If you’re considering a career as an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officer in Texas, understanding the 2026 salary outlook is essential. This comprehensive guide explores the average ICE officer salary in Texas, factors influencing earnings, salary by experience, benefits, job outlook, and necessary qualifications to boost your income potential.
🧾 Average ICE Officer Salary in Texas (2026)
In 2026, the average salary for an ICE officer in Texas is approximately $69,000 to $103,000 per year, depending on location, education, and experience level. Entry-level officers may start in the $55,000 range, while senior officers or those in specialized roles can exceed $110,000 annually.
📈 Factors That Influence ICE Officer Salaries
Several variables contribute to the salary differences among ICE officers in Texas:
Experience Level: More years in service equate to higher pay grades.
Rank & Position: Supervisory or specialized roles command higher salaries.
Location: Urban areas like Dallas, Houston, or El Paso may offer higher locality pay.
Education & Certifications: Degrees in criminal justice or related fields can lead to better opportunities.
Overtime & Hazard Pay: Officers often earn significantly more through overtime or work in hazardous conditions.
💼 Salary Breakdown by Experience
| Experience Level | Average Salary (2026) |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $55,000 – $65,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–7 yrs) | $70,000 – $85,000 |
| Senior (8+ yrs) | $90,000 – $110,000+ |
Officers may also receive annual step increases, part of the federal General Schedule (GS) pay system.
💰 Take-Home Pay for a $103K Salary
For an ICE officer earning $103,000 annually, here’s a rough breakdown of monthly take-home pay in Texas (with no state income tax):
Federal Income Tax: ~$1,400/month
Social Security & Medicare: ~$790/month
Health Insurance & Retirement Contributions: ~$300–$600/month (varies)
Estimated Take-Home Pay: ~$5,800 to $6,200/month
These figures vary based on deductions, dependents, and benefits selected.
🎓 Education, Certifications & Career Advancement
While a college degree isn’t mandatory for entry-level roles, having one significantly improves promotion potential.
Recommended Education & Training:
Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, or homeland security
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) graduation is mandatory
Spanish fluency or other foreign languages can increase placement and opportunity
Certifications that can enhance salary potential:
Criminal Investigations
Federal Cybersecurity Training (for digital investigations)
Defensive Tactics Instructor certification
📊 Job Market Trends for ICE Officers in Texas
The demand for ICE officers in Texas remains steady to growing in 2026, driven by:
Texas’ large international border
Continued federal funding for immigration enforcement
Increased need for cyber and fraud investigators
Rural and border counties often have the highest hiring demand, with relocation bonuses or incentives sometimes offered.
🎁 Benefits of Working as an ICE Officer
ICE officers receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government match
Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS)
Generous paid time off and 10+ federal holidays
Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
Law enforcement early retirement options (after 20–25 years of service)
🧭 Career Outlook and Promotion Potential
With clear federal pathways for growth, ICE officers can advance to:
Supervisory Immigration Enforcement Agent (SIEA)
Criminal Investigator (Special Agent)
Senior Lead Navigator or Field Office Director
Promotion is based on merit, training, time-in-grade, and performance reviews. Officers with leadership or technical skills often fast-track their advancement.
✅ Final Thoughts
A career as an ICE officer in Texas in 2026 offers competitive pay, steady demand, and strong benefits. With the right education and experience, it’s possible to earn over $100,000 per year while serving in a mission-critical federal role. Whether you’re just entering law enforcement or looking to shift into federal work, ICE offers a solid pathway to job stability and upward mobility.