What does the ATF actually do?
Emily Wilson
Updated on May 10, 2026
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Besides, how much do ATF agents get paid?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists ATF agents under “police and detectives” and reports the median annual salary for federal government employees as $87,130. Agents are eligible to receive additional Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) for overtime worked.
Secondly, do ATF agents travel a lot? ATF special agents are based either in the main headquarters in Washington or in one of many local offices throughout the country or overseas. They may spend considerable time traveling depending on their assignments.
Subsequently, one may also ask, why does the ATF still exist?
As responsibility for enforcing tax laws on tobacco products and firearms are assigned to the agency over the next few decades, the agency changes to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Agency, then to the Alcohol, Tobacco, & Firearms Unit, still under IRS. In 1968 it finally becomes a fee-standing bureau within Treasury.
What gun do ATF agents carry?
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering its federal agents the choice of a pair of Glocks — the Gen4 G22 or G27 that are both chambered in . 40-caliber — as a duty sidearm, according to the Georgia firearms maker. The ATF awarded Glock Inc.
Related Question AnswersWhat do FBI agents make?
FBI agent salaries are paid according to the General Schedule, a pay system that covers the majority of white-collar federal employees. The General Schedule has 15 grades, GS-1 (lowest) to GS-15 (highest). An FBI agent starts on pay grade GS-10, which ranges from $48,289 to $62,787 annually in 2018.How long is the ATF academy?
The SABT consists of approximately 15 weeks of training with a class of 24 student trainees. The SABT is designed to meet all the foundational requirements of a newly hired ATF special agent trainee.Do ATF agents make good money?
ATF Agent Salary and Job Outlook According to the ATF, the base yearly salary range for an entry-level ATF agent starts at Grade 5, Step 1 ($34,865) and goes to Grade 9, Step 10 ($57,093), but with a full promotion potential to Grade 13.Do you need a degree to be a ATF agent?
A career as an ATF special agent will require a bachelor's degree or at least three years of specialized work experience in the areas of criminal investigation or law enforcement work in surveillance.How do you get into FBI?
How to Become an FBI Agent- Step 1: Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The first step toward becoming an FBI agent is earning a bachelor's degree.
- Step 2: Gain Work Experience.
- Step 3: Complete the FBI Application Process.
- Step 4: Complete FBI Academy Training.
How do you get a job with the DEA?
To be hired as a DEA agent, you must follow these steps:- Attend a bachelor's degree program and/or gain experience in a related field.
- Contact your local DEA Recruitment Office to apply.
- Attend a Special Agent Applicant Orientation session at one of the recruitment office locations.
- Take and pass a written assessment.