What disqualifies you from joining the Secret Service?

Disqualifiers for employment with the Secret Service include various factors related to a candidate's background, physical condition, and ability to obtain a top secret security clearance.

What disqualifies you from Secret Service?

You are currently involved in illegal drug use. You have been judged as mentally incompetent or mentally incapacitated by a mental health professional. You have had a clearance revoked for security reasons. You are considered a dual citizen, AND you are currently holding a passport from a country other than the U.S.

Can Secret Service have tattoos?

The Secret Service prohibits visible tattoos, body art, and branding on the head, face, neck, hands, and fingers of its special agents. The FBI prohibits agents having tattoos, brands, and body markings on the head, face, neck, tongue, lips, or scalp.

What is the oldest you can be to join the Secret Service?

Be a U.S. Citizen. Be at least 21 years of age at the time of application, and younger than 37 upon receipt of a conditional offer of employment, to continue in the application process*.

What is Secret Service starting pay?

As of Jan 11, 2026, the average annual pay for a Secret Service Special Agent in California is $64,782 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $31.15 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,245/week or $5,398/month.

Why Less Than 1% Of Secret Service Applicants Become Agents

Is it hard to get into the Secret Service?

Becoming a Secret Service Agent is extremely difficult, requiring top physical and mental fitness, a flawless background, superior academic/experiential qualifications (like a Bachelor's or advanced degree/experience), passing rigorous exams, interviews, polygraphs, and extensive background checks for a Top Secret clearance, with a very low acceptance rate (around 1 in 100 applicants). The process is lengthy, challenging, and designed to find only the most qualified candidates. 

What is the average pension for a Secret Service agent?

The money can be substantial. On top of their federal pensions--under a plan that paid out an average of $42,768 per retiree last year--the former agents draw annual salaries ranging from $60,000 to $122,000 in their new federal jobs, according to pension data and employee records.

Does the Secret Service go to the bathroom with the president?

Yes, Secret Service agents are always nearby and often in the bathroom with the President, especially outside the private residence, to ensure security, though they try to give privacy in highly controlled spaces like the White House residence where agents usually wait outside an unlocked door. The core mission is protection, so agents remain within steps or just outside the door, even during seemingly private moments, as the President is never truly alone.
 

Do you need a college degree to be in the Secret Service?

Degree Requirements – All California Secret Service agents are hired at the GL-7 federal level or above. The minimum requirements for this level include either a four-year bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement or at least one year of specialized experience at the GL-5 level.

Why do SS agents wear sunglasses?

Protective security work often involves long hours outdoors, sometimes in harsh sunlight or changing weather conditions. Sunglasses with anti-glare coatings and UV protection can significantly lower eye fatigue, helping agents stay alert throughout the day.

Can Secret Service carry guns?

Under Title 18, Section 3056, of the United States Code, agents and officers of the United States Secret Service can: Carry firearms. Execute warrants issued under the laws of the United States.

What are common SF 86 mistakes?

Common SF-86 mistakes involve omitting required information (employment gaps, foreign contacts, past issues), providing inaccurate or inconsistent details (dates, addresses, SSNs), not being thorough with details like addresses and supervisor contacts, and failing to report issues like financial problems, drug use, or criminal conduct, which often stems from poor attention to detail or trying to hide something, leading to significant delays or denial. Being completely honest and detailed, even about negative events, is key. 

How long is Secret Service training?

New recruits undergo intensive training where they must successfully complete the 13-week Basic Police Training Course at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia or Artesia, New Mexico. Each recruit then receives 16 weeks of specialized instruction at our training facility near Washington, D.C.

Can the Secret Service make arrests?

89–218 authorized the Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, inspectors, and agents of the Secret Service to make arrests without warrant for offenses committed against the United States in their presence or for any felony cognizable under the laws of the United States if they have reasonable grounds to believe that the ...

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. 

What profession makes $400,000 a year?

Professions making $400,000 a year typically fall into medicine (specialized surgeons, anesthesiologists), law (partners in major firms), finance (investment banking, C-suite execs), big tech (senior engineers, executives), high-level sales (enterprise tech, medical devices), and executive leadership (CEOs), often requiring advanced degrees, specialized skills, and extensive experience, though top sales roles might bypass degree requirements for performance.
 

How much do the president's bodyguards make?

A President's bodyguard (typically a U.S. Secret Service agent) salary varies with experience, grade, and location, averaging around $187,000/year nationally for the role in early 2026, with high earners exceeding $300,000, but base pay for Secret Service personnel (like those in protection) often starts lower, with significant increases for experience and extra compensation for long hours. Specific figures show ranges like $115k-$261k for most, with experienced agents earning more, plus benefits like TSP, health insurance, and overtime pay.
 

What was Hillary Clinton's code name?

Vice presidents and their families

From left to right: President Bill Clinton, codename "Eagle"; Chelsea Clinton, codename "Energy"; Senator Hillary Clinton, codename "Evergreen"; Vice President Al Gore, codename "Sundance".

Why do Secret Service always wear sunglasses?

Secret Service agents sometimes wear sunglasses to keep the sun out of their eyes, so they can increase their ability to see what people in the crowd are doing. Agents do not always wear sunglasses.

What is the average salary of Secret Service?

Secret Service agents' salaries vary, with entry-level starting around $53k-$81k (including bonuses/locality) at GL-7/GL-9, and experienced agents reaching over $195k at GS-13, depending on grade, experience, location, and benefits like Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) and tuition assistance. Pay is based on the federal General Schedule (GS) scale, with significant increases for higher grades and responsibilities. 

How much social security will you get if you make $60,000 a year?

If you consistently earn $60,000 per year over your career, you could expect a monthly Social Security benefit around $2,300 to $2,600 at Full Retirement Age (FRA), but this varies based on your exact earnings history, the year you claim, and the Social Security Administration's bend points, with lower amounts if claimed early (age 62) and higher if delayed (up to age 70). Your official estimate is best found on your "my Social Security" account https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ (via SSA.gov). 

How much will a $100,000 pension pay per month?

A £100,000 pension pot could provide roughly £500 to £700+ per month, but this varies greatly based on your age (older means more), gender, chosen annuity type (single vs. joint life), and the current interest rates, with older individuals at 70 potentially getting around £700+ monthly and younger ones starting lower, but it's essential to consult an advisor for personalized quotes. 

How many years in Secret Service to retire?

For those born in 1970 or later, the FERS minimum retirement age is 57 with 30 years of service. Those with only five years of service may retire at the age of 62. e. Applies to those with 20 years of service or as soon as they have completed 20 years of service if not completed by the age of 57 (or 56 for an ATC).