Do you get to choose where you work in the FBI?

You can express preferences for where you work in the FBI by submitting a ranked "wish list" of field offices, but the Bureau makes the final assignment based on its needs, so there are no guarantees, especially early in your career; flexibility and accepting potential transfers are key, though some agents get their top choices, especially in high-demand offices like New York or LA.

Can you pick where you are stationed in the FBI?

Upon graduation from the FBI Academy, you will be assigned to one of the FBI's field offices or satellite offices. Roughly one-third of new agents get their first choice. Ultimately, the mission comes first.

Who gets paid more, FBI or CIA?

It's complex, but generally, FBI Special Agents often start with higher base pay due to federal law enforcement pay scales (LEAP), while CIA officers in specialized, technical, or high-risk roles can earn significantly more with bonuses, potentially surpassing FBI salaries at senior levels, though the CIA's overall average might be higher due to these specialized incentives. 

Do you have to relocate to work for the FBI?

Yes: Newly hired Special Agents are relocated to other divisions, away from home. You must be prepared and willing to be assigned according to the needs of the FBI.

Do FBI agents travel to different states?

As an FBI agent, you may travel all over the country. There are FBI stations all across the country, covering different jurisdictions.

FBI Special Agent Careers

What are the disadvantages of being a FBI agent?

The most difficult part of being an FBI agent is the sense of isolation it can foster. Most agents work by themselves or, if necessary, in pairs. They often travel for long periods. The project-based nature of this career may keep it exciting, but the uncertainty of it can lead to frustration.

Is a FBI agent higher than a cop?

No, FBI agents do not technically "outrank" local police officers because they are separate agencies with different jurisdictions, but the FBI has federal authority over federal crimes and can take command in certain cases, leading to a functional superiority in those situations. Local police handle state/city laws, while the FBI investigates federal offenses like terrorism or large-scale financial crimes, often collaborating through joint task forces where federal mandates take precedence, explains the Federal Bureau of Investigation (.gov). 

What disqualifies you from joining FBI?

The FBI disqualifies candidates for serious issues like felony convictions, recent illegal drug use (especially marijuana within a year or other drugs within 10 years), failure to pay taxes or child support, defaulting on student loans, dishonesty, and gang affiliation, but also for poor financial management, certain tattoos, and failure to register with Selective Service, all evaluated through a rigorous background check looking for patterns of poor judgment or integrity. Lying during the application process, even about minor issues, can be an automatic disqualifier. 

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. 

Is it hard to get hired by the FBI?

We hire only a tiny percentage of applicants. The year I started, they hired 400 out of 58,000 applicants. I became a police officer only to get into the FBI. I did law enforcement for 6 years, worked as a cop full time while I was still working on my bachelors' degree.

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.

Who is higher than the FBI?

Within the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI is responsible to the attorney general, and it reports its findings to U.S. Attorneys across the country.

At what age do FBI agents retire?

The FBI is an equal opportunity employer. FBI employees participate in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which is considered one of the best retire- ment plans. Special Agents can retire at age 50 with 20 years of service and at any age with 25 years of service.

Can FBI have 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.

What is the most elite FBI unit?

The FBI's most elite unit is the Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), a full-time, domestic counterterrorism force considered the gold standard for federal law enforcement tactical response, akin to military Tier One units like Delta Force. Formed in 1983, HRT handles high-risk hostage situations, counterterrorism, and other critical incidents, deploying rapidly domestically and sometimes overseas, with operators undergoing rigorous selection and continuous training in specialized skills like parachuting, diving, and advanced CQB.
 

What is the age limit for FBI?

The FBI generally requires special agent applicants to be between 23 and 36 years old, needing to enter duty before their 37th birthday, though exceptions (waivers) exist for veterans and current federal law enforcement/FBI employees, allowing entry up to age 39 or even later for some. This age limit ensures agents meet the minimum service time for the mandatory retirement at age 57, requiring at least 20 years of service. 

What is the most secretive US agency?

The National Security Agency (NSA) is widely considered the most secretive U.S. intelligence agency, focusing on signals intelligence (SIGINT) and cybersecurity, handling highly classified cryptology and electronic surveillance, often referred to by nicknames like "No Such Agency" due to its extreme secrecy. While the CIA is famous for foreign operations, the NSA manages vast data collection and code-breaking for national defense and is known for its deep technological focus. 

Who pays more, CIA or FBI?

It's complex, but generally, FBI Special Agents often start with higher base pay due to federal law enforcement pay scales (LEAP), while CIA officers in specialized, technical, or high-risk roles can earn significantly more with bonuses, potentially surpassing FBI salaries at senior levels, though the CIA's overall average might be higher due to these specialized incentives. 

Do FBI agents get paid well?

Yes, FBI agents get paid well, with salaries starting around $80k-$100k and increasing significantly with experience and locality, plus substantial benefits like federal retirement, health insurance, and extra pay (LEAP) for long hours, though high cost-of-living areas strain some agents' finances.
 

How fast do you have to run the 1.5 mile for FBI?

The FBI 1.5-mile run time varies by gender, with passing scores requiring faster times for more points, but minimum standards are roughly 12:24 for males and 13:59 for females to get 1 point, while top scores (10 points) are under 8:59 for males and 10:34 for females; times are broken down into score categories, with slower times failing.
 

What degrees does the FBI look for?

Here are 12 degree options for FBI agents:

• Criminal justice. Criminal justice is one of the most popular degree options for FBI agents. ...
• Criminology. Criminology is a subset of sociology that studies criminal behavior. ...
• Sociology. ...
• Psychology. ...
• Computer science. ...
• Cybersecurity. ...
• Public safety administration. ...
• International studies.

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.