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Velvet Digest

What does the ATF actually do?

Author

Emily Wilson

Updated on May 10, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is the Federal agency primarily responsible for administering and enforcing the criminal and regulatory provisions of the Federal laws pertaining to destructive devices (bombs), explosives, and arson.

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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 Answers

What 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
  1. Step 1: Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The first step toward becoming an FBI agent is earning a bachelor's degree.
  2. Step 2: Gain Work Experience.
  3. Step 3: Complete the FBI Application Process.
  4. 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:
  1. Attend a bachelor's degree program and/or gain experience in a related field.
  2. Contact your local DEA Recruitment Office to apply.
  3. Attend a Special Agent Applicant Orientation session at one of the recruitment office locations.
  4. Take and pass a written assessment.

How much does an ATF director make?

The average ATF Salary for Directors is $97,798 per year.

What is the salary of a CIA agent?

CIA agent salaries vary, but you can anticipate making between $50,000 and $95,000 a year, depending on the specific job, your work experience and level of education.

Is ATF federal or state?

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is a federal law enforcement organization within the United States Department of Justice.

What does ATF mean in slang?

All Time Favorite

Does the ATF need a warrant?

Except for limited permit holders, any ATF officer may, without a warrant, enter during business hours the premises, including places of storage, of any licensee or permittee for the purpose of inspecting or examining any records or documents required to be kept by the law and regulations and any explosive materials

Where is the ATF headquarters located?

Washington, D.C., United States

Can you call the ATF?

Submit a Explosives Licensing Question or call the FELC at (877) 283-3352. Report an Arson or Explosives related crime, please contact your local ATF Field Division Office.

Can the ATF make laws?

Federal regulations are created through a process known as rulemaking. By law, federal agencies such as ATF must consult the public when creating, modifying, or deleting rules in the Code of Federal Regulations. ATF makes documents associated with the rulemaking process available on this website.

What does the ATF do with seized firearms?

Asset Forfeiture. ATF has the authority to seize and forfeit firearms, ammunition, explosives, alcohol, tobacco and other assets used in criminal activity under the Department of Justice's Asset Forfeiture authority.

What's the difference between FBI and CIA?

The CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) mostly operates outside the United States to gather intelligence via a network of spies whereas the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) predominantly operates within the U.S. to both gather intelligence as well as tackle federal crimes.

How long does an ATF audit take?

Next the ATF agent will review your 4473s – typically about 3 to 6 months worth. The IOI's job is to determine if you're being complete and diligent. It only requires about 8 to 10 seconds for anyone (including your IOI) to check a 4473 for completeness.

Is ATF under Homeland Security?

In 2003, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and its law enforcement functions were transferred under the Homeland Security bill to the Department of Justice. The tax and trade functions of ATF remain in the Treasury Department with the new Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.

How can I be a FBI agent?

Prospective FBI agents must have a bachelor's degree a with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher and three years of related work experience, or an advanced degree (master's degree or higher) and two years of related work experience.