FBI Agent

How to Become an FBI Agent

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents are in charge of conducting important national security investigations and enforcing more than 300 federal statutes. FBI agents deal with matters as varied as foreign counterintelligence, terrorism, organized crime, cyber crime, white-collar crime, political corruption, extortion, bank robbery, bribery, air piracy, kidnapping, civil rights offenses, and other serious violations of the law. It is generally agreed that there is no such thing as a “typical day” for an FBI agent.

FBI Agent Education Requirements

FBI agents must at least have a bachelor’s degree in an area such as information security, criminal justice, biology, or computer or cyber crime. FBI agents must also:

  • Be between the ages of 23 and 37
  • Be a United States citizen
  • Be in top physical shape
  • Pass a background check

If an applicant meets these requirements, they will be assigned to one of the FBI’s distinct career paths. These include:

  • Counterterrorism
  • Counter intelligence
  • Intelligence
  • Cyber crime
  • Criminal suspect

New FBI agents must take part in an intensive 20-week training course in Quantico, Virginia at the FBI’s training facility. Living on campus, students study various academic subjects and are trained in defensive tactics, physical fitness, the use of firearms, and practical application tactics.

Newly appointed agents will then be assigned to one of 56 field offices based on the staffing needs of the bureau. FBI agents can be subject to transfer at any time throughout their career. FBI agents generally remain in their first office for about three years. During a two year probation period, new FBI agents are mentored by veteran agents.

Job Outlook for FBI Agents

The starting salary for an FBI agent can be between $41,257 and $55,724 according to the statistics posted at Payscale.com. With additional training, education, and experience, an FBI agent’s salary can increase substantially. FBI agents who have worked over 20 years in the field can make up to $140,000 a year.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition, Payscale.com, and The Federal Bureau of Investigation, http://www.fbi.gov