Is working in 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.

Is it hard to get hired by the FBI?

Our hiring process is extremely selective. Our best advice is to make an honest assessment of your skills and interests and based on those, choose something you're passionate about. It's the only way you'll be able to achieve the kind of success that will set you apart from the tens of thousands of other applicants.

Does working for the FBI pay well?

How much does Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States pay? The average Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) salary ranges from approximately $50,000 per year for Support Staff to $144,000 per year for Resident Agent.

What is a potential downside of working for the FBI?

FBI agents involved in the more glamorous work of investigating organized crime, busting drug lords and profiling serial killers can be injured or killed. Despite their elite training, FBI agents are not invincible. The risk of death is real, which could leave your children with one less parent to support them.

Can you get rich as an FBI agent?

With bonuses and pay raises based on seniority and years of service, FBI agents can make over $137,000 a year plus locality adjustments by the time they retire. FBI agents also receive attractive retirement options.

Want to Become an FBI Agent? Here’s How

Is the FBI a stressful job?

Working as an FBI agent comes with many stressful duties, as does any career in law enforcement. Prospective FBI agents should ensure they have strong stress-management skills and good mental health support.

Do FBI agents get weekends off?

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.

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.

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.

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.

How hard is the FBI Academy?

If a person makes it past all of the steps, they will be invited to attend a Special Agent class at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA. The 21-week training program is mentally and physically tough. The academic requirements are stringent, and failure to pass tests and proficiencies will render a person out of a job.

Why is it hard to get into the FBI?

It is extremely hard to become an FBI agent. First, you must satisfy several minimum qualifications and not meet any of the bureau's disqualifying criteria. But, that alone is not enough. You will also need a college degree, impeccable character and background, and various technical and soft skills.

How many hours do FBI agents work?

Work a minimum of 50 hours per week, which may include irregular hours, and be on-call 24/7, including holidays and weekends. Maintain a level of fitness necessary to effectively respond to life-threatening situations on the job. Carry a firearm and be willing to use deadly force, if necessary.

Do FBI agents get a lot of time off?

You earn 4 hours of annual leave per pay period for the 1st 3 years, 6 hours per pay period after 3 years until 15 years of service, then you earn 8 hours a pay period from 15 years on. You earn 4 hours a pay period for Sick leave (this is on top of the annual leave) no matter how long you are an employee.

What is the lowest paying job in the FBI?

The lowest-paying job at Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a Janitor with a salary of $40,137 per year.

What are the pros and cons of being a FBI agent?

What is the highest paid FBI position?

FBI specialists or special agents are among the highest paying criminal justice careers. A step up from the FBI agent pay scale, FBA specialists are highly trained FBI agents that work on special operations or task forces.

How old is the youngest FBI agent?

You must be at least 23 years old at the time of your appointment. You must also be younger than 37, unless you qualify for an age waiver available to veterans.

What is the average age of joining the FBI?

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.

What degrees do the FBI look for?

All FBI agents must hold a bachelor's degree at minimum, and many possess a master's degree or higher. FBI agents often earn degrees in fields such as criminal justice or political science, though the Bureau does not maintain any specific academic major requirements for applicants.

Can FBI 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.

Do you have to be physically fit to join the FBI?

You must pass the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) to ensure you will be able to safely and successfully complete training at the FBI Academy and effectively respond to situations on the job.

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.

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.