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Federal special agent position conducting criminal investigations of alleged violations of federal laws at agencies including FBI, DEA, ATF, Secret Service, HSI, and other federal law enforcement.
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-1811
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
OR
Experience: Experience in criminal investigation, law enforcement, or related investigative work.
Special Requirements:
Education and Experience Requirements (Group Standard):
This is a two-grade interval series. Positions follow the GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 progression pattern.
| Grade | Education | Experience | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | Bachelor's degree in any field from accredited college/university | 3 years progressively responsible experience, 1 year equivalent to GS-4 | Equivalent combinations qualifying |
| GS-7 | 1 full year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 | Combinations of graduate education and experience |
| GS-9 | 2 years graduate education or master's degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-7 requirement) and experience |
| GS-11 | 3 years graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-9 requirement) and experience |
| GS-12+ | Not applicable | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to next lower grade | N/A |
Superior Academic Achievement (for GS-7):
Graduate Education: One year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours the school determines represents 1 year of full-time study. If unavailable, 18 semester hours satisfies the 1-year requirement.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal criminal investigator position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that transition to GS-1811
Direct translation to federal criminal investigator roles. Highlight investigative experience, case management, and law enforcement.
Criminal Investigator series. Direct path to OIG, FBI, DCIS, ICE-HSI.
Direct translation to federal criminal investigator positions.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Expertise in conducting criminal investigations.
Ability to build cases for prosecution.
Skill in interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects.
Knowledge of evidence collection and chain of custody.
Understanding of criminal law and procedures.
Skill in use of assigned firearms.
Ability to prepare detailed case reports.
Skill in working with other agencies and prosecutors.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-1811 Criminal Investigator, commonly called a Special Agent, investigates federal crimes for agencies like FBI, DEA, ATF, Secret Service, HSI, NCIS, and dozens of other federal law enforcement agencies. These agents conduct surveillance, execute warrants, interview suspects, gather evidence, carry firearms, make arrests, and prepare cases for federal prosecution.
Federal Criminal Investigators earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $138,296 (GS-14 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. However, special agents also receive Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP)—an additional 25% of base salary. A GS-13 special agent earns approximately $112,000-$146,000 total compensation. Journey level is typically GS-13.
GS-1811 requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, plus meeting medical/physical fitness standards, ability to carry firearms, and passing background investigation. Age limits apply—typically must be under 37 at appointment. Each agency has specific requirements: FBI favors accounting, law, or languages; DEA values prior law enforcement; ATF seeks firearms expertise.
Military experience is highly valued for special agent positions. Veterans with military police, criminal investigation (CID/NCIS/OSI/CGIS), combat arms, or intelligence experience are excellent candidates. Military discipline, weapons proficiency, security clearances, and investigative experience directly transfer. Veterans preference also provides significant hiring advantages.
Criminal Investigators follow accelerated progression—GS-5/7/9/11/12/13 over approximately 3-4 years. Journey level is GS-13 for most agencies. Supervisory Special Agents reach GS-14. Career paths include specializing in specific crime types (cyber, terrorism, financial), transitioning to headquarters policy positions, or advancing to Special Agent in Charge (SAC) roles.
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Special Agent" or "Criminal Investigator" under series 1811. FBI, DEA, ATF, Secret Service, HSI, IRS-CI, and agency OIG offices hire agents. Applications are highly competitive—highlight relevant experience, language skills, specialized knowledge, and physical fitness. Be prepared for extensive background investigation and polygraph examination.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.