The job of a U.S. extradition agent is significant to prisoners fulfilling the terms of their sentences. U.S. extradition agents are responsible for the transportation of prisoners within a state or across states. As law enforcement specialists, these agents often work for private companies and organizations and receive salaries that are modest compared to other law enforcement workers such as police officers and probation officers.
Average Salary
A January 2011 report by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management shows that the average salary of law enforcement agents is as low as $28,201 annually at the grade three level and as much as $61,031 annually at the grade 10 level. Extradition agents earn comparative salaries with many being paid a flat fee per day, often earning more than $100 each day.
A Closer Look
Careerbliss.com lists the average salary for extradition agents at Prisoner Transport Services between $22,000 and $28,000 annually at the time of publication. In a March 2010 job posting on Corrections.com, Strike Force Special Ops sought an extradition agent at a salary of $155 per day for part-time hours.
How Extradition Agents Earn Their Money
Much like bus drivers and taxi drivers, extradition agents earn their money transporting passengers and their belongings. Additionally, these agents are responsible for ensuring that documents are completed, maintaining receipts for gas and mileage and communicating with operation centers -- the destinations for prisoners -- while traveling.
Federal Agents
A 2010-11 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the average salaries for federal law enforcement agents (police officers, border patrol agents, correctional officers) slightly above $50,000 annually. U.S. extradition agents may work for the federal government earning comparable salaries. Federal extradition agents undergo many hours of training and must complete a certification course. A number of these agents have substantial police academy and corrections training.