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ICE Agent Salary 2026 (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
Careers in federal law enforcement continue to attract strong global interest, especially among professionals seeking stable income, long-term benefits, and structured career growth. One role that frequently raises questions about pay and compensation is that of an ICE agent.
In 2026, salary expectations for ICE agents are shaped by government pay scales, experience levels, duty locations, and federal employment benefits. For international job seekers, students, and professionals exploring careers in U.S. law enforcement or public service, understanding ICE agent salary structures is essential for making informed decisions.
This in-depth guide provides a complete and realistic overview of ICE agent salaries in 2026, including pay ranges, experience-based earnings, location differences, benefits, and long-term career outlook.
Job Salary Overview: What Does an ICE Agent Do?
An ICE agent typically refers to a Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) working for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a federal agency under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Core Responsibilities
ICE agents are responsible for:
- Investigating immigration-related crimes
- Enforcing customs and border laws
- Combating human trafficking and smuggling
- Investigating financial and cyber-related offenses
- Supporting national security operations
Why ICE Agents Are in Demand in 2026
Several factors contribute to sustained demand:
- Increased focus on border security and immigration enforcement
- Expansion of cybercrime and financial crime investigations
- Federal workforce replacement needs due to retirements
- Ongoing national security priorities
Because ICE agents are federal employees, their salaries follow structured government pay systems, offering predictability and transparency compared to private-sector roles.
ICE Agent Salary Breakdown and Analysis (2026)
ICE agent salaries are primarily determined by the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, with additional locality pay and law enforcement availability pay (LEAP) in many cases.
Average ICE Agent Salary in 2026
In 2026, the average ICE agent salary typically ranges between:
- $72,000 and $125,000 per year, depending on experience, grade, and location.
This figure includes base pay and may exclude certain bonuses or allowances.
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
ICE Agent Salary by Experience (2026)
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (GS-7) | $55,000 – $68,000 |
| Early Career (GS-9) | $65,000 – $82,000 |
| Mid-Level (GS-11) | $78,000 – $98,000 |
| Experienced (GS-12) | $92,000 – $115,000 |
| Senior Agent (GS-13+) | $110,000 – $140,000 |
Note: Figures may vary based on locality pay and federal adjustments.
Entry-Level ICE Agent Salary
Newly hired ICE agents usually start at GS-7 or GS-9, depending on education and prior experience.
Typical qualifications affecting entry pay include:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree
- Prior military or law enforcement experience
- Specialized investigative or language skills
Experienced and Senior ICE Agent Salaries
Agents with several years of service often advance to GS-12 or GS-13, where salaries increase significantly. Senior agents may also take on supervisory or specialized investigative roles, further enhancing compensation.
ICE Agent Salary by Location (Locality Pay Impact)
Federal salaries vary across the United States due to locality pay adjustments, which reflect regional cost-of-living differences.
ICE Agent Salary by U.S. Region (2026)
| Location / Region | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Washington, D.C. Metro | $90,000 – $135,000 |
| California (LA, SF) | $95,000 – $140,000 |
| Texas | $80,000 – $120,000 |
| Florida | $78,000 – $115,000 |
| Midwest States | $72,000 – $105,000 |
Urban and high-cost regions typically offer higher overall compensation due to locality pay.
ICE Agent Salary by Employer Division
ICE consists of two main operational divisions:
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
- Focuses on criminal investigations
- Generally higher earning potential
- More opportunities for specialized assignments
Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO)
- Focuses on immigration enforcement and removals
- Stable pay with fewer specialized bonuses
HSI roles often offer broader career advancement opportunities, influencing long-term income growth.
Bonuses, Allowances, and Benefits
While ICE agents do not rely on commissions or performance pay, they receive a comprehensive benefits package.
Common Compensation Components
- Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP): Typically adds ~25% to base pay
- Overtime compensation (when applicable)
- Night differential pay
- Hazard pay for specific assignments
Federal Benefits Package
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Federal retirement pension (FERS)
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
- Paid annual and sick leave
- Paid federal holidays
- Job stability and tenure protection
These benefits significantly increase the total compensation value beyond base salary.
Factors Affecting ICE Agent Salary in 2026
Education and Qualifications
Higher academic credentials and specialized training can lead to higher entry grades.
Skills and Certifications
Valuable skills include:
- Foreign languages
- Cybercrime investigation
- Financial crimes expertise
- Intelligence analysis
Experience Level
Time in service directly affects GS grade progression and salary growth.
Location and Cost of Living
Locality pay can increase salaries by thousands of dollars annually.
Federal Budget and Policy
Government pay adjustments and staffing priorities influence long-term earnings.
👉 Continue exploring our high-income career guides by region:
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- Highest Paying Jobs in Asia (2026)
ICE Agent Career Growth and Salary Progression
ICE agents typically experience structured salary growth over time due to:
- Automatic step increases
- Promotions to higher GS grades
- Specialized assignments
- Leadership or supervisory roles
A long-term ICE career often results in stable, predictable income progression, making it attractive for professionals seeking security rather than short-term earnings volatility.
Job Outlook for ICE Agents in 2026
The employment outlook remains stable due to:
- Continued federal enforcement responsibilities
- Long-term immigration policy frameworks
- Replacement hiring from retirements
While hiring levels may fluctuate annually, ICE remains a core federal agency with sustained staffing needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the average ICE agent salary in 2026?
The average salary ranges between $72,000 and $125,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
2. Do ICE agents earn more than other federal law enforcement officers?
Salaries are comparable, though specialized ICE roles may earn more due to LEAP and locality pay.
3. Is ICE agent salary affected by education?
Yes. Higher education and relevant experience can lead to higher starting GS grades.
4. Do ICE agents receive bonuses?
They may receive LEAP, overtime, and special allowances, but not performance-based bonuses.
5. Can ICE agent salaries increase over time?
Yes. Salaries increase through promotions, step increases, and locality adjustments.
6. Are ICE agent salaries competitive internationally?
Compared to many countries, U.S. federal law enforcement salaries are considered competitive, especially when benefits are included.
7. Is the salary enough to cover living costs?
In most regions, ICE agent salaries align with local cost-of-living standards due to locality pay.
Trusted Sources
The salary information in this article is based on data and frameworks from:
- U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
- OECD public-sector employment reports
- Federal General Schedule (GS) pay system publications
These sources ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability.
Conclusion
The ICE agent salary in 2026 reflects the structured nature of federal employment—offering predictable income, long-term benefits, and steady career growth rather than short-term earnings spikes.
While entry-level salaries are moderate, experienced agents benefit from promotions, locality pay, and comprehensive federal benefits that significantly enhance total compensation. For professionals seeking a stable law enforcement career with national impact, ICE remains a financially sustainable and respected option.
Understanding realistic salary expectations helps job seekers plan education, training, and career pathways with clarity and confidence.
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