Working as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent remains one of the most competitive and well-compensated careers in U.S. federal law enforcement. In 2026, ICE agent salaries in the United States reflect steady wage growth, locality pay adjustments, and expanded benefits aimed at attracting skilled professionals.
Who Is an ICE Agent?
An ICE agent is a federal law enforcement officer working for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, an agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
ICE agents primarily work in two major divisions:
1. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
- Criminal investigations (human trafficking, cybercrime, financial crimes)
- Counterterrorism and national security cases
- International and domestic operations
2. Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO)
- Immigration enforcement
- Arrests and removals
- Detention and transportation of non-citizens
Each division has different responsibilities, but salary structures are similar, governed by federal pay systems.
ICE Agent Salary Structure in the United States (2026)
ICE agents are paid under the General Schedule (GS) federal pay system, with law enforcement enhancements such as LEAP (Law Enforcement Availability Pay) and locality pay.
Key Salary Components
- Base GS salary
- Locality pay (based on duty station)
- LEAP (25% of base salary for eligible agents)
- Overtime and premium pay
Entry-Level ICE Agent Salary (2026)
Most new ICE agents begin at GS-5, GS-7, or GS-9, depending on education and experience.
Entry-Level Annual Salaries (Before Locality & LEAP)
| GS Level | Base Salary Range |
|---|---|
| GS-5 | $38,000 – $41,000 |
| GS-7 | $47,000 – $50,000 |
| GS-9 | $58,000 – $62,000 |
With Locality + LEAP
Entry-level agents typically earn:
- $65,000 – $85,000 per year
This makes ICE one of the highest-paying federal entry-level law enforcement careers.
Mid-Career ICE Agent Salary (2026)
After several years of service and promotions, many ICE agents reach GS-11 or GS-12.
Mid-Level Pay Ranges
| GS Level | Total Annual Compensation |
|---|---|
| GS-11 | $90,000 – $115,000 |
| GS-12 | $105,000 – $135,000 |
Agents at this level often:
- Lead investigations
- Supervise junior officers
- Specialize in complex cases
Senior ICE Agent & Supervisor Salary (2026)
Experienced agents and supervisors typically earn GS-13 or GS-14 salaries.
Senior-Level Compensation
| Position | Annual Earnings |
|---|---|
| GS-13 Agent | $130,000 – $160,000 |
| GS-14 Supervisor | $155,000 – $185,000 |
| GS-15 Manager | $175,000 – $200,000+ |
Top-level managers and executives may exceed $200,000 annually, especially in high-cost locations.
ICE Agent Salary by Location (2026)
Locality pay significantly affects ICE agent salaries.
Highest-Paying Locations
- Washington, D.C.
- New York City
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- Miami
- Chicago
Example Salaries by City
- Washington, D.C.: $95,000 – $165,000
- New York City: $100,000 – $170,000
- Los Angeles: $98,000 – $160,000
- Texas (average): $85,000 – $140,000
Overtime and LEAP Pay Explained
LEAP (Law Enforcement Availability Pay)
- Additional 25% of base salary
- Compensates for unscheduled duty hours
- Available to qualifying ICE criminal investigators
Overtime & Premium Pay
- Night shifts
- Holiday work
- Emergency operations
Some agents earn $10,000–$25,000 extra annually through overtime.
Benefits of Being an ICE Agent
ICE agents receive one of the best federal benefits packages in the U.S.
Key Benefits
- Federal health insurance (multiple plans)
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
- Paid annual leave and sick leave
- Paid parental leave
- Job stability and pension security
ICE Agent Retirement and Pension
ICE agents qualify for enhanced law enforcement retirement.
Retirement Highlights
- Eligible after 20–25 years of service
- Retirement age as early as 50
- Pension + TSP + Social Security
Many retired ICE agents earn 60–70% of their final salary annually.
Education and Requirements for ICE Agents
Minimum Requirements
- U.S. citizenship
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- Background investigation
- Physical fitness test
- Drug screening
Preferred Backgrounds
- Criminal justice
- Law
- Accounting
- Cybersecurity
- Foreign languages
Higher education often leads to faster promotions and higher starting pay.
ICE Agent vs Other Federal Law Enforcement Salaries (2026)
| Agency | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| ICE | $95,000 – $145,000 |
| FBI | $90,000 – $140,000 |
| DEA | $92,000 – $145,000 |
| ATF | $88,000 – $135,000 |
| U.S. Marshals | $85,000 – $130,000 |
ICE remains competitive with top federal agencies.
Gender Pay Equality at ICE
ICE follows federal pay laws:
- Equal pay for equal GS level
- Transparent pay grades
- No gender-based wage gaps in official salaries
Job Outlook for ICE Agents in 2026 and Beyond
Positive Growth Factors
- Increased border security funding
- Cybercrime and financial crime investigations
- National security priorities
Employment Stability
ICE agents enjoy high job security and consistent demand across administrations.
Is Becoming an ICE Agent Worth It in 2026?
Pros
- High salary and benefits
- Federal pension
- Career advancement
- National impact
Cons
- High responsibility
- Irregular hours
- Physical and mental demands
For candidates seeking long-term stability and strong earnings, ICE remains a top federal career choice.
Conclusion
The ICE agent salary in the United States in 2026 reflects strong federal investment in law enforcement, competitive compensation, and comprehensive benefits. Entry-level agents can earn $70,000+, while experienced professionals exceed $150,000 per year. Combined with job security, pension benefits, and career growth, ICE remains one of the most attractive federal law enforcement employers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the average ICE agent salary in 2026?
Most ICE agents earn between $95,000 and $145,000 per year.
2. Do ICE agents receive overtime pay?
Yes. Many receive LEAP and overtime, increasing annual income.
3. What GS level do ICE agents start at?
Typically GS-5, GS-7, or GS-9, depending on qualifications.
4. Is ICE pay higher than other federal agencies?
ICE salaries are comparable to FBI and DEA pay scales.
5. Can ICE agents retire early?
Yes. Law enforcement retirement allows retirement as early as age 50.