I get this question a lot: how much do U.S. Marshals make? This question is in relation to a Deputy Marshal pay rate and entry requirements. Enjoy!
The salaries stated below are only an approximation. The actual salary is determined by the geographic location in which a U.S. Marshal would be employed, a.k.a. Locality Pay Scale.
All positions are filled at the GS-082-5 or GS-082-7 entry levels.
- GS-082-5: between $36,658 and $41,260 (as of January 2008)
- GS-082-7: between $41,729 and $46,969 (as of January 2008)
Requirements for GS-082-5 and GS-082-7
GS-5: GENERAL EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A four year bachelors’ degree OR a minimum of three years of responsible volunteer or paid experience. Listed below are examples of acceptable experience:
- Law enforcement
- Work involving the correctional treatment and supervision of criminal offenders in correctional institutions
- Classroom teaching or instruction
- Sales (other than taking and filing orders as in over-the-counter sales)
- Interviewing experience in a public or private service agency which involved making determinations on individual requests for services, benefits, etc., and explaining, interpreting, and applying rules, regulations, and procedures
- Work involving contacts with the public for the purpose of gathering information, such as credit rating investigator, claims adjuster, journalist, etc.
- Volunteer teaching or counseling
- Other experience that has demonstrated the ability to take charge and make decisions, such as civilian/military supervisory, managerial or leadership responsibility.
GS-7: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS and SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT:
EXPERIENCE:
- Have one year of responsible law enforcement experience in addition to the GS-5 experience requirements above
- Have the ability to deal effectively with associates, subordinates, the general public, and prisoners.
- Have the ability to make arrests and use firearms proficiently.
SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT:
A bachelor’s degree and one of the following Superior Academic Achievement provisions:
- A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher for all completed undergraduate courses, or for those courses completed during the last 2 years of undergraduate study.
- Rank in the upper 1/3 of your college or university undergraduate class.
- Membership in a national scholastic honor society (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.
- Successful completion of graduate education in law, or in a field related to law enforcement (e.g., criminal justice), or completion of one full year of graduate study (minimum of 18 semester or 27 graduate quarter hours).
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- If you do not qualify based on education or experience alone we will combine your education and experience in an attempt to satisfy the minimum general experience requirements, at the GS-5 level, for Deputy U.S. Marshal positions.
Promotion Time Frame
Those appointed at the GS-082-5 grade level are eligible for promotion to GS-082-7 after 1 year.
Those appointed at the GS-082-7 grade level are eligible for promotion to GS-082-9 after 1 year.
Career ladder is to the GS-1811-11 grade level; there is a 3 year certification process before promotion from GS-082-9 to GS-1811-11 grade level.
Radek holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Boston University. He is currently doing consulting work and runs this blog to provide relevant information on criminal justice degrees, colleges and related careers.
I would love to begin a career with the U.S. Marshalls. I have been a Correctional Officer for a 1 1/2 years now, I begin school at Kaplan University next wed. I will be get my bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and my concentration will be Homeland Security. So if you will give me some feedback on the steps that I need to take to become one.
Glad to know that. I can give you some general steps that you will need to take to help you become a U.S. Marshal from this point on.
1. Obtain your degree with high marks. This is important, as your grades may play a role during the recruitment process.
2. When ready to apply (towards the end of your senior year) go to the U.S. Marshal Website and/or http://www.usajobs.gov to find out about position openings.
– Even better, try to make contact with your local Marshal’s Office and start speaking with a recruiter right now. He or she will be able to tell you exactly what the U.S. Marshal service looks for. You will be able to adjust your classes to better fit your future needs by knowing what the Marshal’s job entails. Keep this relationship alive and after you obtain your degree you should have a recruiter contact that will be ready to put your application through.
There’s no magic way of getting hired. You will have to go through the same process as so many potential Deputy Marshals go through. This is when it’s important to shine above the others — your grades, extracurricular activities, past job and career choices play a key role. I would keep tabs with the Marshal website and the recruiter for changes in the hiring process upon the completion of your degree.
You must know that you will most likely travel a lot and you will be away from your family or significant other. This is especially true in the beginning years as a U.S. Marshal. Good luck!
I have a two year degree in criminal justice and I am a police officer i want to be a Marshal. Will having a two year degree DQ me in the hiring process ? Or will my four years of experience help me?
what about military EXPERIENCE
Military experience usually counts if you worked as a military police officer, all other job descriptions may be subject to question. Military experience may however qualify if the applicant has demonstrated the ability to take charge and make decisions, such as civilian/military supervisory, managerial or leadership responsibility. I would contact your local Marshals Office and ask a recruiter for more info.
military experience is KEY, does not matter your mos or branch. You get 5 points veterans preference and will place you over any highly qualified candididate that has any police experience.
must you have a degree
Granted your work experience qualifies, no you don’t need to have a degree (as far as I know), but the educational part should be significant enough for the Marshal service to consider you as a candidate. If you call the U.S. Marshal office where you would like to work a recruiter can help you by assessing your qualifications.
i would just like to say how amazing you guys are in every way!!!!!!!!!! i might just be 12 but when I’m older i hope to be a us Marshal/ forensic fire arm exam. i think your guys jobs are best because you get help people and get bad guys of the street!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
if i receive my masters in criminal justice and the us marshal agency hires me at what pay scale would i start off at?
Good question Mr. Jackson. It would be feasible that you would start as a GS-9, but nowhere on the Marshal website did I find such information. I am pretty sure that you would start as a GS-7 as a 4 year degree is required for that level (did anyone say overqualified?). Joking aside, you should call the local U.S. Marshal recruiter and find out if GS-9 pay grade is in your “stars.” Good luck and let us know what you found out.
I’m in the military and just got an article 15 with no loss in rank do I still have a chance at making it in?
I am not sure. The best thing to do is contact your local recruitment office and ask. This information will have to be presented anyway in your application and subsequent interviews.
I’m currently 20 years old and Im on my way to getting a four year degree in CJ. I was just wondering how hard is it to get recruited? and are you for sure going to have a job after you get out of training? and How hard is it to get into the basic training?
Getting recruited is dependent on more than your education. Your background, personality, and aptitude play a big role in the recruitment process. So how hard is it to get in the U.S. Marsha Service? That all depends.
During and after training it is customary that some people will reconsider their career options, but getting the job is dependent on your marks and successful completion of training. Still, there are no guarantees.
It’s more than basic training that you would be embarking on. The application process for the U.S. Marshal career position is competitive, so getting into the training stage depends entirely on the successful progression of your application, interviews, and preliminary tests.
Hello,
My husband is in the hiring process in Boston to become a Deputy US Marshall. As a wife, I have a few questions that are hard to get answered by the office at this point but that are concerning to me a bit. Typically after the fit test, how long do they give you before you have to start training in GA? This is the most important question I have-When is it exactly that they tell you where you will be placed for the job(what city you will be working in)? Is it after you’ve passed the fit test or after you’ve completed the training? If it’s after the training, can they give you an idea beforehand?
Thank you,
Melissa
Melissa,
I am not qualified to tell you exactly how and when the process begins, continues, and ends. Based on the many emails, interviews, and interactions with friends I can say that none of the Federal agencies really have a set time-line for when one will be placed into training after the fit test. As for the placement, and don’t quote me on this, most Marshals should know their station after completion of the training, and not the fit test.
See the FAQ section on the Marshal Service website for more info. This FAQ should give you a better gauge for what is to be expected. Good luck.
Melissa, you will find out your duty station when the job offer is made. Then you can either accept or turn it down.
Hi, i am getting a bachelors degree in both Investigations and International Intelligence, as well a teacher license in K-12. After that i am joining the military hoping to get a position in special investigations. Once in a while I do volunteer teaching to kinder classes about soldiers, i also help parents going through hard times at the childrens hospital, it’s sort of a case manager volunteer position and i help them through the immigration process and get free services for them. Am i on the right track for the US Marshalls?
When i was younger i did get in trouble and received a differed charge on a felony trespassing, my criminal record is now expunged and clean.
How will all this affect me and help me, what are my chances of being a US Marshal.
Well, your resume looks great for nearly any position, yet a U.S. Marshal. As for your expunged record, I don’t know if it will fly, but I’ve heard of people who had their records expunged and got in anyway. The truth of the matter is that the Marshal Service has ways of finding out if you had a record at all – even back in a day. I would call your local Marshal recruiter to find out how that would play out. Overall, I don’t see why you shouldn’t get in, but it’s always better to find out before you plan your life and get disappointed later
I’m in the process of becoming a deputy U.S. Marshal. I have a 4 year degree and currently hold a team lead position at a law firm. I have no prior law or military experience. They really emphasized at the initial seminar that no prior law or military experience was necessary. It’s definitely a plus, but as long as you have a 4 year degree and excel in your current job, as I do, you’re just as eligible. The trick was finding out they were hiring to begin with, since the Marshals don’t hire very frequently. It’s a whole process of finding the flier on USAjobs, going to the introductory seminar, submitting completed paperwork, getting invited for the interview, going to the interview (I had to fly to Baltimore for mine), waiting 2 months for the tentative offer, and now I’m in the process of completing my investigative background form, med exam and awaiting to schedule my FIT test. Getting invited to the interview is key. You have to be honest on your application, and you have to be in really good shape. Being athletic and fit is so crucial, because you could be prior military and a cop in NYC, but if you’re overweight and can’t run a fast 1.5 mile, you’re not gonna make it. It is a lot of sacrifice as well, going to the 17 and a half week training and willing to move anywhere within the region you applied (the regions are huge). It’s so incredibly worth it to me. I’m unbelievably happy to get the opportunity to work for the coolest agency in the US. I’ve always wanted to truly help my community and nation, and what better way than to be a deputy Marshal. And as for the timeline of when I went to the seminar up to this point, it’s been roughly 8 months. I know a guy who went to same seminar as me and has done everything. His fit test is almost 6 months old, and he’ll have to take it again (fit tests are only good for 6 months and deputies must take them every 6 mos. for the length of their careers). Well, I just wanted to add my experience to the board…good luck to those who are where I was a year ago! Work out, get good grades and better yourself in anyway possible to be a true contender.
This is great information. Thank you for posting. I’m sure many people will benefit from your experience. Good luck with everything and let us know of any developments.
I went through the process in 1996. First of all nearly everyone who is hired starts at the GS-5 or 7 level. The fit test measures four components. Running, push ups, sit-ups and flexibility. Most people have to pass the fit tests, while some wind up not passing them at all. I was with the Eastern District of NY and the Marshal at the time was Marshal Pizzi and Chief Deputy O’Flaherty. When I went to the Federal Courthouse in Brooklyn for the first day prior to leaving for Glynco, Ga the Chief Deputy made fun of this Asian guy for being out of shape and asked him if he passed the fit test. This guy never completed the mile and a half run the whole time during the training academy. During the last fit test at the Marshals Service Academy he failed by almost 4 minutes. So the next day they let him run it again. We all knew they were just letting him pass. He never finished a run. He couldn’t run 1.5 miles, but because he was a minority they let him off the hook. The had a recruitment video where they placed all of the minorities and females in front to make the Marshals Service look like a diverse organization. But after the fit test is completed with the FIT coordinator at the district closest to your house all you have to do is wait for your background check to be completed. That goes to a panel of 3 Deputy Marshals who either give you a favorable decision or not. It’s a cool job, but very political. If you do go to Glynco Ga, be very careful around town. The local police don’t like the FED recruits down there and will give you a hard time. While you’re on your one year probationary period, don’t make any mistakes because they will can you for anything. They could careless about your future if you disgrace their Heavy Badge.
Here is my question. I have a degree from a four year university. I played football there and then in some other places after wards. I graduated in 2005. During the off-season after college I would come home and do fugitive recovery work(bounty hunt) with a friend of mine who does this also. In Louisiana where we work, you have to be licensed to do this. I have been licensed since the beginning of 06. After the 07 season I decided to hang it up. I have been doing fugitive recovery full time. I am interested in becoming a US marshal now. Do you think any of that would be allowed to carry over into my entry status as law enforcement? Between my partner and I we have made over 500 arrest in the past 3 years so it would be nice if it would count as law enforcement time even though I know it is not looked at the same was.
JKOS,
Here’s what I can say:
1. you have a Bachelor’s degree
2. team work experience
3. prior fugitive apprehension experience
The experience MAY not count as official law enforcement experience, BUT the fact that you were responsible for hundreds of fugitive recoveries should make your application golden : )
hey im currently in the marine corps and i get out in 2013 and i was just seeing if there is a buddy program
I’m currently going into my 2nd semester at Christopher Newport University. Cumulatively I have a 3.2 GPA over my past semesters. I’m majoring on Criminology with a minor in National Security Studies (International Conflict/Law). Does this seem like a good educational background for applying to the U.S. Marshalls? Also have many reference in several departments including ATF, FBI, Alexandria Police (VA), and Naval Intelligence. Each person has known me for over 5 yrs and have a great outside perspective on me. Will these references come in handy?
Both are definitely a YES in my book. Kudos!
Also for my language requirements I’ve decided to study the Arabic language. So far I’ve started off well with an A in my 101 class. I will be continuing to take the language till i graduate but also continue to take classes to allow me to really become fluent in the language. I’m hoping that having this in my background can give me an advantage when applying. Also a correction from the above message, I’m in the second semester of my Junior year at Christopher Newport University and will be graduating in Dec. 2011.
Yes, Arabic is a very desirable language for all federal law enforcement agencies. Make sure to learn it as close to fluency as possible. Don’t be afraid to look into supplementary modes of language learning, like the popular Rosetta Stone or the Pimsleur Method. Let us know how things go. Good luck on your journey.
Dear Radek Gadek,
As you can tell, Im Arabian. I am a 19 year old male. I am very fluent in Arabic as it is my first language. Not to mention that I’m trilingual. Arabic, English, & Spanish are my three languages. Considering the above information, MUST I have a four year degree or can I use my Local Government(Policeman) job to give me an advantage?
From the US Marshal website:
The language skills and prior experience can help immensely :-)
Hi,
im 15 years old and i have an interest in being in the US Marshalls, or FBI whatever when i am older. I figured since i’m young, my brain can easily memorize languages (of course with practice). But i just wanted to know what languages i should learn. I already know spanish, it’s my first language. I’m learning french. I know arabic is a language to learn but what else? & even if i don’t become that, you never know! lol, JUST IN CASE :)
I would check out the US Marshal Service and FBI sites for the most current list of desired languages. Spanish is a big one BTW.
Others highly desired are Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, and Russian – among many others.
My husband is about a year and 3 months into the hiring process for the US Marshals. He has passed the interview and fitness test, and about 3 months ago he received a call from them stating that he passed his background test, and that they will notify him when there’s an opening in the academy. They said that right now veterans are being sent first. Could you tell me, on average how long it takes to be sent to the academy? Could it take another year?
Hi. My fiance’ is about to do the student career experience program with USMS. They told him most likely after he finishes the program he will be converted to deputy u.s. marshal. By then we will be married, so wherever he will be stationed will i be allowed to go with him?
hi Kim,
I don’t see why not. Despite of what we see in the movies or on TV, the federal government truly understands that their employees will be in the relationships, including marriage. Unless your fiancé is going to be signing up for deep cover operations – welcome to the romanticized view of Hollywood portrayal of federal agents – you can rest assured that there should be no problem of you two being together.
Im currently a junior at Southern Illinois-Edwardsville and I am planning on doing my student internship with the US Marshals. I want to work in federal law enforcement and I was wondering if there were any departments in particular that dont require a lot of travel. Im willing to travel within certain regions. for example the southern region of illinois as far as the US Marshals, but i dont want to have to be away from home a lot. Is there anything that you would suggest for me or is that just a pipe dream? Also, i want to focus on criminal investigations wherever i am in law enforcement. Do you think I can have a career with federal law enforcement where i dont travel a lot or do you think my best bet is to go with some sort of local law enforcement?
I wouldn’t say its a “pipe dream.” But, to be honest, I know that you must be open to travel and/or moving at most Federal Law Enforcement Agencies. US Marshal Service can be quite demanding when it comes to travel and may require that kind of commitment, especially in the beginning years of your career.
If you really are not looking forward to staying away from home, I would first find out if there’s potential for you doing that in the Federal Govt. (I wouldn’t count on it being a 100% thing). Contact the agency directly, if need be. Then, if that doesn’t work out, consider staying local. Municipal, County, and State options are great.
Hello,
First off, thank you for taking time to respond to all of the questions. It must be extremely time consuming.
Federal Law Enforcement has been my career goal since high school and I now find myself a senior graduating with honors as well as honors in history from college with a degree in history as well as political science. I have a cumulative 3.7 GPA and logged over 250 intern hours at the local police department. I’ve also held many different organization officer positions as well as have 3 years of experience as a Resident Assistant. Our school does not offer a degree in Criminal Justice or anything similar so I chose a subject I love, history. I’m 5’11 at 235 (thanks to football I used to be 275) and can meet all of the physical requirements except for the 1.5 mile run (I just got down to 13:30 and the body fat percentage (currently 22%). I’ve contacted the local district recruiting office and was told to come in at any time to take the PFT.
What should be my next step to make me more competitive?
Good question James,
I am not the most qualified source for US Marshal Service, but I hope that some of the more seasoned users of this blog will post a fitting response. I just wouldn’t feel right filling you with fluff.
Please, when you get some answers or get to the next step, share with us all on the experiences you’ve had. Thanks.
What type if degree and in which area should I get my degree , in order to apply for a gs 7 us marshal
Hi, I have an interest in being in the US Marshals. I’m working as Law Enforcement Officer (2years) but I have a DWI back in 2000.
Should be DWI a problem???
my wife wants to apply to the u.s. marshals. She is 33 with tons of managerial, sales, and teaching experience. She is in great physical shape, has a bachelors degree from boston university in psychology(including some criminal psyche classes) , has a NRA certification in firearms, is bilingual in English and Spanish (her parents are from Chile) and has a sterling work record to go with good grades in college and a great attitude – does she have a shot at getting this job when it opens up???
Great resume. I think she has a shot, but don’t be surprised that there may be better candidates on trying for the same position. It’s like applying to Boston University. You apply and keep your fingers crossed. Kudos to your wife, and you Joe. Good luck.
I was just wondering, I have a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice. I’m currently getting my master’s in Executive Leadership. For the past 4 years I’ve worked at a level 5 State Prison In Georgia as a counselor/behavioral specialist. The only thing is, I have a misdemeanor (theft by receiving stolen property). Will that stop me from being a Deputy U.S. Marshall.
Wow that was 2 years worth of great information I just read on this site. Now here is my questions. First, Do you know when the hiring freeze will be lifted? I live by Washington DC and when I called the recruiting office, his machine said they were not taking applications due to a hiring freeze. Second, I only have an Associates degree, but have served 4 years in the Marines as an Infantryman and 6 years in the Army as an Intelligence Analyst. Will the Marshals look past the 4 year degree due to my experience in the military. I currently have about 11 months before i get out of the military and want to get things rolling to advance my career by joining the Marshals and staying within the Federal Government. Do you have any insight for me? Oh, are the Marshals still utilizing the Shining Star Program?
Hi Folks!
I see a lot of great questions on this site! I have been with the Marshals Service for 7 years now and maybe I can answer some of the more popular ones I have read. First, thanks to Mr. Gadek for the great information and advice he has been able to supply. Mr. Gadek has been right about the majority of his information. Most importantly, as Mr. Gadek stated, check with your local Marshals Service recruiter if you can not find answers to your specific questions. Each district has at least one. Also, I AM NOT AN OFFICIAL SPOKESMAN. I am just trying to help some new folks out. OK, here goes…..
First: You do not need a 4 year degree to become a Deputy US Marshal. It is preferred, however, it is NOT necessary. A combination of education and experience is acceptable (although you will likely get hired on as a GS-5 rather than a GS-7).
Second: You will find out your initial duty station BEFORE you go to the academy. Although the Marshals Service reserves the right to change that at their convenience, I have never heard of it happening. Some of you will even get a choice of duty station ( I had 13 choices).
Third: You must be hired BEFORE your 37th birthday(unless you are previously enrolled in the FERS system). This is due to Federal retirement guidelines.
Fourth: To my military brothers and sisters. YES, you will get veteran preference points in the hiring process. I recommend that ALL OF YOU try to get into a Federal Career Intern Program if you are in college.
Fifth: Minor criminal offenses will not necessarily keep you from becoming a Deputy US Marshal. However, and I can not stress this enough, tell them everything!!!! They will find out during the background check, and if they believe that you lied or with held pertinent information on your application, kiss it goodbye.
Sixth: Run, Run, Run…. And when you get tired of running, do a lot of push-up, sit-ups, and then run some more!! If you have a positive mental outlook and can put up with the toughest, most physically demanding Federal Law Enforcement Academy training, then you will love your new career!
Finally: Sorry for being long winded, I just get excited talking about my job. I have done so many cool things as a Deputy US Marshal. As part of the Fugitive Task Force in my district, I get to go after the “worst of the worst”. It sounds cliche’ but it is true. There are parts of every job that are less than ideal, including with the Marshals Service, but overall, I wouldn’t want to do anything else. I hope I answered some of your questions, if you have anything else, just reply and I will try to help you out. GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!
John,
Thank you very much for dropping by and leaving such an insightful comment. I am very happy that people like you come here and share ideas and answers to exponentially many more questions that are asked. This one is a pure delight!
I also posted your comment on the US Marshal Career page where I tried to describe the nuances associated with getting-to-be a Deputy US Marshal; surely no substitute for your input. I hope you won’t mind some Q&A from this page once in a while, too (that page is popular, thus the need to exemplify such a response in as many relevant places as possible).
John,
I am currently a GL 7 for the FBOP. I am also a USMC veteran and I have a four year degree. However, I applied for the USMS under the college CSCEP program in which I have to complete a approxiamately 3 month internship at the GS 4 level. Do you think the USMS would be willing to pay me at a higher rate during the internship since I already have a GL 7 rank. If its not possible, do you think I would be allowed to work the internship hours and at the same time work my current BOP job. I am concerned about it because it is a huge pay cut, I am married, and I was told by some peers that I would most likely have to resign from the BOP before being allowed to start the internship. Any info on this?
John, I have a quick question,
Currently I live in Denver, Colorado and attend Metropolitan State College of Denver. I have been looking everywhere and I have not found any type of college internships around Denver for any federal agency and the United States Marshals Service is my dream. I know that there are many programs around the country but in my area, I cannot find one. Should I just go to the US Marshal’s office nearby and find out there or is there a way to find out online or by phone?
Thank you,
Scott
Hey Mr. John, just wondered if an immigrant can join the US Marshals. Am currently attending college and pursuing a bachelors in Criminal Justice. Am I eligible to apply for this organization? Do I have to be a natural born citizen or can I be part of it after I am given citizenship? If I can what minor do you recommend me to have in order to be part of the fugitive task force.
I have a question… what do I need to do to work in the US marshal fugitive task force? And can I be a State police and also work in the US marshal? Thank you very much and I hope I get the answers.
Being a US Marshal is a full-time career. You need to meet all the qualifications (see this post and US Marshal Website for more info). You probably would have to choose to be a State Police Officer or a US Marshal — not both. There are instances where certain agencies work with the US Marshal Service. If the state police department has such a tight nit group, then you would work as a State Police Officer on certain assignments with the US Marshals. Getting into such a group is considered an honor and is not easy to achieve.
I just recently ets out of the military as a military police officer for 6 years and would like to apply for a U.S. Marshall career im currently working for a associates in criminal justice as well would I possibly be accept without obtaining my degree yet
Please check out John’s comment (it’s highlighted).
I was wondering if with my qualifications if I would be competitive for the marshals and possibly OIG. I am 33 years old. I have 4 1/2 years state corrections experience with a little over a year of bureau of prisons experience. I am a member of a enhanced disturbance control team. I also have a bachelor’s degree in cj. Currently, I have about 18 hours of my Master’s with a 4.0. Thank you for any insight.
I have 6 years military experience in avionics maintenance but no law enforcement experience. I don’t have a 4 year degree, but I wonder how much of a bearing general military experience has on the application process. I was an expert marksman so that should count for something :)
This is a great forum by the way with a lot of good answers.
I am currently in military, and stationed in Korea as a medic. With all the free time i am en route to pursue a degree in the Criminal Justice Field. With perfect Physical Fitness. Is the application Process more in Physical needs or Mental needs? If so Plz Let Me know. Thanks.
Hello,
I’am currently in the USMS CSCEP hiring process. I have successfully completed all of the steps in the hiring process but I recently learned that my BI was still under review. I had my initial interview for the USMS in April 2010 but the BI seems to be the only thing holding me up from getting a call to start the internship. I currently work for the BOP and that background only took 4 months to clear. I understand that the BI clearance may vary from person to person but Does anyone know how long the USMS CSCEP BI’s usually take? I had one conducted when I joined the Marines and one for the BOP, but the USMS one seems to be taking forever. Anybody knowledgeable on this or on the same boat as me?
My son wants to be a US Marshal. He is 19 and received his fist speeding ticked last week. He says he cant be a US Marshal now, that your driving record must be perfect. Is this true?
It’s sort of true… sort of. Was it a speeding ticket or a reckless driving ticket? Most people with old speeding tickets and even an occasional new one — right before application to the Marshals — should be fine.
Avoid chronic speeding tickets, DUIs, any criminal arrests and definitely convictions. One, two, and even several tickets throughout someone’s driving life (before the Marshal Service) should be fine. I don’t recommend having too many consecutive tickets right before applying.
The US. Marshal Website should have more info about this.
I hate to say this but more that 50% of the information posted here is just dead wrong. Top salary of a DUSM is around 120-140k per year depending on the locality.
Also, career progression is automatic to GS-12 Step 10.
GS -7,9,11, then 12. I have been a DUSM for 7 years; I am a GS-12 Step 5, my salary is 116,000 with law enforcement availability pay included. I was a police officer for 4 years, and I have a B.S. Degree. It took me 3 years to get hired.
ALSO. USMS will NOT be hiring again until AT LEAST 2014. So the earliest anyone new would be brought on is mid 2015.
This info is straight from the US Marshal website. It’s got a few years, but it’s from the official website. I always recommend to check for updates and current salary trends on the agency’s website.
Also, “top pay” is not the starting salary. Your years of experience and especially years acquired at the US Marshal Service have added to your salary. Locality pay plays a role, too.
UPDATE:
Here’s a link with the latest stats straight from the US Marshals Website: http://www.usmarshals.gov/careers/compensation.html – I’ll be updating the article to reflect some of the changes made in early 2012 when new info arrives.
Remember, locality pay is not included in the figures.
I recently graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences in August of 2011 after spending 5 years in the Marine Corps. I’ve been contemplating applying for the US Marshals. I currently work as a GS-5 with the Department of Veteran Affairs as a clerk. While in the Marine Corps I was a designated Unit Brig Chaser for 3 years. Will the fact I do not have a degree in Criminal Justice affect my application? Also I am currently receiving VA disability compensation, which I’m hoping will not affect my application. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
WOW.. A lot of info here… So Thanks.
I was going to apply but I will be 36 at the next posting and given how long everything takes I will not make the age cut off. You did say that the age cut off was due to the FERS requirement. I have been in FERS for several years, but the website states it clear that the age cut off is 37 (except for federal law enforcement employees). I am a federal employee but not in law enforcement.
My wife thinks I’m crazy for even thinking about this. I’m currently a GS 12-9 with less than a year to top out with a 10. I don’t know if its an early midlife crisis but the money does not mean much anymore. I want to do a job that makes a difference in society at a national level. And the mission of the marshal service fits perfectly with my ideals.
It is unfortunate that I did not realize this till such an older age. For all you younger folks. Don’t worry about the pay, travel, or time needed to get hired. At the end. If this is what you want; the money will be enough, the travel will slow down and the time will fly by. And you will be left with a great and meaningful profession. Best of luck my friends.
I’m currently a Fed Agent with Homeland Security at a GS 12 grade level (4 years in). I was wondering if I were to get hired, would I keep my pay. Would I come in as a GS 7 step XXXX or would I come in as a GS 12 without the 1811 until the 4 years in service? One more question, would I most likely start on the border since I’m already here or is it just up in the air. If I were to stay on the border could I pick my location or at least get a preference since my house and wife’s college is here?
My husband has 8 years of city jail work, 3 times promoted. Also a Master’s in Criminal Justice. He is 35, but plans on applying when it opens up. My questions are:
1. Is there “availability pay” on top of base and locality pay? All other fed agencies state it, but i don’t see it specifically on anything except an old 2009 sheet.
2. Do you get options for your duty location or is it all just given you?
3. Is travel extremely extensive?
Thank you for any info you can provide!
Yes. After two years your husband would become a GS 11-1811 with 25% LEAP (Law Enforcement Availability Pay) on top of your base Salary. Good luck
Can you be hired as a Deputy Marshal with a prior arrest. My dream is to make a career in a profession where I can make a difference and take pride in my career. However I have made past mistakes, specifically a DUI 8 years ago?
I recently submitted my application for a Deputy U.S. Marshal position. I currently have 8 years of military experience but no real college experience other than one English course. Will the lack of college education be a set back or disqualifying factor?
Excuse my spelling. I was typing really fast. I understand people are grammar police freaks, and they’re going to pick me too pieces. I know a US Marshall. He lives two houses down from me here in Miami. I’ve asked him on countless occasions, how do I become a US Marshall? He told me they look for: Ex Special Forces, The Highest Test Scores, and Highest Education Received. Those are the words that trigger candidates. Prior Law Enforcement means squat, if you have ex special forces in your candidate pool.They’re not going to hire some local cop or military guy lol.
Alot of good information here, very glad I found it, and thank you for answering all of the questions.
Here’s my question: How do I get into the Special Operations Group? USMS has a Spec Ops Group I read on their website. I’m fluent in Russian, English and some French. I have a 4 yr degree, 3.3GPA, and getting ready for the interview in a few weeks. I’m currently a US Army Reserve soldier, a marathon runner, high-speed, ass-kicking soldier and my dream is getting into the Spec Ops Group, how do I get in? Thanks.
When it states that you must have a 4 year degree, does it have to be in criminal justice or dealing with law enforcement?
Nope :-)
My dream is to be a US Marshall. I’m currently pursuing a BA in Criminal Justice and I’m considering joining the military after to advance my field skills. What branch should I join? And what does having a BA and military open up for me?
Is there any payment made to trainees during the 17 1/2 week training in GA or should one expect to be living without a paycheck during that time frame? Also, is there a waiver for only having fairly good hearing? The web site says one must have no more than 30db of loss in either ear at the 500, 1000, and 2000 range and no more than 40 db of loss at the 3000 range. After being around too many weapons in the military and too many explosions during SORT training, I’ve lost some hearing and I’m testing in the 35 db range. Is there a waiver possible for this or are you automatically out for this issue?
hey, can I still become a U.S. Marshal even if I don’t have a C.J. degree? I will be getting my 4 year degree in Journalism in a few months, my school didn’t offer C.J.
A Criminal Justice degree is not absolutely necessary. Deputy US Marshals possess various degrees.
Only employment I ever actually enjoyed…
First, do a little homework: (re: “Marshal”) –
Lyn Marshall was from Sumner, Ms (two L’s),
Deputy U.S. Marshal (one L, all-day long)…
During my tenure (20 plus years), as a deputy U.S. Marshal, I found a lot of deputies had a four year degree or an advanced degree from a college or university and it did not hurt you to have served in the military (although not mandatory). I also attended part-time grad school to obtain my masters (thanks to my GI Bill), after being hired. And, I am not overlooking what some candidates have as a combination of qualifying experience and education…these guys/gals might be just the ones who have your 6 o’clock covered when it gets hot.
If this is your goal…I say go for it. You have to (imagine) it first, then the hard part is next (act on it with a passion)! Best Wishes & GB America!