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Covert Agent Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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Covert Agent information

See Texas salary details

$20K

$61.7K

$104.8K

How much do covert agent jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for covert agent in Texas is $61,707.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,100.00 and $71,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a covert agent?

Covert agents are individuals who work secretly for government agencies or organizations to gather intelligence, conduct undercover investigations, or perform operations that require concealment of their identity and purpose. Their tasks often involve infiltrating groups, collecting confidential information, or conducting surveillance without revealing their affiliation. Covert agents play a crucial role in national security, law enforcement, and intelligence operations, working to prevent threats and gather information that would be otherwise inaccessible. Their work is highly sensitive and can involve significant personal risk, requiring specialized training, discretion, and adaptability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a covert agent, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Covert Agent, you need a strong background in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and operational security, typically supported by advanced training and relevant government clearance. Familiarity with encrypted communications, surveillance technology, and specialized investigative tools is essential. Exceptional interpersonal skills, adaptability, and the ability to remain calm under pressure set outstanding covert agents apart. These competencies are critical for maintaining operational safety, effectively gathering intelligence, and successfully navigating high-risk, unpredictable environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by covert agents in maintaining their cover identity during assignments?

Covert agents often face the challenge of seamlessly blending into their assigned environments while maintaining a credible cover story. This requires constant vigilance, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills to avoid raising suspicion among targets or the local population. Unexpected changes, such as being approached by local authorities or encountering someone familiar with their real identity, can demand quick thinking and calm under pressure. Additionally, covert agents must frequently communicate with their team using secure, discreet methods, which can be stressful and requires strict discipline and attention to detail.

What is the difference between Covert Agent vs Intelligence Analyst?

AspectCovert AgentIntelligence Analyst
Required CredentialsSecurity clearance, specialized trainingDegree in criminal justice, international relations, or related fields
Work EnvironmentField operations, undercover missionsOffice-based, data analysis, report writing
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, defense, intelligenceGovernment agencies, military, private sector

While both roles are vital to national security, a Covert Agent primarily conducts undercover operations in the field, whereas an Intelligence Analyst focuses on analyzing data and producing reports to support decision-making. Both require security clearances and work within government or defense sectors, but their daily tasks and environments differ significantly.

What cities in Texas are hiring for Covert Agent jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Covert Agent job openings:

Infographic showing various Covert Agent job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,707 per year, or $29.7 per hour.

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Detect and question persons suspected of violating immigration and customs laws, inspecting documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations.

  • Prevent and apprehend undocumented noncitizens and smugglers at or near the borders by maintaining surveillance using various methods and equipment.

  • Patrol the international boundary and coastal waterways using a variety of government assets to accomplish border security missions.


U.S. Customs and Border Protection rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

176th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Duties


The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.


Being a Border Patrol Agent makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession. Typical assignments include:

  • Detecting and questioning persons suspected of violating immigration and custom laws and inspecting documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations
  • Preventing, and apprehending undocumented noncitizens and smugglers of noncitizens at or near the borders by maintaining surveillance from covert positions to include using infrared scopes during night operations
  • Interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry of persons or contraband
  • Performing farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks
  • Patrolling the international boundary and coastal waterways using a variety of Government assets such as vehicles, horses, vessels, watercrafts, off-road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles for the accomplishment of the USBP Mission.


Duty Locations: You will be asked to select your preferred location for one of the following mission critical locations:

  • Big Bend Sector Stations - *Presidio, Van Horn, *Sanderson, Alpine, *Sierra Blanca, Marfa
  • Del Rio Sector Stations - Del Rio, Brackettville, *Comstock, Eagle Pass North, Eagle Pass South, Carrizo Springs, Uvalde
  • El Paso Sector Stations - Alamogordo, Clint, Deming, El Paso, Fort Hancock, Las Cruces, *Lordsburg, Santa Teresa, Ysleta
  • El Centro Sector Stations - El Centro, Indio, Calexico
  • Grand Forks Sector Stations - Bottineau, Duluth, Grand Marais, International Falls, Pembina, Portal, Warroad
  • Havre Sector Stations - Havre, Malta, Plentywood, Scobey, St. Mary, Sweetgrass
  • Houlton Sector Stations - Calais, Fort Fairfield, Houlton, Jackman, Rangeley, Van Buren
  • Laredo Sector Stations - Laredo South, Cotulla, *Hebbronville, Laredo West, *Freer, Laredo North, Zapata
  • Rio Grande Valley Sector Stations - Rio Grande City, Fort Brown, McAllen, Brownsville, Falfurrias, Weslaco, Kingsville, Harlingen
  • San Diego Sector Stations - Boulevard, Brownfield, Campo, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, Murrieta, San Clemente
  • Swanton Sector Stations - Beecher Falls, Burke, Champlain, Massena, Newport, Ogdensburg, Richford, Swanton
  • Tucson Sector Stations - *Ajo, Tucson, Nogales, Douglas, Brian A Terry, Sonoita, Casa Grande, Three Points Substation, Willcox
  • Yuma Sector Stations - Blythe, Yuma, Wellton


NOTE: The above preference locations are expected to have vacancies available in the future, however, if the duty locations do not have vacancies at the time of your final offer, you may be offered a duty location in another geographic location within the United States.


*Additional $10K Recruitment Incentive: Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents who select a prioritized location will receive an additional $10,000 incentive (total of $20,000). Prioritized locations include Sierra Blanca, TX; Presidio, TX; Sanderson, TX; Comstock, TX; Lordsburg, NM; Freer, TX; Hebbronville, TX; Ajo, AZ.


Qualifications

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement.


You qualify for the GL-5 grade level if you possess one of the following:


Experience: One year of general experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level that demonstrates the ability to take charge, make sound decisions, and maintain composure in stressful situations; to learn regulations, methods, and techniques through classroom training and/or on-the-job instruction; and the ability to gather concise information through questioning, observation, and examination of documents and records; OR


Education Substitution: A conferred bachelor's degree or successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; OR


Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of general experience AND successfully completed college education. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.


You qualify for the GL-7 grade level if you possess one of the following:


Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level that shows you have the experience in law enforcement or other responsible work that demonstrates the skills necessary to:

  • Make sound judgments and decisions in the use of firearms.
  • Deal effectively with people in a courteous and tactful manner in connection with law enforcement matters.
  • Analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions where you will be expected to make arrests after the completion of required training and apply these skills in a law enforcement capacity such as criminal code enforcement, determining violations of laws, correctional or rehabilitation work involving criminal offenders, security, military, etc.

Education Substitution: A conferred bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement, which is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average (i.e., GPA of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0), or (3) honor society membership. Submitted transcripts must show the applicant does not have more than 10% pass/fail courses in order to qualify for SAA with GPA. Go to Superior Academic Achievement to see if you qualify under this provision; OR


One full year of graduate level education in a field of study related to law enforcement (e.g., criminal justice, homeland security, justice studies, law enforcement, courts and judicial systems, forensic technology, forensic psychology, corrections and rehabilitation) or one year of law school from an accredited college or university; OR


Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level AND graduate level education completed in a field of study related to law enforcement from an accredited college or university. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.


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About U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

U.S. Customs and Border Protection serves and protects America with a workforce of more than 60,000 law enforcement and support professionals. We're united by our mission to guard our borders from threats and illicit activities while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003