Public Safety & Government
Federal Agent (FBI / DEA / ATF)
Investigate federal crimes — terrorism, drugs, cybercrime, financial crimes. High prestige, strong pension, top-secret clearance opens private-sector doors.
high-paypaid-traininghelping-peoplestable
31
ROI · Moderate
Investment vs return
Cost · time · demand normalized 0–100
Salary progression
What you'll earn over your career
$78k
$125k
$175k
Entry
Mid-career
Senior
10-yr outlook
+2%
+2% (Average)
Open positions
4,500
Estimated nationwide
Entry paths
How to get here
Multiple paths lead to this career. Compare time, cost, online vs in-person delivery, and program links.
Fastest ROI
Degree In Person
BS + 3 yrs work experience + Academy
Time
4 yrs degree + 3 yrs work + Academy
Cost
$40,000 – $120,000
Critical Skills paths (cybersecurity, accounting, languages) hire faster. Quantico Academy is 20 weeks paid.
Affiliate disclosure: Some of the program links above may be affiliate partnerships. If you enroll, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only link to programs we have actually reviewed against our methodology. See our methodology for how we evaluate schools.
Quick math
If you took the fastest path…
You'd train for
4 yrs degree + 3 yrs work + Academy
You'd spend (avg)
$80,000
Starting salary
$78,000
Mid-career
$125,000
Read more
Articles & resources
Sources: BLS OOH 2024 · FBI