FBI Profiler: Requirements, Job Description & Salary

If you've ever watched ''Criminal Minds,'' you probably have some idea of what an FBI profiler does. FBI profilers have an understanding of criminal behavior, as well as human behavior as a whole, which is why they're also referred to as behavioral analysts.

Becoming an FBI profiler requires joining the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and working in one of the Bureau's Behavioral Analysis Units (BAUs). Keep reading to learn more about the requirements for becoming an FBI profiler.

How To Become an FBI Profiler

FBI profilers use their knowledge of criminal behavior to assist local law enforcement agencies and communities in criminal investigations. Profilers are a special type of FBI agent, which means that in order to know how to become an FBI profiler, you must understand how to join the FBI.

Below, we've broken down the steps you need to take to join the FBI and become a profiler.

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree

To work as an FBI special agent, you need to have at least a bachelor's degree, although some agents have advanced degrees like master's or even doctoral degrees. If your goal is to become an FBI profiler, look for majors in related fields like behavioral science, criminology, or forensic psychology.

You do have the option to complete your bachelor's degree, join the FBI, and then complete your graduate degree at a later date if you wish.

2. Gain Work Experience

Once you've met the educational requirements, the FBI requires that you have at least two years of full-time professional work experience. If you have an advanced degree, you only need one year.

Many FBI agents join the Bureau after working in police departments. Requirements to become a police officer vary by precinct but often require you to complete training through a police academy. You may also be able to gain experience through working in behavioral health settings.

3. Meet the FBI Special Agent Requirements

In addition to a bachelor's degree and two years of experience, you must be a U.S citizen, be between the ages of 23 and 36, possess a valid driver's license, and be able to obtain a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Clearance. You also must not have a felony record, must adhere to the FBI drug policy, and be in good standing with student loan repayments and any child support payments.

Additionally, you need to meet the Bureau's physical fitness requirements. If you're not already in shape, it's wise to start getting fit as soon as possible.

4. Apply to and Be Accepted to the FBI

The application process itself requires multiple steps:

• Fill out and submit the application packet.
• Your application will be screened to see if you meet the qualifications.
• If you pass the screener, you'll need to take the Phase I Test, a three-hour exam consisting of five assessments: Logic-Based Reasoning, Figural Reasoning, Personality Assessment, Preferences and Interests, and Situational Judgment.
• Conduct a Physical Fitness Test (PFT) self-evaluation.
• Attend a meet and greet held by your processing field office (PFO).
• Take the Physical Fitness Test within 60 days of your meet and greet.
• Take the Phase II Test, which consists of a computerized writing assessment taken in a proctored environment and a structured interview conducted by a panel of three special agents.

If you pass the Phase II Test, you'll be issued a Conditional Appointment Offer (CAO). After that, you'll need to complete a background investigation, undergo a physical exam, and take another PFT.

5. Complete the Basic Field Training Course

Once you've accepted your offer and passed all the other tests and exams, you'll need to attend an 18-week Basic Field Training Course. It will take place at the FBI academy in Quantico, VA.

This training program prepares you to begin your special agent career. You'll receive your final offer two to four weeks before you start your course.

6. Gain Work Experience as a Special Agent

You'll start in a special agent position, but it often takes a few years of experience before you can become an FBI profiler. As you gain competencies in the FBI, look for opportunities to attend seminars or learn from successful behavioral analysts within the Bureau.

7. Apply for FBI Profiler Jobs

The FBI lists current job openings on their website. Keep an eye out for job opportunities for profilers and behavioral analysts and for roles within the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC). The BAU is a part of the NCAVC, and the Child Abduction Serial Murder Investigative Resources Center (CASMIRC) and Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (VICAP) are a part of the NCAVC as well.

FBI Profiler Requirements

To work within the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Units, you must be an FBI agent, have worked in the FBI for a number of years, and have an in-depth knowledge of human and criminal behavior.

In addition to meeting the requirements to become an FBI agent, there are several skills that FBI profilers need to have, such as:

• attention to detail
• communication
• problem-solving and analysis
• active listening
• objectivity

How Hard Is It To Become a Criminal Profiler?

Becoming a criminal profiler isn't easy. You need to be accepted into the FBI, make it through the FBI academy, and spend several years in the FBI before you can become a behavioral analyst at the Bureau.

However, for many, this is a rewarding career path, despite the journey. Criminal profilers have the opportunity to make a real difference in the criminal justice system.

Job Description: What Does an FBI Profiler Do?

FBI profilers in the Behavioral Analysis Units work with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, assisting them with their criminal investigations. They may work on a variety of case types, as well as new, active, and cold cases. Their job duties may include:

• Criminal investigative analysis: analyzing an offender's motivation, victim selection, and overall criminal psychology, as well as crime scene analysis
• Interview strategy: preparing for, conducting, and analyzing interviews based on their knowledge of criminal and human behavior
• Investigative strategy: making behaviorally-based recommendations to assist criminal investigations
• Threat assessments: using knowledge of human and criminal behavior to determine the threat an individual possesses

FBI Profiler Salary

The salary for FBI profilers depends on a variety of factors, including how long they've been working at the FBI and what field office they work out of. According to the FBI website, entry-level FBI special agents start on the tenth level of the General Schedule payscale (GS-10) in 2025. Using information from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, special agents who work as profilers can make between $57,489 and $74,733 per year.

Explore Criminal Justice Programs for Careers in Law Enforcement

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