Every day, we get questions like, “Can I get an ICE job with a GED?” So, we checked out the website USAJobs.gov and contacted government agencies. Here are the results:
To secure any job with the federal government, you need to hold at least a high school diploma or GED.
So, if you want to know if you can become an ICE agent with a GED, the answer is yes, and with Onsego GED Prep, you’ll secure your GED super-fast. The job doesn’t require you to have acollege degree.
Let’s take a look at what it takes to go from your GED to becoming an ICE agent in 18-24 months.
What’s being an ICE agent all about?
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents protect the U.S. borders and investigate serious crimes.
ICE agents enforce U.S. immigration and customs laws and conduct research and investigations into undocumented immigrants.
ICE was established under the U.S. Homeland Security Act of 2002 in response to the 9-11 attacks of 2001, when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created, with ICE as one of its agencies.
ICE’s responsibilities span both national security and public safety, but its authorities are different from those of other local and federal law enforcement agencies.
ICE agents have the authority to stop, arrest, and detain individuals suspected of being in the U.S. illegally.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents
HSI agents have the task to fight child exploitation and human trafficking, investigate smuggling operations and drug cartels, combat financial fraud and cybercrime, and cooperate with the DEA, FBI, and international agencies.
Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers
ERO officers stop, arrest, and detain dangerous criminals; operate detention facilities; coordinate and cooperate with local law enforcement agencies; and protect communities from criminal activity and threats.
These operations are federal law enforcement. ICE agents carry a badge, have authority, and make a difference!
ICE agents – Salary
The starting salary for ICE agents is $49,025 a year (as of 2026). After three years, their salary will increase to between $58,000 and $62,000; after five years, they can earn between $68,000 and $75,000.
ICE agents receive pensions, federal health insurance, and job security. ICE agents serve their country and can build a rewarding career.
The pay scale (GL levels explained)
The federal government uses the General Schedule (GS) earnings system. ICE uses a similar system called GL (General Law Enforcement).
Career path for ICE agents
- GL-7 (entry level with a GED) – starting salary: $49,025 a year, after 2 years: $53,000.
- GL-9 (automatic promotion after 1-2 years) – salary: $56,218 a year up to $62,000.
- GL-11 (promotion with experience and training) – salary: $68,036 a year up to $75,000.
- GL-12 (supervisory/specialized functions) – salary: $81,566 a year up to $95,000.
In areas such as San Francisco and New York (high-cost regions), the salaries can be higher. Here, ICE agents can earn an additional 20-40%.
The ICE total compensation package
- Base salary: $49,025-$95,000 (depending on the level)
- Federal health insurance – worth $8,000-$12,000 annually
- Pension: 1% of your salary for each year of service (retire after 20 years)
- 401k match: 5% of salary
- Paid time off: 30+ days per year (vacation, sick leave, holidays)
- Extra 25% for overtime
- Total value: $65,000-$120,000 a year when you include all benefits
How to become an ICE agent
At the entry level, you can become a GL-7 Deportation Officer when you are a U.S. citizen aged 21-36, though some exceptions apply to veterans.
You must hold a high school diploma or GED and have one year of qualifying experience. You must have a valid driver’s license, pass a physical fitness test, undergo a background investigation, pass drug screening, and be willing to relocate if needed.
What is qualifying experience?
Qualifying experience includes military service (any role, any branch), one year full-time as a security or loss-prevention guard, one year full-time in corrections or law enforcement, one year full-time as an EMT or emergency services, or one year full-time in private investigations.
If you don’t have a GED, you can work as a security guard for a year while studying for your GED. If you pass the GED eam you qualify for ICE.
Step-by-step path to becoming an ICE agent
Step 1: Get your GED (1-7 months)
Onsego GED Prep gets you ready for four GED subtests in 4 weeks to 7 months. Onsego includes:
- Video lessons that break down all GED concepts
- AI tutor available 24/7 for instant answers to any questions
- Real instructors who review your practice essays
- Unlimited practice questions
- Pass Guarantee included
- Lots of free bonuses
- Onsego is the Fast-Track to your GED
Onsego Advantage Plans cost from $79 to $199, and the GED test itself will cost you (in most states) between $144 and $186, totaling $223 to $385.
Most Onsego students pass the GED exam in 8-12 weeks while studying 1-2 hours per day.
Step 2: Get qualifying experience (0-12 months)
If you have already worked in security, the military, or law enforcement for one year, skip this step.
If not, get a security guard job. Most companies will hire you with just a GED. You will earn $15-$17 an hour while gaining the experience ICE requires.
Step 3: Apply on USAJobs.gov (month 12-14)
You must set up an account on the website USAJobs.gov. Search for “ICE Deportation Officer” or “ICE Special Agent.”
When you submit your application, you must include your resume and transcripts.
The application process takes approximately 15-30 minutes, and you can apply to ICE year-round. Every year, ICE hires hundreds of agents.
Step 4: Complete the ICE hiring process (month 14-18)
To become an ICE agent, you’ll have to pass a written exam that assesses your judgment, logic, and situational awareness.
There’s also a physical fitness test that includes running, push-ups, and sit-ups.
Then there’ll be a panel interview, and you’ll be asked questions about your background and motivation.
Also included are a medical exam to assess your physical condition, a background investigation, and a polygraph test (for special agent positions).
Most ICE applicants complete the hiring process in 3-5 months.
Step 5: ICE training academy (month 19-23)
After you completed the hiring process, you will attend the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Georgia.
The basic training is a 12-week process, and specialized ICE functions require 6-8 weeks of additional training. During this training, you will receive your full salary, and all expenses will be paid.
You learn everything about firearms, defensive tactics, immigration law, arrest procedures, and investigation techniques.
Step 6: Your first ICE assignment (month 24)
After you complete training at FLETC, you will be assigned to a field office. You might go to:
- Border regions (San Diego, El Paso, Phoenix)
- Major cities (Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Miami)
- Smaller offices across the nation
Your starting salary at ICE as a GED graduate will be $49,025 a year (GL-7), but your total compensation, including all benefits, is around $65,000.
After one year of service at ICE, you may request a transfer to your preferred location.
Get your GED first (everything else follows)
You cannot apply for any federal job without a GED. Not for ICE, not for Border Patrol, not for TSA. Without a GED, you cannot apply for any position on USAJobs.gov.
Your GED is the foundation. Everything builds from there.
Onsego makes it all achievable:
- Study at your own pace (4 weeks to 7 months)
- Learn from video lessons, not boring textbooks
- Get instant help from an AI tutor (at 2 am if you want)
- Real instructors review your essays
- Onsego Plans include a great calculator course
- Pass Guarantee (you don’t pass, you don’t pay)
- Onsego Advantage Plans cost from $79 to $199
- Your total cost: $223-$385 (GED test + Onsego prep)
Your timeline to a federal career:
- Month 1-3: Get your GED with Onsego
- Month 4-15: Gain qualifying experience (if needed)
- Month 16: Apply on USAJobs.gov
- Month 17-20: Complete the hiring process
- Month 21-24: Attend training academy
- Month 25: Start your career at $49,000-$65,000 (total compensation
Conclusion: Two years from now, you can be a federal agent with a badge, a pension, and a career that matters.
Real-world story: From warehouse to federal agent
Tyler worked in a warehouse making $14 per hour. He had no GED, no future.
He decided to pursue his GED, enrolled with Onsego, and earned it in 10 weeks. Total cost: $263 ($144 for the exam; $119 for Onsego Advantage Plus).
After earning his GED, Tyler accepted a security position at an airport, earning $16.50 an hour. He worked there for 13 months to gain qualifying experience for an ICE agent role.
He applied to ICE at age 24. He passed all tests and background checks.
Today, Tyler is a GL-9 Deportation Officer in Phoenix, making $58,000 per year. With benefits, his total compensation is $75,000!
He has health insurance and a pension. He owns a home and proudly serves his country. And it all started with a GED. Keep in mind that the GED exam is also available online in most states.
Bottom line:
Having a GED opens the door to federal law enforcement positions. You don’t need a college degree. You don’t need special connections.
You need a GED, one year of experience, and a strong work ethic.
ICE agents protect America and earn competitive salaries. They get significant benefits and build lasting, rewarding careers.
And it all starts with your GED!
Start your free trial with Onsego today. Your federal career begins here.