocation expenses reimbursed | No |
| Promotion potential | 13 |
About this job
As an FBI Special Agent, you will use your expertise to protect the nation from cyber threats, terrorism, fraud, and evolving risks. You'll conduct high-stakes investigations, apply your specialized knowledge to uncover critical information, and help safeguard public safety. Your transition into this role will be transformative, using your skills to tackle national security challenges in innovative ways.
Duties
Plan and conduct investigations of potential violations of federal laws. Exercise judgement, resourcefulness, and versatility in meeting investigative demands. Create and maintain effective liaison relationships with federal, state, local, tribal, territorial and international law enforcement agencies. Coordinate and/or participate in searches, seizures, and arrests. Carry a firearm and be willing to use force, to include deadly force, if necessary. Maintain a level of physical fitness to ensure readiness required to perform law enforcement duties.
Qualifications
GL-09 All applicants must have one year of full-time sworn law enforcement (local, state, tribal or federal) work experience and a bachelor's degree or master's or doctorate degree, no work experience is required. A sworn law enforcement officer is authorized under statute to enforce laws, carry a firearm, make arrests. GL-10 All applicants must have two years of full-time work experience and a bachelor's degree or one year of full time work experience if you have an advanced degree (master's or doctorate degree). All applicants should demonstrate Specialized Experience (SE).SE is defined as: Gathering and analyzing information and data to make proper conclusions or decisions. Establishing solutions to problems, assessing vulnerabilities, considering risks, and choosing the best outcome. Organizing, planning, and prioritizing various and competing work assignments. Consistently navigating complex and/or evolving environments. Communicating orally and in writing to prepare and present reports, briefings, and/or exchange information.
Education
Must have a bachelor's degree or higher from a U.S. accredited college or university.
Requirements
Be a U.S. Citizen Have a bachelor's degree or higher from a U.S. accredited college or university. Possess one (1) year of full-time sworn law enforcement (local, state, tribal, or federal) and a bachelor's degree or master's or doctorate degree, and no work experience. OR Possess two (2) years of full-time work experience and a bachelor's degree or one year of full-time work experience and a master's or doctorate degree. AND Be eligible for a Top-Secret SCI Clearance. Be able to legally possess / carry a firearm. Be at least 23 years old and not have reached your 37th birthday on appointment; exceptions may apply. Meet the FBI's Employment Eligibility requirements. Must pass the Physical Fitness Test physical requirements. Meet the medical requirements of the position. Possess a valid driver's license with at least six months driving experience. Be available for assignment to any of the FBI's 56 Field Offices. Travel may be required. Please note: Applicants must be U.S. citizens and consent to a complete background investigation, urinalysis, and polygraph. You must be suitable for federal employment as determined by a background investigation. All applicants should be prepared to take the PFT immediately upon submission of the application.
Evaluations
SPECIAL AGENT APPLICATION PROCESS The application process includes the following steps, each of which must be successfully completed. Applicants who meet the initial screening criteria will receive an email invitation to take the Phase I exam. Step 1: Application and Screening Step 2: Phase I Test Step 3: Information Session Step 4: Official Physical Fitness Test (PFT) physical requirements / Phase II (a) Written Step 5: Phase II (b) Interview Step 6: Conditional Appointment OfferStep Step 7: Background Investigation Step 8: Fit for Duty Medical Review Step 9: Basic Field Training Course Finish: Career Placement All applicants will be rated on the following Competencies: Collaboration Communication Flexibility/Adaptability Initiative Interpersonal Ability Leadership Organizing and Planning Problem Solving and Judgment
How to apply
To apply for the Special Agent position, please click here.
Applications are handled only on the official announcement. This page is a readable copy of the public announcement data — the official version controls if anything differs.
Apply on USAJobs (official) ↗Required documents
Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the qualifications outlined in the job announcement and to validate your responses to the online assessment questionnaire. If applying online is a hardship, please email SAINFO@FBI.gov before the closing date for assistance. If you do not submit all required documents, your application will not be processed and will be discontinued. Utilizing the Resume Builder, outline your relevant work experience and associated start and end dates. Uploaded resumes will not be reviewed or used for qualification purposes. Official or unofficial college transcript(s) that list your degree and the date conferred from a U.S. accredited college or univeristy Former civilian Federal employees must submit a copy of your MOST RECENT SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your tenure, grade and step, salary, and type of position occupied (i.e., Excepted or Competitive); or similar Notification of Personnel Action documentation, i.e., Transcript of Service, Form 1150, etc. This is a requirement to verify your Time in Grade (TIG). Actions such as promotion, within grade increase, or reassignment actions must be submitted as your most recent SF 50. Memorandum for Record: (if applicable) Work performed outside assigned duties (that would not normally be documented on an SF-50, i.e., back-up duties), has to be documented in detail by an immediate supervisor in order to receive full credit for amount of time worked in that position. If no documentation is furnished, no credit will be given for time worked in that position. The following notations must be specified in the documentation (Memorandum for Record): Percent of time worked in the position (cannot conflict with main duties) The month/year work began and ended Frequency worked (i.e., daily, monthly, etc.) Specific duties performed Attach the Memorandum for Record to your application as type "Other" in the My Career Tools section on the Careers Home page. Current or Former Members of the Armed Forces DD-214, Member 4 copy or Service 2 copy Statement of Service (if not yet separated) VA letter dated within one year (to include Disabled Veterans) SF-15, Veterans' Preference form (optional)
What to expect next
You are strongly encouraged to review the Special Agent Selection Process: All You Need to Know to Apply guide before beginning the application process. This guide provides helpful information about the application and selection for the Special Agent position.
Other information
Salary information: In addition to base salary, Agent Trainees receive locality pay for the Washington, D.C. area plus availability pay, which is 25% of the base and locality pay (the calculation is 25% x (base + locality). Upon graduation from training, your salary will be adjusted according to the locality of your office assignment and Law Enforcement Officers' availability pay. Opportunity to 'opt in' to return to applicant's processing field office after accepting Final Job Offer
Frequently asked questions
How much does this Special Agent job pay?
The announcement lists a salary of $93,749–$133,200 per year (GL 9–10).
When is the last day to apply?
Applications close on Jul 6, 2027 — 237 days from today.
Where is this job located?
This position is located in Location Negotiable After Selection with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the official announcement on USAJobs. Use the Apply button on this page to go to the official posting — this site never takes applications itself.
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