Do FBI agents get weekends off?

No, FBI agents generally do not get regular weekends off; they work a minimum of 50 hours/week, are on-call 24/7, and must respond to emergencies and operations at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as criminal activity doesn't follow a 9-to-5 schedule. While base schedules might be Monday-Friday, investigations and critical incidents require agents to be available and work irregular hours, with new agents often taking on less desirable shifts.

How many days off does an FBI agent get?

Paid time off

We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits to foster the health, happiness, and satisfaction of our employees. Paid time off: 13–26 days annual leave. 11 federal holidays.

Do you get weekends off at FBI Academy?

Virtually every 1811 academy is a live-in training program. Expect to stay at the facility for the entire duration of the academy with regular breaks on weekends and federal holidays.

Do FBI agents have a good work-life balance?

In general, the FBI provides a great work/life balance. However, there are certain times when an operation will necessitate working long hours and weekends, like responding to a mass casualty case like the Boston Marathon bombing.

How much do FBI agents get paid weekly?

As of Jan 9, 2026, the average annual pay for a Fbi Agent in the United States is $68,989 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $33.17 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,326/week or $5,749/month.

Fed Officers Handcuff Off-Duty Black FBI Agent — They Ignore His Badge, Jury Awards $11.2M

Who pays more, CIA or FBI?

The FBI and CIA salaries are comparable and complex, but FBI entry-level agents often start with higher base pay due to law enforcement benefits (LEAP), while CIA officers in specialized technical or paramilitary roles can earn more with bonuses, with both potentially exceeding $150,000 at senior levels, but the CIA's overall average salary might appear higher due to specialized roles. Pay depends heavily on experience, location, and specific skills, with bonuses significantly impacting CIA earnings. 

At what age do FBI agents retire?

FBI special agents have a mandatory retirement age of 57. In order to achieve the required 20 years of service for retirement, special agents must enter on duty no later than the day before their 37th birthday.

What age do most FBI agents start?

In those classes, on average, more than 50% of the new agents came from a military or law enforcement background, approximately 48% had advanced degrees, and the average age was 29.

Is a FBI agent higher than a cop?

No, FBI agents are not inherently "above" police officers; they are separate entities with different jurisdictions and chains of command, though FBI agents have federal authority for federal crimes, and they often work together in task forces, with one potentially taking the lead depending on whether federal or state laws are broken. FBI agents focus on federal crimes, national security, and investigations crossing state lines, while local police enforce state and local laws, but they aren't subordinate to each other. 

Can FBI agents tell their family?

Yes, most FBI agents can tell their families they work for the FBI, and many do, but they must keep classified information, specific methods, sources, and ongoing case details confidential due to security protocols, so it's very job-dependent, with undercover or sensitive roles requiring stricter secrecy, even from family, to protect operations and national security. 

Does FBI allow tattoos?

The FBI requires its agents and other employees to look professional and has high standards for how they present themselves, but there is no official FBI tattoo regulations. Speak with a hiring manager before getting a tattoo if you want to join the bureau.

Do FBI agents work 9 to 5?

FBI agents have the opposite of a typical 9-to-5 job. Each day is different from the last, and they spend much of their professional careers on-call. They may be transferred to a new location anytime.

Does the FBI pay for you to relocate?

The FBI will only cover relocation costs from your Processing Field Office (PFO) to your first office assignment (exceptions apply).

Can you quit being an FBI agent?

FBI agents can resign at any time for any reason. Only the agency director is exempt from this policy.

Do FBI agents have time for family?

Special agents are always on call to protect their country and may be transferred at any time, based on the needs of the FBI. This is definitely not a nine-to-five career. Although the work is challenging and exciting, special agents still have the opportunity to spend quality time with their families.

What disqualifies you from the FBI?

Automatic disqualifiers to becoming an FBI agents

• Failure to file local, state, or federal income tax returns.
• Failure to pay court-ordered child support.
• Engagement in treasonable acts.
• Failure to register with the Selective Service System, if applicable.
• Failure to pass a urinalysis drug test administered by the FBI.

Can I wear a jacket that says FBI?

You generally cannot wear a jacket that says "FBI" unless you are a legitimate, authorized employee, as it's restricted merchandise and impersonating an officer is illegal; buying or wearing such gear falsely implies you're a federal agent, which violates U.S. law and can lead to serious charges, though a fun, clearly fake costume for a party might be different, but official gear is a definite no-no for the public.
 

Is FBI higher than CIA?

The CIA is overseen by the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, who reports to the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). It is not part of a government department. The FBI operates under the Department of Justice, led by the FBI Director, who reports to the Attorney General and the President.

Do FBI agents travel a lot?

The FBI says there's no such thing as a typical day for a special agent. In a given week they may meet informants, make an arrest, catch up with paperwork, execute a search warrant and testify in federal court. Fitting all their duties requires long hours; travel may be on the table, too.

How hard is it to get into FBI?

The FBI accepts fewer than 20% of applicants, making jobs within the bureau highly competitive. Applicants typically begin their candidacy through one of the FBI's various entry programs, all of which are tailored to specific FBI career tracks.

Do FBI agents get take home cars?

It's not “their own,” but rather an OGV (Official Government Vehicle) as opposed to a POV (Personally Owned Vehicle). It is only to be used for getting to/from work (you can stop and pick up the dry-cleaning or whatever on the way home, if it's on the way), and for use in an official capacity.

Does FBI pay well?

Yes, the FBI pays well, offering competitive salaries that start higher than many other law enforcement roles, with potential to reach over $150,000 for experienced agents, plus significant bonuses like Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) and locality pay, along with excellent federal benefits and retirement plans. 

What benefits do FBI agents get?

As an FBI employee, you'll be able to enjoy generous paid time off, dedicated weekly wellness hours, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, professional development and mentorships, tuition reimbursement opportunities, a secure retirement with pension, and more.

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.

Does the FBI pay for college?

Our Impact. The FBIAA Memorial College Fund (MCF) provides scholarships for the children and spouses of deceased FBI Agents. Since its inception, the MCF has provided over $14 million in support to approximately 315 students.