Many agents left higher paying jobs to work at the bureau. Annual pay for new FBI agents ranges from about $50,000 to $56,000.
Bureau officials are worried that more will leave after they complete a probationary period and reach permanent status.
One problem is that pay is the same for FBI agents across the country, even for those living in more expensive areas like New York City and San Francisco.
The agents association is pushing for new legislation that would adjust salaries based on cost of living and overtime.
People are still applying for jobs at the FBI, but bureau officials worry that they might leave for the same reasons.