🟢 Status: OPEN – Closes September 30, 2026 | Washington, DC | Source: USAJOBS.gov
Secret Service Uniformed Division Jobs 2026 – LE-1 | $77,987–$134,165/yr + $75,000 Recruitment Incentive | Apply USAJOBS
The U.S. Secret Service is actively hiring Police Officers for its elite Uniformed Division through an open announcement on USAJOBS closing September 30, 2026. This is one of the most sought-after Secret Service Uniformed Division jobs 2026 – and for good reason. Starting pay comes in at $77,987/yr on the Law Enforcement (LE-1) pay scale, with a top range of $134,165/yr for Washington, DC, plus a $75,000 recruitment incentive that makes this one of the highest-paying entry-level federal law enforcement opportunities currently available. Unlike the GS pay scale used by most federal agencies, Uniformed Division officers earn pay under the specialized United States Secret Service Uniform Division pay schedule, which mirrors and often exceeds GS law enforcement rates. No prior law enforcement experience is required – just a high school diploma, U.S. citizenship, and the drive to protect the nation’s highest offices.
If you have been researching how to become a Secret Service Uniformed Division officer, this announcement is your direct entry point. Officers begin with comprehensive training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) and the Secret Service’s own James J. Rowley Training Center in Laurel, Maryland, then move into protective assignments covering the White House complex, the Vice President’s residence, foreign embassies, and traveling presidential and foreign dignitary missions. The career ladder offers rapid advancement into specialized units – Counter Sniper, Emergency Response Team, Motorcycle, and Canine – making this a career, not just a job. Appointments begin as limited-term (3 years and 120 days) and convert to permanent career status upon completion.
Job Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Police Officer (Secret Service Police / Uniformed Division) |
| Agency | U.S. Secret Service (USSS) |
| Department | Department of Homeland Security (DHS) |
| Job Series | 0083 Police |
| Location | Washington, DC (primary duty station) |
| Work Schedule | Full-Time (rotating shifts including nights, weekends, holidays) |
| Appointment Type | Term – 3 years and 120 days, converts to Permanent career status |
| Pay Scale & Grade | LE-1 (Law Enforcement pay scale) |
| Salary Range | $77,987 – $134,165 per year (Washington, DC locality) |
| Recruitment Incentive | $75,000 – one of the highest in federal civilian law enforcement |
| Opening Date | March 1, 2026 |
| Closing Date | September 30, 2026 – Apply Now |
| Who May Apply | All U.S. Citizens – Open to Public |
| Minimum Education | High School Diploma or GED (no college degree required) |
| Age Requirement | Minimum 20 at application; 21 at appointment; under 40 at referral |
| Security Clearance | Top Secret |
| Drug Test | Required |
| Physical Fitness Test | Required – APAT (Applicant Physical Aptitude Test) |
| Written Exam | UDEE (Uniformed Division Entrance Exam) required |
| Relocation Assistance | Available |
| Apply Now | Click Here to Apply |
About the Role
As a Secret Service police officer, you will be assigned to protect some of the most consequential locations and people on the planet. The Uniformed Division’s primary mission is securing facilities and venues for U.S. Secret Service protectees – foremost among them the White House complex, which encompasses the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Treasury Annex, and the White House itself. Officers also provide protective coverage at the Vice President’s residence at the U.S. Naval Observatory, foreign diplomatic missions and embassies throughout Washington, DC, and any site deemed a temporary protected area during presidential or vice-presidential travel.
Day-to-day work involves perimeter security, access control, threat assessment, and real-time protective response. Officers carry firearms, enforce federal law under Title 18 U.S.C. § 3056A, conduct security checks, and work directly alongside Secret Service Special Agents on protective details. When the President travels domestically or abroad, Uniformed Division officers may deploy in advance to secure venues, an experience that offers extraordinary exposure to high-stakes operations few law enforcement careers can match. White House security jobs federal officers also serve rotating assignments in specialized units such as the Emergency Response Team (ERT), Counter Sniper, and Canine units after meeting additional qualifications.
The role demands shift work – including nights, weekends, and federal holidays – and a willingness to travel on short notice. In return, officers receive some of the best compensation and retirement benefits in federal law enforcement, a genuinely historic assignment, and access to one of the most prestigious career paths in U.S. government service.
“The Secret Service Police are the first and last line of defense for the most important offices in our democracy. Every post, every shift matters.” – U.S. Secret Service Recruiting
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Safeguard the White House complex, Vice President’s residence, and other designated facilities under Secret Service protection
- Provide security at foreign diplomatic missions, embassies, and designated temporary protective areas in Washington, DC
- Travel in support of Presidential, Vice Presidential, and foreign heads of state/government protective missions
- Enforce federal and local laws under statutory authorities granted under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3056A
- Conduct access control operations, vehicle inspections, and perimeter security sweeps at protected sites
- Respond to alarms, security breaches, and threats to protectees and protected facilities
- Carry, qualify with, and safely deploy authorized firearms and use-of-force tools
- Coordinate with Secret Service Special Agents, other law enforcement agencies, and foreign security services during protective operations
- Complete detailed written reports, incident logs, and post activity documentation
- Maintain physical fitness and pass ongoing qualification standards including firearms, defensive tactics, and the APAT physical fitness assessment
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizen or National |
| Education | High school diploma or GED – no college degree required |
| Age | 20 at application; 21 at appointment; under 40 at referral (veterans’ preference exceptions apply) |
| Driver’s License | Current valid driver’s license required |
| Vision | Uncorrected 20/100 each eye; corrected to 20/20; LASIK/PRK accepted (with waiting period) |
| Hearing | Must not exceed 25 dB loss in either ear at 500/1000/2000 Hz |
| Body Markings | No visible tattoos, body art, or branding on head, face, neck, or hands/fingers below the wrist bone |
| Security Clearance | Must obtain and maintain Top Secret clearance |
| Written Exam | Must pass the USSS Uniformed Division UDEE exam (computerized, ~3 hrs 45 min, 6 sections) |
| Physical Fitness | Must pass the APAT – minimum 20 cumulative points, no zeros |
| Drug Test | Required before appointment |
| Background Investigation | Full field investigation – typically 6–9 months |
Pay Scale & Salary Progression
| Grade | Annual Salary (DC Locality) | Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| LE-1 (Entry) | $77,987/yr | Entry on appointment | Starting pay – Washington, DC locality |
| LE-1 (Step increases) | Up to $134,165/yr | Career progression | Automatic step increases with satisfactory performance |
| Specialized Units | Additional pay supplements | Senior assignments | ERT, Counter Sniper, Canine, Motorcycle – additional qualifications required |
💡 Note: The LE-1 pay scale Secret Service is a dedicated law enforcement pay schedule unique to the Uniformed Division – separate from the standard GS scale. It is designed to keep Secret Service officer compensation competitive with major metropolitan police departments. DC locality pay is built into the figures above.
Other Requirements
- Must successfully complete 13 weeks at FLETC in Glynco, GA or Artesia, NM
- Must complete 18 weeks of specialized training at the James J. Rowley Training Center, Laurel, MD
- Failure to pass training standards may result in separation
- Must certify Selective Service registration (males born after December 31, 1959)
- Initial appointment is limited-term (3 years and 120 days) – converts to permanent career status upon completion
Salary & Benefits
The Secret Service police officer salary package is among the strongest in federal law enforcement. Add the $75,000 recruitment incentive to the benefits below and total first-year compensation regularly exceeds $150,000 for Washington, DC-based officers.
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Salary | $77,987 – $134,165/yr (LE-1, Washington, DC locality) |
| Recruitment Incentive | $75,000 – paid per agency policy and eligibility |
| Annual Leave | 13–26 days per year (based on years of service) |
| Sick Leave | 13 days per year |
| Federal Holidays | 11 paid federal holidays per year |
| Health Insurance | FEHB – government pays ~72% of premium |
| Dental & Vision | FEDVIP |
| Retirement | Law Enforcement FERS – mandatory retirement at 57 after 20 years; enhanced pension formula |
| TSP (401k) | 5% government match on Thrift Savings Plan contributions |
| Life Insurance | FEGLI |
| Paid Parental Leave | 12 weeks paid |
| Uniform Allowance | Provided |
| Relocation Assistance | Available per agency policy |
| Transportation Subsidy | Available |
| Health & Wellness | EAP, fitness center access, health and wellness programs |
| Tuition Reimbursement | Available per agency policy |
| Early Retirement | Law Enforcement FERS – retire at age 50 with 20 years of LE service |
How to Apply for Secret Service Uniformed Division Jobs 2026
Securing one of these Secret Service Uniformed Division jobs 2026 takes preparation – the process is rigorous and multi-step. Here is exactly what to expect:
- Create a USAJOBS.gov account. Go to USAJOBS.gov and set up a free profile. This is where you will track your application, upload documents, and receive updates throughout the process.
- Prepare a two-page federal resume. USSS requires your resume to be no more than two pages – USAJOBS will not allow submission if it exceeds this limit. Highlight any background in law enforcement, military service, security, or emergency response. Include all relevant positions with start/end dates and hours per week.
- Apply to Announcement #UDB-26-Q3-UDO. Navigate to the USAJOBS listing for Police Officer (Secret Service Police) and submit your application before September 30, 2026. If you previously took the UDEE, attach a copy of your exam results.
- Schedule and pass the UDEE (Uniformed Division Entrance Exam). After your application is reviewed, you will receive an invitation to take the USSS Uniformed Division UDEE exam – a computer-based test with six sections totaling approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. A study guide is available on the Secret Service website. If you fail, there is a 3-month waiting period before you can retest.
- Pass the APAT (Physical Fitness Test). The Applicant Physical Aptitude Test evaluates muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, and aerobic capacity. You must score a minimum of 20 cumulative points with no zeros across all components. Training in advance is strongly recommended.
- Complete the SUPER Interview and polygraph. Qualified candidates will be invited to a structured panel interview and will undergo a polygraph examination as part of the security investigation process.
- Undergo a full background investigation. The Secret Service conducts a thorough background investigation covering employment history, credit, criminal record, school transcripts, neighborhood references, and military records. This process typically takes 6–9 months. A Top Secret clearance must be obtained prior to appointment.
- Complete training at FLETC and Rowley Training Center. Once a final offer is made, you will report to FLETC (13 weeks) followed by the James J. Rowley Training Center (18 weeks). Failure to meet training standards may result in separation from the Service.
⚠️ Important: This announcement closes September 30, 2026 – but candidates who apply earlier receive earlier consideration. Submit your application at usajobs.gov/job/856410300 directly. The Secret Service $75,000 recruitment incentive is subject to agency eligibility rules – review the official bonuses page for full terms before applying.
Veterans’ Preference
Veterans applying for DHS law enforcement jobs 2026 generally see veterans’ preference suspended under certain hiring authorities, but Secret Service Uniformed Division officers benefit from a key age exception: applicants with veterans’ preference who receive a conditional job offer prior to age 40 may continue in the process regardless of age limits, making this one of the more veteran-friendly pathways in federal law enforcement. Veterans with a service-connected disability of 30% or more also qualify for Disabled Veteran Leave upon hire.
Relevant military backgrounds – Military Police (31B), Security Forces (3P0X1), Navy Master at Arms (MA), Marine Corps Law Enforcement (5811), or any combat arms or security role – directly map to the skills required for Secret Service Uniformed Division requirements. Active-duty members may submit a Statement of Service in lieu of a DD-214. Contact the Secret Service Talent and Employee Acquisition Management Division at (202) 406-5271 for veterans-specific guidance.
About the U.S. Secret Service
The United States Secret Service is one of the oldest and most recognized federal law enforcement agencies in the country, established in 1865 originally to combat counterfeiting. Today, it operates under the Department of Homeland Security with a dual mission: protecting the President, Vice President, their families, former presidents, and visiting foreign heads of state, while also investigating financial crimes including counterfeiting, cybercrime, and identity fraud.
The Secret Service employs approximately 7,800 personnel across Special Agents, Uniformed Division officers, and technical and administrative support staff. The Uniformed Division alone accounts for more than 1,600 officers and represents roughly 21% of the agency’s total workforce. For anyone considering federal law enforcement jobs Washington DC with genuine prestige, specialized training, strong pay, and a career that matters from day one, the Uniformed Division remains one of the most compelling options in the entire federal law enforcement landscape.
FederalJobsAlert.us is an independent job notification website. This listing is sourced from USAJOBS.gov for informational purposes only. Always verify the latest details and apply directly at usajobs.gov/job/856410300. We are not affiliated with the U.S. Secret Service, the Department of Homeland Security, or any U.S. government agency.