Is joining the FBI worth it?

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents enjoy competitive salaries, robust health insurance coverage, excellent retirement benefits, and a certain level of status and prestige, making the job one of the most sought-after law enforcement career options in the United States.

What are the disadvantages of being a FBI agent?

Dangerous. Working as an FBI agent can sometimes put you in danger. Agents regularly search for those who have committed crimes and some criminals may be aggressive. The FBI provides extensive training in topics such as defensive tactics and requires that all agents go into the field with a partner.

Is it hard to be in FBI?

Becoming an FBI agent is a tremendously difficult and competitive process. It takes years of time, planning, and hard work to mold yourself into the kind of candidate the FBI is looking to hire, and the hiring process itself can take a year or longer.

Is FBI a fun job?

FBI agents say the job is often exciting, and working on such significant, challenging issues is very rewarding. One of the most significant downsides of working as an FBI agent is so many additional work hours in sometimes very challenging situations.

Can the FBI be rich?

FBI agents are by no means wealthy, but they earn enough to live comfortably. They also can travel, qualify for promotions and develop their skills. FBI agents are paid according to the General Schedule (GS) payscale and receive a generous FBI agent benefits package.

Want to Become an FBI Agent? Here’s How

How long is FBI training?

All special agents begin their career at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, for 20 weeks of intensive training at one of the world's finest law enforcement training facilities. During their time there, trainees live on campus and participate in a variety of training activities.

Do you get paid during FBI training?

Salary and Career Outlook

For starters, new special agents are paid on the GL schedule for federal law enforcement officers, which means they enter at pay level GL-10 — or $52,440 per year as of 2021 — during their academy training at Quantico.

Do you move a lot in the FBI?

Many FBI agents work at the official FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C., while others work in regional offices around the country in cities like Albuquerque, Indianapolis, Seattle, Kansas City, and Miami. The FBI can call on agents to change locations at any time, so agents often move around.

Can FBI agents have tattoos?

Kellie: Yeah, they are allowed. Now I would suggest that if you're looking to get a tattoo, be very judicious in where you place it, just because the image of the Academy in the FBI is extremely important. So just be judicious in your placement of your tattoo.

How many hours do FBI agents work a day?

Depending on their case assignments, FBI agents may work a very strenuous and variable schedule. The FBI says that special agents must "work a minimum of 50 hours a week (which may include irregular hours) and be on call 24/7, including holidays and weekends." They are on call for possible assignment 24 hours a day.

What GPA do you need to be a FBI?

Students must have and maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) throughout the application process (or, for collegiate hires, through graduation).

Is the FBI higher than the police?

State and local law enforcement agencies are not subordinate to the FBI, and the FBI does not supervise or take over their investigations. Instead, the investigative resources of the FBI and state and local agencies are often pooled in a common effort to investigate and solve the cases.

How old is the youngest FBI agent?

Born: July 18, 1969, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. What is this? Richard Wershe Jr. is the youngest FBI agent to date. Wershe became an FBI informant by chance when he was just 14 years.

Who is on FBI Most Wanted?

Can FBI agents have social media?

While there are no specific regulations prohibiting an FBI agent from having an active Facebook account, social media can directly impact the results of a comprehensive background investigation.

Can a FBI agent carry a gun?

Agents carry Bureau-issued or approved handguns and may be issued additional equipment as needed. Those in specialized areas like the Hostage Rescue Teams may also be issued weapons that fit their duties. Agents are allowed to carry personal weapons, provided they do not violate the policies regarding firearms.

Does the FBI have a height requirement?

The FBI does not have a height requirement, but candidates must meet the other qualifications to be hired and attend the training academy in Quantico, VA.

Do you get weekends off at FBI Academy?

Virtually every 1811 academy is a live-in training program. Expect to stay at the facility for the entire duration of the academy with regular breaks on weekends and federal holidays.

Can FBI agents date each other?

Can FBI agents date each other? Yes, with some constraints, depending on the agency they work for. Generally, a superior should not be personally involved with a subordinate in their chain of command, e.g. a police officer should not be dating their sergeant.

What is the average age of an FBI agent?

Don't assume that becoming an FBI agent is a young person's game: the average age of special agents is 43. Many of the recruits are indeed young and hoping to make the FBI their career. Others are older Americans launching a second career after some years in the military, law enforcement or criminal justice.

How many new FBI agents are hired each year?

“We have to adjust our strategies to be a competitive option.” FBI officials say that it takes about 16,000 applicants to get a healthy pool of candidates for the 900 special agent positions that open each year.

When can FBI agents retire?

Special agents with 20 years of federal law enforcement service are eligible to retire at age 50. Agents with 25 or more years of service are eligible for retirement, regardless of age. Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) includes a basic benefit, thrift savings plan and Social Security.

Is it hard to pass the FBI test?

The FBI Phase 1 Test, also named the FBI Test, is a tough exam, and only around 30% of test-takers manage to pass it. It lasts for 3 hours and includes various challenging questions, ranging from logic-based to behavioral questions. It's estimated that around 70% of the FBI Phase 1 test-takers fail the exam every year.