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Homeland Security Special Agent Jobs (NOW HIRING)

United States Secret Service

Special Agent

Houston, TX · On-site

Special Agent Position Joining the United States Secret Service (USSS) as a Special Agent offers a ... Designing, planning, and implementing advanced security measures for National Special Security ...

New

CC Services

Special Agent

New York, NY

Special Agent Company: CC Services Contract Details: Full-time Location ... NY City CC Services is a leading security and investigation agency that provides top-notch services ...

U.S. Secret Service

Special Agent

Anchorage, AK · On-site +1

$48K - $118K/yr

The Special Agent position starts at a base salary of $48,854.00 (GL-07, step 1), with promotion ... Designing, planning, and implementing advanced security measures for National Special Security ...

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Homeland Security Special Agent information

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$35K

$65.6K

$104.5K

How much do homeland security special agent jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for homeland security special agent in the United States is $65,642.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $78,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to become a Homeland Security Special Agent?

Becoming a Homeland Security Special Agent requires meeting specific qualifications, including U.S. citizenship, a bachelor's degree, and relevant work experience or training. Candidates must pass written exams, physical fitness tests, background checks, and a comprehensive interview process, making the selection process competitive and demanding.

How to become a Homeland Security Special Agent?

To become a Homeland Security Special Agent, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree, relevant work experience, and must pass a background investigation, medical exam, and fitness test. Applicants often need to complete specialized training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) and meet age, citizenship, and security clearance requirements.

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

AspectHomeland Security Special AgentCustoms Officer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, background check, specialized trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent, background check, training at Customs and Border Protection
Work EnvironmentInvestigations, field operations, federal agenciesBorder crossings, ports, airports, inspection stations
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of Homeland Security, federal governmentU.S. Customs and Border Protection, federal agency

Homeland Security Special Agents and Customs Officers both work within the Department of Homeland Security, but their roles differ. Special Agents focus on investigations and threat prevention, while Customs Officers primarily handle inspections at borders and ports. Both require background checks and federal training, but Special Agents typically have more investigative responsibilities and advanced credentials.

What is a Homeland Security Special Agent?

Homeland Security Special Agents are federal law enforcement officers who work for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), primarily within agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). They investigate crimes related to national security, such as terrorism, human trafficking, cybercrime, drug smuggling, and immigration violations. These agents conduct surveillance, gather intelligence, make arrests, and work closely with other law enforcement agencies to protect the United States from threats. Their roles require specialized training and frequently involve both fieldwork and collaboration with various federal, state, and local partners.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a Homeland Security Special Agent?

To thrive as a Homeland Security Special Agent, you need a solid background in criminal justice or law enforcement, investigative skills, and typically a bachelor’s degree plus relevant federal training. Proficiency with investigative databases, surveillance technology, and evidence management systems is essential, and certifications like those from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) are often required. Strong analytical thinking, ethical judgment, adaptability, and excellent interpersonal communication make agents stand out in high-pressure or sensitive scenarios. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively protecting national security, enforcing laws, and successfully resolving complex investigations.

What challenges do Homeland Security Special Agents face in the field?

Homeland Security Special Agents often encounter complex and rapidly evolving situations, such as coordinating investigations across multiple jurisdictions or responding to time-sensitive threats. They must adapt quickly to changing priorities while maintaining strict adherence to legal and ethical standards. Additionally, agents regularly collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies, which requires strong communication and teamwork skills to ensure effective information sharing and joint operations. Balancing fieldwork with detailed reporting and administrative duties is also a common challenge in this role.
More about Homeland Security Special Agent jobs
What cities are hiring for Homeland Security Special Agent jobs? Cities with the most Homeland Security Special Agent job openings:
What states have the most Homeland Security Special Agent jobs? States with the most job openings for Homeland Security Special Agent jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Homeland Security Special Agent jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Homeland Security Special Agent jobs are:
Homeland Security Special Agent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Homeland Security Special Agent job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,642 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Special Agent

United States Secret Service

Houston, TX • On-site

Other

Posted yesterday

New

United States Secret Service rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 44 rated police

Job description

Special Agent Position

Joining the United States Secret Service (USSS) as a Special Agent offers a unique and rewarding career dedicated to serving the nation through our dual mission of criminal investigations and protection. Special Agents play a critical role in safeguarding the financial integrity of the United States and protecting its highest leaders, including the President, Vice President, and other designated individuals. Throughout their careers, Special Agents have the opportunity to work on diverse assignments across the country and around the globe, gaining unparalleled experience in both investigative and protective operations.

Responsibilities include:

  • Conducting complex criminal investigations into financial crimes, including counterfeiting, cyber fraud, and other threats to the financial infrastructure of the United States.
  • Providing physical protection for the President, Vice President, their families, visiting foreign dignitaries, and other protectees, ensuring their safety in every environment.
  • Designing, planning, and implementing advanced security measures for National Special Security Events (NSSEs), such as presidential inaugurations, international summits, and other high-profile events.

As a Special Agent, you will be part of an elite team committed to excellence, integrity, and service, with opportunities to serve at multiple duty stations both domestically and internationally. This dynamic and impactful career challenges you to rise to your fullest potential while making a difference for the nation.

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