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How much does a Secret Service agent make?

Published in Law Enforcement Salaries 3 mins read

How Much Does a Secret Service Agent Make?

The salary of a Secret Service agent varies depending on several factors, including their specific role, experience level, and geographic location. For instance, a Secret Service Special Agent in California earns an average annual pay of $64,782. This figure works out to approximately $31.15 per hour.

Understanding Secret Service Salaries

Secret Service agents, like most federal employees, are compensated under the General Schedule (GS) pay system, which determines base pay based on grade level (GS-1 through GS-15) and steps within each grade (1-10). Their overall compensation is influenced by:

  • GS Grade and Step: Entry-level Special Agents typically start at the GS-7 or GS-9 level, with opportunities to advance to higher grades like GS-13, GS-14, or even GS-15 based on performance and tenure.
  • Locality Pay: An additional percentage of pay is added to the base salary depending on the cost of living in the agent's assigned geographic area. This is why salaries can differ significantly from one state or city to another. For example, salaries in high-cost areas like Washington D.C. or New York City would typically be higher than the California average cited above due to locality pay adjustments provided by agencies like the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
  • Overtime and Hazard Pay: Due to the demanding nature of their work, which often involves long hours, travel, and high-risk situations, agents may also receive overtime pay, availability pay, and hazard pay, significantly increasing their total annual earnings.
  • Benefits: In addition to salary, Secret Service agents receive a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, life insurance, a thrift savings plan (TSP, similar to a 401(k)), and a federal retirement system. For general federal job information, USAJOBS is a primary resource.

Types of Secret Service Agents and Their Pay

While the provided figure focuses on a Secret Service Special Agent, it's important to note the Secret Service comprises different roles, each with varying pay scales:

  • Special Agents: These agents conduct criminal investigations (e.g., financial fraud, cybercrime) and provide protection for national leaders. Their careers often involve extensive travel and demanding schedules.
  • Uniformed Division Officers: These officers protect facilities and designated individuals, including the White House, the Vice President's residence, and foreign diplomatic missions. Their pay scale is distinct from that of Special Agents.

Salary Progression and Career Outlook

A Secret Service agent's salary generally increases with experience and promotion through the GS system. Here’s a general idea of how salaries can progress:

  • Entry-Level: As mentioned, new Special Agents may start around the GS-7 to GS-9 level.
  • Mid-Career: With several years of experience and successful performance, agents can advance to GS-12 or GS-13, significantly increasing their base pay.
  • Senior-Level: Supervisory or highly specialized roles can reach GS-14 or GS-15.

The career path offers stability and significant earning potential over time, especially when factoring in locality pay and overtime.

Example Salary Ranges (Illustrative)

Role/Experience Level Approximate Annual Salary Range (Varies by Location & Locality Pay)
Entry-Level Special Agent $50,000 - $70,000
Mid-Career Special Agent $70,000 - $120,000
Senior/Supervisory Agent $120,000 - $170,000+
Example (California Special Agent) $64,782

Note: The ranges above are illustrative and do not include overtime, availability pay, or hazard pay, which can substantially increase take-home earnings.