When you see headlines about immigration enforcement, you usually see the boots, the badges, and the helicopters. You rarely see the paystub. Most folks think being a federal agent means you're swimming in a six-figure salary from day one. Honestly? It's way more complicated than that.
If you’re wondering how much do ice agents make a year, you have to look at two very different worlds within the same agency. There are the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agents—the guys doing the deep-dive criminal cases—and then there are the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Deportation Officers. They might both wear the "ICE" patch, but their bank accounts look pretty different by December 31st.
Breaking Down the 2026 Pay Scale
Federal pay is a massive, confusing grid. It’s called the General Schedule, or GS. In January 2026, the government rolled out a 1% base pay increase, but for law enforcement, things got a little more interesting.
President Trump’s administration pushed for a 2.8% extra bump for certain law enforcement roles. This was basically to keep pace with military raises. So, while a regular office worker at a federal agency might see a small tick up, a new ICE recruit is looking at a much better starting point than they would have had a few years ago.
Starting From the Bottom
Most people entering the field start at the GL-7 or GL-9 grade. "GL" is just "GS" but for law enforcement. It has slightly higher base rates because the job is, well, dangerous.
- GL-7 Entry Level: You’re looking at roughly $48,371 as a base.
- GL-9 Mid-Entry: This jumps to about $52,727.
Now, don't let those numbers fool you. Nobody actually takes home just $48k. That’s just the "raw" number before you add the "secret sauce" of federal pay: Locality and LEAP.
The Locality Pay Trap
Where you live matters more than what you do. If you're stationed in a small town in North Dakota, you’re making the "Rest of U.S." rate. But if you're in San Francisco or New York City? Your salary gets a massive adjustment to help you survive the rent.
For example, a GS-13 in a high-cost area can easily clear $125,000 to $140,000 before any overtime. In 2026, some of the highest-paying spots aren't even where you'd expect. Cities like Green River, Wyoming, and Sitka, Alaska, have been popping up as high-earning locations because of specific geographic adjustments.
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That $50,000 Signing Bonus
Here is something that wasn't around a few years ago. As of late 2025 and into 2026, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced some pretty wild incentives to get people through the door. We’re talking a maximum $50,000 signing bonus.
Think about that. You’re a 24-year-old coming out of the military or college. You land a GL-7 spot. You’ve got your base pay, your locality adjustment, and then a check for fifty grand hits your account. That’s a down payment on a house in most of the country.
HSI vs. ERO: The LEAP Factor
This is the biggest differentiator in how much do ice agents make a year.
If you are a Special Agent (Series 1811), you get something called Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP). It is a mandatory 25% bump on top of your base and locality pay. Why? Because you’re expected to work an average of two extra hours every day without filing for traditional overtime. You’re "available" 24/7.
Let’s do the math on a Special Agent in a city like Chicago:
- Base + Locality (GL-7): Roughly $62,000
- Add 25% LEAP: $15,500
- Total: $77,500 right out of the gate.
Deportation Officers (Series 1801) usually don’t get LEAP. Instead, they rely on AUO (Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime) or standard overtime. In the 2026 budget, there’s been a massive push to ensure these officers are still clearing high numbers, especially with the "One Big Beautiful Bill" funding surge, which provided billions for personnel.
The "No Age Limit" Shift
For decades, you couldn't join ICE if you were over 37. That’s gone. In 2025, the agency scrapped the age cap. Now, if you can pass the physical—which involves a 1.5-mile run, sprints, and pushups—you’re in.
This has opened the door for retired police officers or career-changers in their 40s and 50s. These folks often come in at a higher step (like Step 10 of a grade), meaning they start at the top of the pay band rather than the bottom. A GS-15 at the top of the scale in 2026 can earn $164,301 or more, depending on where they are.
Is the Pay Worth the Risk?
Honestly, it depends on who you ask. The benefits package is legendary—health, dental, a Thrift Savings Plan (which is basically a 401k with a 5% match), and a pension that lets you retire much earlier than the private sector.
But you have to consider the "invisible" costs.
- The Commute: You don't always get to pick your field office.
- The Politics: ICE is a lightning rod. Morale can swing wildly depending on the administration.
- The Hazard: You're dealing with potentially dangerous individuals daily.
Actionable Steps for Aspiring Agents
If the salary numbers look good and you're ready to make the jump, here is how you actually do it in the current 2026 landscape.
Check the "1811" vs "1801" listings
Don't just search for "ICE agent" on USAJOBS. Use the series codes. 1811 is for Special Agents (HSI), and 1801 is for Deportation Officers (ERO). If you want that 25% LEAP bonus, you want the 1811 series.
Look for Direct Hire Authority
Because of the massive hiring surge, many ICE positions are under "Direct Hire Authority." This means the process is faster, and they can bypass some of the usual federal red tape. Look for these keywords in the job announcement to get hired in months rather than years.
Prepare for the PFT early
The Physical Fitness Test is the number one reason people fail. It doesn't matter how much you're set to make if you can't finish the run. Start a cardio regimen at least three months before you apply.
Negotiate your Step
If you have prior law enforcement or specialized experience, don't just accept "Step 1." You can ask for a higher step based on "Superior Qualifications." This could mean a $10,000 to $20,000 difference in your first year.
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The bottom line is that a career with ICE is one of the most stable ways to reach a six-figure income in the public sector, especially as you move into the GS-12 and GS-13 brackets within your first five years. Just be ready for the lifestyle that comes with it.