Maybe they don't.
ICE, like most federal agencies, utilizes the
GS federal pay scale. Individuals working as ICE Agents begin at a pay grade that directly reflects their education and experience, although most new ICE agents begin at GS-5 which, as of 2012, was between $27,431 and $35,657.
- GS-5: $27,431-$35,657
- GS-6: $30,577-$39,748
- GS-7: 33,979-$44,176
- GS-8: $37,631-$48,917
- GS-9: $41,563-$54,028
HSI special agents are usually offered at the GL-7 and GL-9 level.
To qualify at the GS-5 level and receive the equivalent salary, candidates must either possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or at least 3 years of general experience.
To qualify at the GS-7 level, candidates must have at least one full year of graduate-level education or at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level.
To qualify at the GS-9 level, candidates must have a master’s degree (or an equivalent graduate degree), or at least 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to an LLB or JD degree, or at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level.