How much does a fbi detective make

Not all FBI agents work in front-line law enforcement. Some work at the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Center for Analysis of Violent Crime – NCAVC for short – researching and investigating the behavior of violent and serial offenders. Commonly known as profilers, most NCAVC professionals are FBI special agents with at least eight years of experience in the field. As federal employees, they're paid a fixed and transparent salary according to the General Schedule pay-grade scale.

Job Description

NCAVC is the leading authority on serial crimes and those with a strong behavioral element, such as rape, homicide, terrorism, bombings and child exploitation. The profilers who work for NVAVC use psychological, historical, statistical and investigative techniques to review crimes and interpret an offender's behavior. Day-to-day, a profiler might review materials such as crime scene photographs and witness reports, profile offenders, make suggestions for investigating the crime, train agents on interviewing suspects, assist with search warrants and trial strategies, and provide expert testimony at trials. The aim is to gain critical insights into criminal behavior that can help law enforcement officers identify, track and apprehend offenders.

Education Requirements

To become an FBI profiler, you'll generally need at least three years of experience as an FBI Special Agent; to become an FBI agent, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree in a subject such as criminal justice, psychology or criminology. The admission process is tough and competitive, comprising assessments, psychometric tests, fitness tests and interviews. Successful applicants make it through to the FBI's training program at Quantico, Virginia, and from there to a field assignment either within the U.S. or overseas. The switch to NCAVC comes later, when the agent has eight or 10 years of experience under her belt.

Certified and experienced criminal psychologists who are not FBI agents can apply for a purely research position within NCAVC. The entry point is an advanced degree in a relevant subject; the agency typically accepts applicants with the very highest academic credentials and experience.

In terms of a criminal profiler salary, FBI profilers who are special agents fall within the General Schedule pay scale, with a starting pay grade of at least GS-10. In 2018, GS-10 runs from $48,289 to $62,787 annually. Civilian researchers can expect to earn a similar amount.

Industry

Like any law enforcement field, working for NCAVC can be a stressful, dangerous and physically demanding job. You may need to travel, visit crime scenes and understand how to use a firearm. You may occasionally perform interviews and study offenders in prison and give testimony at a criminal trial. Most times though, you will carry out your duties in an office. Teamwork is essential, because multiple FBI agents and profilers will work on one case at any given time.

Years of Experience

FBI profilers are paid according to the General Schedule pay system. The Schedule consists of 15 pay grades and each pay grade is broken up into 10 steps. Profilers come in at GS-10 and must advance through all 10 steps before moving to GS-11. While everyone progresses at their own pace, it generally takes between six months and two years to advance through a single step, or five to 10 years to advance through an entire pay grade.

The General Schedule pay range for 2018 is:

  • GS10: $48,289-$62,787
  • GS11: $54,062-$68,983
  • GS12: $63,600-$82,680
  • GS13: $75,628-$98,317
  • GS14: $89,370-$116,181
  • GS15: $105,123-$136,659

Additionally, some FBI special agents may be eligible to receive a cost of living adjustment, or COLA, ranging from 12.5 to 28.7 on top of the base salary. This is a locality-based supplement that offsets the high cost of living in some areas. Most profilers are based at the NCAVC headquarters in Quantico.

Job Growth Trend

The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not keep data on criminal profilers, but the law enforcement sector generally is projected to grow by 7 percent by 2026, which represents an additional 53,400 jobs. Some of those jobs will be in the criminal profiling sector. As law enforcement becomes increasingly complex and data driven, it's likely that demand will remain high for criminal profiling and behavior experts who have acquired the relevant skills.

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Average Base Salary

$98,305 (SGD)/yr

Average Hourly Rate

$47.26 (SGD)/hr

Average Bonus

$2,880 (SGD)/yr

Compensation Data Based on Experience

The average special agent fbi gross salary in Singapore is $98,305 or an equivalent hourly rate of $47. In addition, they earn an average bonus of $2,880. Salary estimates based on salary survey data collected directly from employers and anonymous employees in Singapore. An entry level special agent fbi (1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of $69,470. On the other end, a senior level special agent fbi (8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of $122,376.

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ERI’s compensation data are based on salary surveys conducted and researched by ERI. Cost of labor data in the Assessor Series are based on actual housing sales data from commercially available sources, plus rental rates, gasoline prices, consumables, medical care premium costs, property taxes, effective income tax rates, etc.

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Estimated Salary in 2027:

$113,963 (SGD)

5 Year Change:

16 %

Based on our compensation data, the estimated salary potential for Special Agent FBI will increase 16 % over 5 years.

This chart displays the highest level of education for:
Special Agent FBI, the majority at 55% with bachelors.

Typical Field of Study: Criminal Justice/Police Science

See how education can impact your salary

Singapore

Cost of living is calculated based on accumulating the cost of food, transportation, health services, rent, utilities, taxes, and miscellaneous.

View Cost of Living Page


Singapore ( (listen)), officially the Republic of Singapore, is a sovereign island country and city-state in maritime Southeast Asia. It lies about one degree of latitude (137 kilometres or 85 miles) north of the equator, off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, bordering the Strait of Malacca to the west, the Singapore Strait to the south, the South China Sea to the east, and the Straits of Johor to the north. The country's territory is composed of one main island, 63 satellite islands and islets...

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Investigates alleged or suspected criminal violations of federal, state, or local laws to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution. Examines charge, complaint, or allegation of law violation to identify issues involved and types of evidence needed. Assists in determining scope, timing, and direction of investigation. Develops and uses informants to get leads to information. Interviews, observes, and interrogates... suspects and witnesses and analyzes records to secure evidence or establish facts. Examines records to detect links in chain of evidence or information. Uses cameras and photostatic machines to record evidence and documents. Verifies information obtained to establish accuracy and authenticity of facts and evidence. Maintains surveillances and performs undercover assignments. Presents findings in clear, logical, impartial, and properly documented reports. Reports critical information to and coordinates activities with other offices or agencies when applicable. Testifies before grand juries. Serves subpoenas or other official papers. May lead or coordinate work of other special agents. May obtain and use search and arrest warrants. May serve on full-time, detail, or rotational protection assignments. May carry firearms and make arrests. May be designated according to agency worked for as special agent, fbi; special agent, irs; special agent, secret service. Read More

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How much does a fbi detective make

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This page is a promotion for SalaryExpert’s Assessor Series and is not intended for professional use.

Professionals should subscribe to SalaryExpert’s Assessor Platform.

ERI’s compensation data are based on salary surveys conducted and researched by ERI. Cost of labor data in the Assessor Series are based on actual housing sales data from commercially available sources, plus rental rates, gasoline prices, consumables, medical care premium costs, property taxes, effective income tax rates, etc.

How much does a fbi detective make

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