How to Become an FBI Agent in Massachusetts

The FBI’s presence in Massachusetts actually pre-dates the bureau’s formation, going back to 1908 when then-Attorney General Charles Bonaparte created a special investigations task force and dispatched them to Boston. The Boston FBI field office is now one of the most active in the country as it oversees operations in Massachusetts as well as Rhode Island, Vermont and Maine.

You can help the FBI in New England by becoming a Special Agent after participating in the following process.

FBI Agent Requirements in Massachusetts

Basic Requirements

• 23 to 37 years old
• S. Citizen
• Hold valid driver’s license
• Can pass 10 year background check, urinalysis test
• No prior felony convictions
• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Able to meet minimum physical fitness requirements
• Can meet minimum threshold for hearing and vision
• Have at least three years of full-time work experience

Additional Requirements

• Applicants will be screened based on background, skills and examination of character
• Successful applicants must pass the 800 hour course at the FBI Training Academy before becoming full Special Agents

Different Positions with The FBI in Massachusetts

• Criminal Investigations
• Evidence Response Team (ERT)
• Forensic Accountant
• Hostage Rescue Team (HRT)
• Cybersecurity and Cyber Terrorism investigations
• SWAT Team
• Operational Medic

Masschusetts FBI Agent Education

• S. Criminology — Learn how to conduct investigations, enact due process, handle evidence and more along with training in criminal psychology
• S. Forensic Science — Training in applied sciences like biology, chemistry and physics can aid in investigations
• S. Computer Science — Computer, networking, IT and development expertise are increasingly needed to investigate criminal operations and deter cybercrime
• S. Accounting — The FBI constantly needs forensic accountants to conduct investigations and assemble evidence
• The FBI is also looking for candidates who can speak multiple languages, can pilot aircraft, have tactical experience and/or can apply emergency medicine principles in the field

Major Cities in Massachusetts

Boston is Massachusetts’ largest city with 645,966 residents. It was the site of the FBI field offices until a recent move to Chelsea just a few miles from the Boston city limits. Worcester is Mass.’s second-largest city with 182,544 residents, and it also has an FBI Resident Agency office. Other Mass. area FBI Resident Agency offices are located in Springfield, Lowell and Lakeville.

Specific Duties of FBI Agents in Massachusetts

• Counterterrorism — Investigating and responding to threats both foreign and domestic
• Criminal Investigations — Conducting investigations on violent crimes, sex trafficking, fraud, racketeering, corruption and more
• Evidence collection, handling, storage and analysis — The FBI not only collects and analyzes evidence for its own operations, it also supports other law enforcement investigations and criminal prosecutions
• Cyber crime investigations and security — In addition to increasing cybercrime and cyber terrorism, the FBI uses online activities to catch criminals with the intent to conduct fraud, terrorism or other illegal acts
• Intelligence gathering and sharing — Information gathered by the FBI is indispensable for the operations of other federal, state and local agencies
• Field operations — All FBI agents must be physically fit and able to effectively wield a firearm to engage in tactical operations that can include suspect apprehension, bomb disposal and hostage recovery

Interesting Facts About the FBI in Massachusetts

As one of the earliest FBI field offices, the Boston Division was instrumental in conducting anti espionage and anti-sabotage operations during the first two World Wars. By the 1980s, the Boston Division was a significant source of support for Boston Police and other law enforcement agencies as they tried to crack down on drug trafficking and organized crime. They now also help conduct counterterrorism operations in addition to prosecuting financial fraud and child sex trafficking.

Over 400 Special Agents work at the Chelsea headquarters and support the 10 resident agencies in the Division, making the Boston Division one of the largest FBI operations in the country.

Massachusetts FBI Agent Salary

All graduating FBI trainees start at the GS-10 pay scale, usually at step 1. This base pay level is equivalent to $47,158 a year. When adding the 25% availability pay and 25.19% locality pay for the Boston Metro and Massachusetts general area, a starting agent will make $70,827 a year when working in Massachusetts.

FBI Training Programs and Schools in Massachusetts