Can I get a government job with a GED?

Often, students ask us, “Can I get a government job with a GED?”

So, we checked out the website USAJobs.gov and reached out to government agencies to learn more. Here are the results.

To work for the government, whether state or federal, you are required to hold at least a high school diploma or a GED.

If, for example, you want to become an ICE agent, having a GED is a prerequisite; you don’t need a college degree.

If you have never completed high school and don’t have a GED, don’t worry. With Onsego GED Prep, you can earn your GED easily and quickly.

Jobs in Federal Law Enforcement

Your GED diploma opens doors to every state and federal agency, and your earnings and job security will be fine. The U.S. government uses a federal pay scale for law enforcement positions that functions as follows (GL Levels):

GL-7 – This is the federal law enforcement entry level with a GED. In this category, the starting salary is $49,025 annually. After two years, your salary will be $53,000.

GL-9 – This is the automatic promotion category after 1 or 2 years. Here, the annual salary is between $56,218 and $62,000.

GL-11 – This is the promotion range for agents with training and experience. In this category, the annual salary is between $68,036 and $75,000.

GL-12 – This category is for agents in supervisory or specialized positions. The annual salary in this category ranges from $81,566 to $95,000.

In high-cost regions such as San Francisco or New York, federal agents can expect to earn between 20 and 40% more.

Federal law enforcement jobs

All federal law enforcement agents receive health insurance, pensions, and job security. They serve their country. They build a rewarding career.

Federal law enforcement officers wear badges. They have authority. They make a difference!

Let’s take a closer look at some federal law enforcement positions:

Border Patrol Agent

Border Patrol Agents (BPAs) secure U.S. international land borders, including coastal waters, between our country’s ports of entry.

They ensure American citizens are safeguarded from terrorists and terror attacks; they detect drug smugglers and prevent illegal substances from entering the country; they prevent illegal undocumented aliens from entering the country.

Border Patrol Agents exemplify the core values of U.S. Customs & Border Protection: Integrity, Vigilance, & Service to the Country.

To become a federal border patrol agent, you must have at least a GED and pass a fitness test. With Onsego, you can earn your GED in 1 to 7 months.

Your starting salary as a Border Patrol Agent is between $49,739 and $61,833 per year. After one year, you will automatically qualify for promotion (GS-9).

Federal Air Marshal 

The U.S. Air Marshal Service, part of TSA, is America’s quiet force that keeps our skies safe.

This elite group of law enforcement officers protects travelers and airline crews from threats. They assess and address potential risks and threats

U.S. Federal Air Marshals operate quietly and covertly. They blend seamlessly with travelers to maintain a safe and secure environment.

They are well-trained in close-quarter combat and understand how to respond in crisis situations.

Federal Air Marshals work closely with the FBI, CBP, and other federal law enforcement agencies to combat crime and prevent terrorist threats.

Your starting annual salary as a Federal Air Marshall is between $45,000 and $75,000. You must have at least a GED and experience in the military or law enforcement. The job requires constant travel, protecting airline passengers and crews.

ICE Agent

ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents protect America’s borders and investigate serious crimes.

ICE is a U.S. federal law enforcement agency and part of the Department of Homeland Security.

ICE agents preserve our national security by conducting criminal investigations, enforcing immigration laws, and protecting public safety.

ICE was formed after the September 11 attacks as part of the 2002 Homeland Security Act. It encompasses the prior functions of the U.S. Customs Service and  Immigration & Naturalization Service.

To qualify for the service, you must at least have a GED. You can learn for your GED test with a book, but using an accredited online course like Onsego speeds up the process considerably.

As an ICE agent, your annual starting salary is $49,025, and after 3 years, that will increase to between $58,000 and $62,000. After 5 years, ICE agents can earn between $68,000 and $75,000.

U.S. Marshals Service Agent

U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) agents form the enforcement arm of the U.S. federal courts.

The agency’s agents are involved in federal law enforcement initiatives to uphold the integrity of the U.S. justice system.

The U.S. Marshals Service (the oldest federal law enforcement agency in America) protects the judiciary by apprehending fugitives, operating the Witness Security Program, seizing criminal assets, and managing prisoners.

The agency provides courthouse security, transports prisoners to and from courts, finds federal fugitives, and manages forfeited criminal assets. Its agents execute arrest warrants and federal court orders.

As a U.S. Marshall Service agent, your annual starting salary will be in the $47,000 – $62,000 range. You must have a GED PLUS a bachelor’s degree OR a GED PLUS at least 3 years of qualifying experience.

Secret Service Uniformed Division Agent

As a U.S. Uniformed Secret Service Agent, you will protect and secure venues and facilities for Secret Service protectees. Your line of duty requires honor, integrity, and a strong commitment to excellence.

The Secret Service’s Uniformed Division is providing physical security for the U.S. White House, the vice president’s Naval Observatory residence, and other federal buildings, the Complex, as required by law.

The Service also provides security for U.S. Treasury Department facilities and the diplomatic missions of foreign countries in D.C.

As a U.S. Uniformed Secret Service Agent, you will receive a starting annual salary of between $49,000 and $65,000.

You must have at least a high school diploma or GED and pass the APAT physical aptitude test that assesses your physical fitness to perform physical tasks associated with the job.

As with all government jobs, you must also pass an extensive background check to ensure integrity and fitness for the job. This is just one of the interesting jobs that open up if you get your GED!

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Agent

HSI agents are ICE officers protecting our country, people, and future. Due to the global nature of investigated crimes, these ICE agents have broad legal authority.

Homeland Security Investigations agents conduct federal investigations into illegal movements of people, money, goods, weapons, sensitive technology, and contraband in and out of the United States.

HSI agents investigate a wide range of criminal activities, including weapons and drugs smuggling, financial and cyber crime, export of illegal technology, and crimes related to intellectual property.

As a Homeland Security Investigations agent, you’ll also play a critical role in investigating and combating crimes related to human trafficking, child exploitation, financial fraud and scams, or other crimes that affect vulnerable populations.

You will closely collaborate with local law enforcement agencies, private sector organizations, and local communities. You’ll also collaborate with international partners to fight global crime.

As a U.S. HSI agent, you will get an annual starting salary of $49,025 to $65,000. The minimum requirements are holding a GED or high school diploma and passing a physical aptitude test.

How to go from GED to ICE Agent in 18-24 months

With Onsego, you can get ready for the GED exam in anywhere from as little as 1 to 7 months. Onsego Advantage Plans include:

• Short video lessons that cover all GED topics.
• Unlimited GED practice tests and mock questions
• A 24/7 AI-tutor that will answer any question instantly
• Instructors who review your essay practices
• Free bonuses, e.g., a calculator course and motivational programs
• GED Test Pass Guarantee
• Onsego is your Fast-Track path toward a GED diploma

For federal government jobs, the General Schedule (GS) earnings system applies. U.S. law enforcement agencies use a similar system, the General Law Enforcement (GL) system.

Total ICE agent compensation package

• Base annual salary: $49,025 to $95,000 (depending on your level)
• Health insurance: Annual value of $8,000 to $12,000
• Federal pension: 1% of your annual salary (retirement after 20 years)
• Federal 401k match: 5% of your annual salary
• Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick leave): 30+ days annually
• Overtime availability: 25%
• Total worth between $65,000 and $120,000 annually when considered ll benefits

To become an ICE agent, you must be a U.S. citizen aged 21 to 36, though veterans are eligible for exceptions.

Besides a high school diploma or GED, you must have at least 1 year of “qualifying experience”, hold a valid driver’s license, pass a fitness test, undergo an extensive background investigation, and pass a drug screening test.

What is qualifying experience?

Qualifying experience includes at least 1 year of military service, security guard, law enforcement, corrections, EMT or emergency services, or private investigations.

So, if you don’t have a GED, you can apply for a security job and work in that role for 1 year while you earn your GED. If you do that, you qualify for the job of ICE agent.

From GED to ICE Agent in 6 Steps

1. Earn your GED  diploma (month 1-7)

Onsego will get you GED-ready in between 4 weeks and 7 months. Onsego costs between $79 and $199. The GED test costs (in most states) around $144. So, your total will be between $223 and $383. Most Onsego students pass the exam in 8-12 weeks, studying 1 or 2 hours a day.

2. Get qualifying experience (month 0-12)

If you already have at least 1 year of qualifying experience in law enforcement, security, or the military, you can skip this step. If you don’t, apply for a security guard job, and companies will usually hire you with a GED.

3. Apply at USAJobs.gov (month 12-14)

To apply for a federal government job, you must create an account at USAJobs.gov. Search for “ICE Special Agent” or “ICE Deportation Officer.” Your application must include your resume and transcripts.

4. The hiring process (month 14-18)

You must pass a written exam that assesses your logical thinking, judgment skills, and situational awareness. A physical test, an interview, a medical exam, and a thorough background investigation are also part of the process, which will take 3 to 5 months.

5. FLETC Academy (month 19-23)

After the hiring process, you will attend the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Georgia, where basic training lasts 6 to 8 weeks and covers immigration law, firearms, investigation techniques, and arrest procedures. All expenses are paid, and you’ll earn your regular salary during the training.

6. The first assignment (month 24)

For your first assignment, ICE might place you in a major city like New York, Miami, Houston, or Los Angeles, a U.S. border region like Phoenix, San Diego, or El Paso, or in one of the agency’s smaller offices across the nation.

Your annual starting salary is $49,025 per year (GL-7)

The total worth of your compensation is around $65,000 (including benefits)

After 1 year of service, you may request a transfer to one of your preferred locations.

The Bottom line

The first thing you must do is get your GED! Everything else follows.

Without a GED, you don’t qualify for any federal job. Not for Border Patrol Agent;  not for ICE Agent; not for the Secret Service; not for the U.S. Marshall Service; not for TSA Agent. Not for any position with the U.S Government!

Earning a GED is your foundation. Everything else will build from there.

Keep in mind that in 2 years, you can play a role in protecting the country. You can be a respected federal agent wearing a badge and with a pension. You can have a rewarding career that really matters.

Your GED opens the door to many federal law enforcement positions, and a college degree is often not required. You just need your GED, a year of qualifying experience, and be prepared to work diligently.

It all starts with a GED. So, start your free trial with Onsego today. This is where your federal law enforcement career begins.

Last Updated on January 18, 2026