r/1811 Nov 22 '25

Special Agent Pay and Benefits Overview

224 Upvotes

Special Agent Pay and Benefits Overview

 (A helpful user put this together for the benefit of their agency and this sub, I do not take credit)

Pay 

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2025/general-schedule

Paygrade Progression (1 year per grade, step progression when you hit GS-13).

  • GS/GL-5
  • GS/GL-7
  • GS/GL-9
  • GS-11
  • GS-13

 ----

FBI is a little different and is as follows

 ----

  • GS/GL-10 step 1
  • GS/GL-10 step 2
  • GS-11 step 3
  • GS-12 step 1
  • GS-12 step 2
  • GS-13

Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP): additional 25% on top of your base pay + locality. Must work an average of 50 hours per week over the course of the calendar year. LEAP is considered a part of “basic pay” for purposes of determining high 3 for retirement calculations.

Overtime: Technically available for pre-scheduled (prior to the pay period starting) operations. Generally, it is not approved outside of major events. Overtime (OT) M-F generally requires working base hours, and LEAP (+2) prior to earning OT; OT is straight pay.   

Other Pay

Night Differential:

10% for regularly scheduled hours between 6pm–6am

Sunday Premium:

25% for regularly scheduled Sunday work (again, not LEAP).

Holiday Premium Pay:

Paid double time for work on a federal holiday.

AUO / COPRA (other agencies):

ERO uses AUO (Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime).

CBP Officers use COPRA overtime rules.

Border Patrol use BPAPRA.

Leave

Sick leave is provided at 4 hours / pay period (104 hours / year) for your time in service. There is no cap.

Annual leave you can only roll over 240 hours a year. It accrues as follows:

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/leave-administration/fact-sheets/annual-leave/

< 3 years of service: 4 hours/pay period (104 hours/year)

3-14 years of service: 6 hours/pay period (156 hours/year)

15+ years of service: 8 hours/pay period (208 hours/year)

Military leave is granted to reservists at 20 days per year. Can roll over up to 240 hours. If the 20 days is exceeded then differential pay is offered if you make less in your military role.

Parental leave is given to those who have a child or adopt a child. It is 3 months worth of leave that must be used within 1 year. More details here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/leave-administration/fact-sheets/paid-parental-leave/

Paid Holidays

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/#url=2025

  • New Year’s Day
  • Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • Inauguration Day
  • Washington’s Birthday
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth National Independence Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Columbus Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Retirement

Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS)

This is what is referred to as the 3-legged stool, the FERS Penson, the TSP and social security

https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R42631

https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/publications-forms/csrsfers-handbook/c046.pdf

https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/publications-forms/csrsfers-handbook/c051.pdf

Contribution

Service requirements:

  • 20 years at age 50
  • 25 years at any age
  • Mandatory retirement at 57 with waivers to 60

Calculation

  • Cannot be used to reduce the time in service requirement, only adds years of service on the back end.

Special Retirement Supplement

 Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

https://www.tsp.gov/

Similar to a 401K, it offers traditional and Roth options

  • Matches up to 5%

​ Other

Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB)

Overview:

https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/

Plan comparison tool:

https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/compare-plans/

Student Loan Repayment / Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Agency-Based Student Loan Repayment (SLRP)

Up to $10,000/year, $60,000 lifetime (agency-dependent)

 

Guys and girls in the comments, feel free to add benefits you think would be helpful for people to know, happy to add. I am not going to add agency specific things or duty required things (For example FBI's university education program or HSI's take-home car program)


r/1811 Nov 17 '24

OPSEC - Please Read

261 Upvotes

The mod team would like to remind everyone to practice good operations security (OPSEC) while using r/1811 and Reddit as a whole. Recently, one of our members here was doxxed via Reddit when he posted some strong political opinions. I haven't read the blog, but he admits by his own account that the views were abrasive and crossed the line. While they weren't illegal, they weren't something he wanted tied to his real identity.

r/1811 is an open subreddit, unlike other closed law enforcement subs, for the simple purpose of allowing those of us who have broached the world of employment as an 1811 to answer questions and help those that are attempting to do the same. While the vast majority of the sub are noble people with the right intentions, the unfortunate reality is there are also unsavory characters patrolling this sub, reading everything we do and say. As another mod pointed out, in last years recap Russia was the third most popular country for our users.

Our member was doxxed when he had a 12 year old post that linked to another website that contained his real name. That is the kind of digging that people will do to reveal who you are, should you post or comment something they want to use against you.

I recommend everyone do a few things:

  1. Utilize throw away and segmented Reddit accounts. For example, I have an account for modding this sub, another account for my gaming interests, another account for my fitness interest, so on and so fourth. This is allowed and encouraged by Reddit themsevles, so long as you don't use multiple accounts to upvote or downvote specific comments/posts.
  2. Practice good hygiene and clean your account frequently. For example, approximately once a week I'll wipe all comments and posts off of my account. This isn't a failproof solution, as there are plenty of services and websites out there that scrape reddit and permanetly log comments. Do not post anything you wouldn't feel comfortable saying in front of your boss, spouse, or the public, but at least keeping good online hygiene will make it harder for people to string your comments together. You can do as I do manually, or you can use the extension "Nuke Reddit". It is an extension that no longer works in Google Chrome, but does work in Microsoft Edge. It will overwrite, and then delete all your comments in bulk, and can also do your posts. It is much faster and cleaner than doing it manually.

Lastly, we are going to try to more closely monitor and moderate this subreddit. For example, in the past we have enforced that users claiming to be active 1811's first get verified with r/ProtectAndServe, and that we would honor that verfication and give an 1811 flair here. I will again be enforcing this rule to try to separate potential spam accounts from real posters, and non verified users posting as 1811s will have their comments locked/removed. Additionally, we will be locking more threads and comments that are off topic, already answered before, and the like.

Thank you to everyone, we always enjoy seeing the "recieved the call" posts no matter if you're headed for a stairwell, an indian reservation, the southern border, the Kyrgyzstan embassy, or the local post office, we welcome you all and could use the help!


r/1811 5h ago

TSA 1811 Criminal Investigator

24 Upvotes

Not seeing much info or posts about this position. Any current employees/applicants on the hiring process?

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/882851900


r/1811 9h ago

Hiring Announcement HSI Criminal Investigator GS-11 and GS-12

30 Upvotes

r/1811 5h ago

MCIO 3.8%

9 Upvotes

2027 3.8% LEO Pay Raise — Anyone heard about the Pentagon/OPM leak?
Has anyone heard anything credible about the rumored 2027 LEO pay increase?

I’ve heard that OPM has approved the 3.8% (or slightly less depending on the final calculation) for certain federal LEOs and that someone at the Pentagon leaked that it’s now awaiting the Secretary’s signature/approval.

Has anyone else heard about this leak or seen anything confirming where the process currently stands? Any idea when we should expect something official to be released?

Not presenting this as confirmed — just trying to see whether anyone here has heard the same thing or has more information.


r/1811 1h ago

AFOSI-13032458-0826-DEV-01

Upvotes

Anyone apply to this one? Have they heard anything back?


r/1811 7h ago

Discussion DEA PTA

9 Upvotes

Feeling like an idiot and completely failed myself. Sit ups-52 / Push ups-50 and did something really stupid. Never tested on treadmill and went wayyy too fast and completely gassed out at 1.25 miles.

I plan on reapplying and trying again next announcement but this definitely hurt.


r/1811 8h ago

Ranking FBI offices for IA

10 Upvotes

Does anyone have any insight on how ranking offices works for the IA position? Is it all 56 offices + HQ? It is my understanding that analysts, unlike agents, can be sent to HQ immediately after BFTC.

If it matters, I would be the most interested in the west coast so would be ranking LA/SF high, and NYC/WFO/(potentially HQ) low.


r/1811 8h ago

Question DEA Hiring Phase 3

10 Upvotes

Good morning, long time listener-first time caller. I finished the Recall/Observation and Writing Sample this morning for DEA SA. I was wondering if anyone else applying had a timeline of when they met “basic qualifications” for resume/background? I’m aware the hiring process can take a long time but was just curious if anyone had a timeline for the recent announcements. I was notified I passed the recall test before I left the test center. Thanks!


r/1811 1h ago

ATF

Upvotes

Good afternoon! I’m still waiting on final word for a potential start date. When is the last day realistically that I should hear something about acceptance before I know I won’t get accepted to this upcoming class?


r/1811 1d ago

Hiring Announcement CBP 1811

23 Upvotes

Hiring at GS9/11 and seperate post for GS12/13

9/11 https://www.usajobs.gov/job/881972800

12/13 https://www.usajobs.gov/job/881972000


r/1811 1d ago

Got the call! Making the move to 1811

21 Upvotes

Got the call!

Making the move to 1811

Got the call to join USSS as an 1811, current 1895. Feels weird, seeing a 2 year trial period and the 3 year 120 days appointment, how often do new hires not get past it? I've been with CBP for about 4 years

Having been to FLETC before with CBP where they do not want you to fail, is USSS the same with CITP and RTC? How difficult are the trainings in comparison with CBP for those who made the switch and is it worth it?

Never done protection. Do they teach you all from scratch with USSS or expect trainees to know?

What opportunities are there for those with foreign languages? The hard ones, Russian, Arabic, Chinese? And when does one get the G ride?

Any tips or advice? the first year or two will one be wearing a suit all day or is it just for protection assignments, and regular khakis and Polos for investigations assignments?


r/1811 1d ago

Got the call! DEA SATP10

10 Upvotes

Anybody scheduled to attend the SATP10 academy set for November?


r/1811 1d ago

Is ATF PFT now on a treadmill?

23 Upvotes

I’ve seen some posts about recent ATF PFT’s now being at a “clinical environment” and the 1.5 mile run on a treadmill set at 1.0 incline. Can anyone confirm this?


r/1811 1d ago

Medical disqualifications

3 Upvotes

I’m currently working through the process of the DEA and wanted to see if anyone has experience with the medical portion of the federal law enforcement hiring process, particularly with a pre-existing kidney condition.
I previously made it through essentially the entire hiring process with another federal agency, but my medical clearance was deferred. It has now been several months, and I have not received a final determination.
I was diagnosed with kidney disease when I was around 18 years old. I still take medication for the condition, but it does not affect my day-to-day activities or my ability to work.
I’ve been a police officer for approximately six years with a midsize, fairly active department. I routinely handle high-priority calls and the physical demands of patrol without restrictions or limitations.
My concern is whether it makes sense to continue pursuing DEA and other 1811 positions if this type of medical history is likely to result in a disqualification regardless of my current health, physical ability, and work history.
Has anyone gone through the DEA or another 1811 medical process with a chronic kidney condition or something similar? Were you medically cleared, asked to provide additional documentation, or required to go through a medical review or waiver process?
Any insight from someone who has dealt with something similar would be appreciated.


r/1811 1d ago

Agency News DHS Career Hiring Expo Relocated To Military Base Following Protest Concerns

10 Upvotes

For those who are attending; recheck your emails.

New location:

U.S. Coast Guard Sector, Eastern Great Lakes, 1 Fuhrmann Blvd, Buffalo, NY 14203

Detailed information regarding access to the new location, including security requirements and additional logistics, will be provided as soon as possible.

https://www.dhs.gov/homeland-security-careers/expo


r/1811 22h ago

OPR-DE(DHA)-13037321-KMW

0 Upvotes

Did anyone apply to this one or have insight on the hiring process?


r/1811 1d ago

TSA 1811

11 Upvotes

Reference the HQ-INV-81936-12944557-LE announcement that ended in May has anyone heard anything?


r/1811 1d ago

SBA-OIG

11 Upvotes

SBA-OIG just posted a handful of GS 9-11 positions, for people with certain statuses (vets, competitive service, etc.).

Anyone currently in the agency that can provide any insight on what you guys are up to and how quality of life is (any telework, LEAP work or availability, etc.)? With DBE fraud not being popular with this admin, what are the big priorities of the agency?


r/1811 1d ago

Question Active Duty interested in this field

2 Upvotes

As the title states, I am currently Active Duty (Navy Diver) with the end goal now to be a diver on the USERT. If anyone has any info, I would love to chat. I know I have to do 2 years initially as a special agent which is fine. Thanks


r/1811 1d ago

USMS anyone have any updates

12 Upvotes

Anyone that got screwed on the closing of the hiring of 0082 series have any update on when more GS9 positions will be open since most of us missed out on the earlier openings this year? Haven’t heard anything from HR when reaching out…


r/1811 20h ago

Shipping my car to FLETC

0 Upvotes

I did try to search the subreddit for this topic, but was not successfu. i am having some traveling disputes for how I’m going to get down to Glynco. For reference I live in NJ. I was wondering is it possible to have my car shipped to FLETC so it’s there when I arrive? If it is possible how would this process work and what office at FLETC would I be able to contact to arrange this?


r/1811 1d ago

USSS

7 Upvotes

Miami or Los Angeles field office? Tough time deciding, help!!!


r/1811 2d ago

Question What are the best agencies for someone with a young family?

24 Upvotes

What are the best agencies for someone who is a new mother or father?

For context I'm separating from the military at 8 years. Have gone through a little of the FBI process, but that's it. Currently in Colorado, would love to get sent to a veteran-favorable state like Florida or Texas.

Thank you for any thoughts you care to share.


r/1811 2d ago

DEA PTA

5 Upvotes

For anyone that has recently taken it, did you just show up and take the PTA? Any forms required? TIA