Special Agent Salary and Benefits
Special Agent Salary and Compensation Overview
EPA CID Special Agents use the General Law (GL-GS) pay scale for law enforcement officers. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) reviews application materials to determine the GL grade for which each applicant may qualify. CID Special Agents are in the classification series 1811, as established by OPM. OPM established this series to include positions that involve planning and conducting investigations relating to alleged or suspected violations of criminal laws. EPA-CID Special Agents meet the definition of "law enforcement officer" in 5 U.S.C. 5541(3) and 5 CFR 550.103.
Base Salary Range
Based on their qualifications, entry level special agents generally are hired as a grade 5, 7, or 9 Special Agent. Grade level determination is based on a variety of factors which include education level and experience. The qualifying level is provided in the tentative offer of employment. OPM updates its pay scales each year to reflect cost of living increases. For more information see: OPM Pay and Leave for Law Enforcement Officers
Locality Pay
All EPA-CID duty stations qualify for locality pay. Special agents receive an additional percentage of their base salary (14% to 35%) depending on their location. For more information see: OPM Locality Pay and Leave Tables
Availability Pay
Special agents receive an additional 25% of their base salary as law enforcement availability pay (LEAP) due to the type of work and additional hours required by the job.
Promotion Potential
Within the career ladder, Special Agents may be promoted up to GS-13. The promotion is contingent upon satisfactory performance and completion of required training. Promotions are performance-based and must receive supervisory approval.
Benefits
Health and Life Insurance
EPA participates in the Federal Employees Benefits Program (FEHB). You can choose from a variety of health care plans and options, and your health benefits cover you and your family members at reasonable rates. Your biweekly contribution to health benefits varies with the plan you choose. A wide range of vision and dental insurance plans are available to eligible EPA employees through the Federal Employees Dental/Vision Program (FEDVIP). Employees are also eligible for participation in a Flexible Spending Account.
New employees are automatically enrolled in Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI). As a new federal employee, you are automatically covered by basic life insurance and your payroll office deducts premiums from your paycheck unless you waive the coverage. The cost of Basic Insurance is shared between you and the government. Your age does not affect the cost of Basic Insurance.
For more information see: EPA Careers Health Benefits.
Annual & Sick Leave
As a federal employee, you will earn annual leave that may be used for vacations, rest and relaxation, and personal business or emergencies. Hours are earned each biweekly pay period. A maximum amount of 240 hours (6 weeks) of annual leave may be carried over from one leave year to the next. Sick leave is earned at the rate of 13 days per year and has no maximum limit. All federal holidays are paid days off. Employees who must work during federal holidays receive premium pay. CID does not participate in a "compressed" schedule. Flexiplace (telework) is available. EPA offers 12 weeks of paid parental leave under the Federal Employees Parental Leave Act and Federal holidays are paid. For more information see: EPA Careers Leave and Work Schedules
Retirement
New employees are automatically covered by the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS). This three-tiered retirement plan combines federal retirement, disability, and survivor benefits with Social Security benefits and a tax-deferred Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), similar to a 401(k) plan. Contributions to the plan are automatically deducted from each paycheck, the amount which is chosen by employees, and is transferable if you change employers. An additional benefit to the TSP is employer matching contributions; up to 5% of your base salary. Learn more.
Special Agents with 20 years of Federal law enforcement service may retire as early as age 50. Retirement becomes mandatory at 57, or as soon as 20 years of service has been completed after age 57. Special Agents with 25 years of service are eligible for retirement regardless of age. Special Agents are entitled to the special retirement supplement. Learn more.
Retirees receive social security retirement payments, the benefits of which are transferable if employers are changed.
Resources
U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) page for new/prospective employees on retirement benefits
Physical Fitness
CID supports the continued health, well-being, and physical fitness of its employees. Special Agents who are medically qualified can participate in the physical fitness program. Agents who apply for the program and are approved to participate are allowed up to 3 hours per week to participate in recognized fitness activities.
Employee Counseling & Assistance Program
The Employee Counseling and Assistance Program provides a helping hand for dealing with personal problems and stresses. ECAP offers a range of counseling services such as alcohol and drug abuse, bereavement, crisis intervention, emotional distress, job performance, family issues, separation and divorce, and much more.
Additionally, a Critical Incident Stress Management Team is available to provide support in the event of a traumatic incident.
Training
CID believes training further enhances the skills of Special Agents and is committed to employee personal development. After completion of basic training, continued advanced development training is provided throughout one's career at EPA. Additionally, all Special Agents participate in mandatory training to maintain proficiencies.