Federal law enforcement careers can offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. Some eligible criminal-investigator positions include Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP), generally a 25% supplement; eligibility and when it begins depend on the agency and position. This guide covers opportunities and hiring notices involving diplomatic security, narcotics enforcement, financial crimes, and firearms and explosives investigations. Verify each announcement’s current status before applying.
The listings below do not all represent live vacancies: the DEA item is a public notice, so check USAJOBS for a separate active announcement. Eligibility varies by agency and grade. Citizenship, driver’s-license, security-clearance, education or experience, and age rules are position-specific; read the complete official announcement for the requirements and any applicable exceptions.
| Agency | Title | Grade | Starting Salary | Apply By | Apply At |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dept. of State (DS) | Foreign Service Special Agent | FP-6 | $61,382/yr | Dec 31, 2026 | Pearson VUE (not USAJOBS) |
| DEA | Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) | GL-7 to GL-11 | $48,854/yr | Mar 16, 2027 | USAJOBS (when live) |
| Secret Service (STAR) | Special Agent — STAR Program | GL-7 | $48,854/yr | Dec 31, 2026 | USAJOBS |
| Secret Service | Special Agent (Standard) | GL-7 to GL-11 | $48,854/yr | Dec 31, 2026 | USAJOBS |
| ATF | Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) | GL-5 to GL-9 | $51,632/yr | Sep 30, 2027 | USAJOBS |
All salaries are base pay before locality adjustment and before the 25% LEAP supplement. Final pay will be higher based on duty location.
What You’ll Do
- Provide protective security for the Secretary of State and foreign dignitaries
- Investigate passport/visa fraud and federal crimes
- Serve as Regional Security Officer overseas, managing full security programs at U.S. diplomatic posts
- Conduct threat assessments and emergency response
Key Requirements
- U.S. citizenship; age 21–37 at appointment
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- 1 year qualifying experience or 18 graduate credit hours
- Top Secret / SCI clearance
- Pass physical fitness test, medical exam, and firearm qualification
- ~7 months initial training including ~3 months at FLETC (Brunswick, GA)
Overseas Benefits
- Tax-free housing allowance when assigned overseas
- Tax-free K–12 education allowance for dependent children
- Additional 25% LEAP begins when Basic Special Agent Course training starts
What You’ll Do
- Conduct complex criminal investigations of narcotics trafficking and drug-related activity
- Identify, arrest, and prosecute drug traffickers
- Gather evidence through search warrants, seizures, and arrests
- Testify in federal court and before grand juries
- Brief senior personnel and partner agencies
Key Requirements
- U.S. citizenship; age 21–36 at application
- Resume (2 pages max)
- Top Secret clearance; full-scope polygraph
- Pre-employment and annual medical exams; random drug testing
- Valid state driver’s license; mobility agreement
- 16-week Basic Agent Training at DEA Academy, Quantico, VA
4-Phase Selection Process
- Phase 1: Physical Task Assessment (PTA)
- Phase 2: Proctored writing assessment (600+ U.S. testing centers)
- Phase 3: Basic qualifications review
- Phase 4: Structured interview
What You’ll Do
- Investigate financial crimes including counterfeiting and cyber fraud
- Protect the President, Vice President, their families, and visiting foreign dignitaries
- Plan and implement security for National Special Security Events
Key Requirements
- U.S. citizenship; age 21+ at application (referral up to age 40)
- Bachelor’s with Superior Academic Achievement, OR 1 year graduate study, OR 1 year GL-5 specialized experience
- REAL ID-compliant driver’s license
- Top Secret clearance; drug test; polygraph; credit check
- 13 weeks at FLETC (Glynco, GA) + 18 weeks at Rowley Training Center (Laurel, MD)
- Mobility agreement; tattoo restrictions (head, face, neck, hands)
- Uncorrected vision minimum 20/100, correctable to 20/20
2-Phase Selection Process
- Phase I: NCIC check → Special Agent Entrance Exam (SAEE) → Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT) → interview
- Phase II: Credit check → security interview → polygraph → drug screening → medical exam → background investigation
Additional Grade Levels Available
- GL-9: Master’s degree, 2 years graduate study, or 1 year GL-7 specialized experience ($54,485/yr)
- GL-11: PhD or equivalent, 3 years graduate study, or 1 year GL-9 specialized experience ($63,795/yr)
Key Requirements (Same as STAR)
- U.S. citizenship; age 21–40 at referral
- Top Secret clearance; polygraph; drug test; credit check
- REAL ID driver’s license; mobility agreement
- 13 weeks FLETC + 18 weeks Rowley Training Center
- 2-year trial period; up to 25% domestic/foreign travel
What You’ll Do
- Investigate federal violations involving explosives, firearms, arson, and alcohol/tobacco diversion
- Prepare criminal investigative reports
- Gather evidence through leads, seizures, arrests, and search warrants
- Testify in federal court and before grand juries
Key Requirements
- U.S. citizenship; age 21–40 at appointment
- GL-5: Bachelor’s degree (any field) or 3 years progressively responsible experience
- GL-7: 1 year specialized experience, 1 year grad study, or Superior Academic Achievement
- GL-9: 1 year GL-7 specialized experience, master’s degree, or J.D./LL.B.
- Top Secret clearance; polygraph; drug test; medical exam
- 12 weeks CITP + 15 weeks ATF Basic Training at FLETC-Glynco, GA
- Mobility agreement; 3–5 year minimum at initial duty station
4-Hurdle Selection Process
- Hurdle 1: Minimum qualifications review
- Hurdle 2: Special Agent Applicant Assessment (SAAA)
- Hurdle 3: Physical Task Test (PTT)
- Hurdle 4: Structured interview by subject matter expert panel
- Onboarding: Drug test → medical exam → polygraph → background investigation
Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) is generally a 25% supplement for eligible federal criminal investigators who meet the applicable statutory and agency requirements. Do not assume it applies to every listing on this page or begins on the same date for every agency. For example, the State Department announcement says newly hired agents begin earning LEAP after starting the Basic Special Agent Course. Confirm eligibility and timing in each official announcement.
On top of LEAP, all positions include standard federal benefits: health insurance (FEHB), dental/vision (FEDVIP), Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching, and paid leave.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is an informational summary, not an official government notice. Requirements, salaries, deadlines, and schedules are subject to change without notice. Always verify current information directly with the hiring agency before applying. This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by any government agency. Nothing on this page constitutes legal, employment, or career advice.