Criminal Investigator
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.
💰GS-1811 Salary Information
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.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-1811
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, forensics, or related field
OR
Experience: Experience in criminal investigation, law enforcement, or related investigative work.
Special Requirements:
- Must be able to pass medical examination and meet physical fitness requirements
- Must be able to carry firearms
- Subject to random drug testing
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):
- Upper third of graduating class in college/university or major subdivision
- GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 as recorded on official transcript, OR 3.5 or higher in major field
- Election to membership in national scholastic honor society
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.
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-1811
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal criminal investigator position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your 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).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-1811
Human Intelligence Specialist
Investigative interviewing and evidence-quality reporting translate to federal criminal-investigator work at agencies like DCSA and the OIG community.
Mineman
GS-1811 Criminal Investigator covers ATF Special Agent (Explosives) and FBI Special Agent (bomb tech path). The MN explosives credential plus active clearance plus Veterans' Preference is one of the strongest profiles ATF reviews.
Intelligence Specialist
GS-1811 Criminal Investigator is federal special agent series. Highly competitive. Navy ISs who supported NCIS counterintel on active duty have a real path. NCIS, FBI, HSI, DSS, DCIS all in this series.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Investigate federal crimes and violations
- •Conduct surveillance operations
- •Execute search and arrest warrants
- •Interview suspects and witnesses
- •Gather and preserve evidence
- •Prepare cases for prosecution
🎯Key Competencies
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.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1811
What is a Criminal Investigator (Special Agent)?
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.
How much does a federal Special Agent make?
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.
What are the requirements for GS-1811 positions?
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.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1811?
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.
What is the career progression for Criminal Investigator?
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.
How do I apply for GS-1811 jobs on USAJOBS?
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.
Ready to Apply for GS-1811?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.