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Homeland Security Agent Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr Service Agent/DOT-1

Grand Prairie, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Additional Details: Sr Service Agent Full Time Tues- Sat 2pm - 10pm For details on our ... Federal Express Corporation participates in the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Citizenship ...

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Homeland Security Agent information

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$19K

$54.2K

$151K

How much do homeland security agent jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for homeland security agent in the United States is $54,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,000.00 and $56,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Homeland Security Agent?

Homeland Security Agents are federal law enforcement officers who work to protect the United States from threats such as terrorism, illegal immigration, cyber attacks, and natural disasters. They are employed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and may work in various agencies, such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Their responsibilities include investigating security threats, enforcing immigration laws, securing borders and transportation systems, and responding to emergencies. These agents play a critical role in maintaining national safety and security.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Homeland Security Agent?

To thrive as a Homeland Security Agent, you need a solid background in criminal justice, investigative techniques, and security protocols, often supported by a relevant bachelor’s degree and successful completion of federal training programs. Familiarity with surveillance technology, data analysis software, and secure communication systems is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and excellent interpersonal skills help agents assess threats, collaborate with diverse teams, and communicate effectively. These skills are vital for protecting national security, preventing threats, and ensuring the safety of the public.

What are some common challenges Homeland Security Agents face in their daily work, and how are they supported in overcoming them?

Homeland Security Agents often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving threats, unpredictable work hours, and high-pressure situations requiring quick decision-making. They may also face complex investigations that involve coordination with multiple agencies. To support agents, agencies provide extensive training, clear protocols, and strong teamwork environments. Additionally, agents benefit from access to advanced technology and regular briefings to stay informed about current risks.

What is the difference between Homeland Security Agent vs Customs Officer?

AspectHomeland Security AgentCustoms Officer
Required CredentialsBackground check, security clearance, sometimes specialized trainingBackground check, security clearance, customs training
Work EnvironmentFederal agencies, border security, airports, portsBorder crossings, airports, shipping ports
Employer & IndustryDepartment of Homeland Security, federal governmentCustoms and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Homeland Security Agents and Customs Officers both work within the federal government and focus on security at borders and transportation hubs. While Homeland Security Agents often handle broader national security tasks, Customs Officers primarily focus on inspecting goods and travelers crossing borders. Both roles require security clearances and work in similar environments, but their specific duties and training differ.

How do you become a homeland security agent?

To become a Homeland Security Agent, candidates typically need to meet age and background requirements, pass a thorough background check, and complete specialized training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). A bachelor's degree, relevant work experience, and physical fitness are often required, along with passing written exams and interviews. Prior law enforcement or military experience can be advantageous.
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What states have the most Homeland Security Agent jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Homeland Security Agent jobs?

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Infographic showing various Homeland Security Agent job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,160 per year, or $26 per hour.

Special Agent - Special Agent Talent & Achievement Recruitment (STAR)

San Francisco, CA • On-site

US Department of Homeland Security
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

$48K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


U.S. Department Of Homeland Security rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 300 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Joining the Secret Service as a Special Agent will allow you to perform critical protective and investigative assignments. The Special Agent position starts at a base salary of $48,854.00 (GL-07, step 1), with promotion potential to $118,204.00 (GS-13, step 10).
This position is covered by Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) which is an additional compensation of 25% of the basic rate of pay.
For more information on the Secret Service click here.Qualifications:

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

You are minimally qualified for the GL-07 Level (starting base salary $48,854) if you possess one of the following:

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with superior academic achievement (S.A.A.) which is based on class standing, grade-point average, or honor society membership. For more information on S.A.A. please click here; OR
  • Have at least one full year of graduate level education (i.e. 18 semester hours); OR
  • Have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GL-5 level. Specialized experience is defined as, experience writing non-technical reports, drafting responses to requests for information, and writing brief, informative or routine reports; gathering information, analyzing it and summarizing the results of your findings; taking responsibility for own actions to meet deadlines; presenting specific, pre-determined information at meetings, conferences, or seminars as a representative of a work or academic group; OR
  • A combination of specialized experience, as described above, and related graduate level education.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Applicants must successfully pass Phase 1 assessments (see below) to receive a Conditional Job Offer. In addition, applicants must successfully pass Phase II (see below) to receive final consideration for employment.

Phase I:

  • National Crime Information Center
  • Special Agent Entrance Exam (SAEE)
  • Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT)
  • Interview

Phase II:

  • Credit Check
  • Security Interview
  • Polygraph examination
  • Drug screening
  • Medical examination
  • Background investigation (a top-secret security clearance)

The Secret Service follows stringent guidelines relating to illegal drug usage. An applicant's history is reviewed and a determination for employment is made according to our guidelines. For more information regarding the U.S. Secret Service drug guidelines please click here to view our Drug Policy.

As part of the application process the applicant will be required to complete the United States Secret Service Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT). It is a physical fitness assessment which consists of four components (push-ups, sit-ups, Illinois Agility Run and a 1.5 Mile Run). The APAT is designed to measure the current level of general physical fitness of an applicant, which serves as an indicator of an applicant's ability to safely complete a vigorous physical training program. It evaluates the applicant's ability to perform the physical tasks required on the job by measuring muscular and dynamic strength, endurance, flexibility, aerobic capacity and other factors related to physical aptitude. For more information about the APAT, please click here.

General Medical Requirements: As determined by OPM the duties of this position require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of fingers, wrist, elbows, shoulders, hips and knee joints is required. Arms, hands, legs and feet must function sufficiently in order for applicants to perform the duties satisfactorily.

Education:Applicants who are within 9 months of graduating from their Bachelor's program are encouraged to begin the application process for STAR. A final transcript from an accredited school confirming degree conferral and superior academic achievement (S.A.A.) which is based on class standing, grade-point average (minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0), or honor society membership is required prior to a final job offer. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. All education claimed by applicants will be verified upon appointment. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript to receive credit. For more information on S.A.A. please click here.Employment Type: OTHER

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About U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency operating within the government services industry in Washington, DC, US. Established in 2003, the DHS is directly responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries. Its main responsibilities include protecting the United States from and responding to terrorist attacks, man-made accidents, and natural disasters. Through its more than 20 component agencies including Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it ensures the safety of the US through numerous programs and initiatives. The DHS upholds a core value system with the mission of safeguarding the American people, our homeland, and values. Notably, the DHS plays a critical role in the spectral range of activities to prepare, prevent, and respond to possible threats to the US.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003