How Much Do Border Patrol Agents Make?
Border Patrol Agents play a crucial role in protecting the border of the United States. These agents are responsible for preventing the entry of illegal migrants and drugs from entering the country. However, it’s common knowledge that the job can be tough and comes with substantial risks. With the added pressure and responsibilities, what is the earning potential of Border Patrol agents? In this article, we will explore how much Border Patrol agents make.
Salary Structure for Border Patrol Agents
Border Patrol agents are paid per the Federal General Schedule (GS) pay scale. This scale is a pay system that determines the annual salary of a federal employee based on their pay grade and step. The pay scale ranges from GS-5 to GS-15, with GS-5 being the entry-level position. The majority of Border Patrol Agents are employed between the GS-7 and GS-12 range.
Pay Scale for Border Patrol Agents
Based on the Federal General Schedule pay scale, the starting salary of an entry-level Border Patrol agent would be approximately $50,000 per annum (annual salary). A Border Patrol agent’s maximum salary can be up to $94,000 per annum. The pay scale increases each year based on an employee’s time in service and promotion. Adding to this, Border Patrol agents are also eligible for overtime and benefits such as vacation, sick leave, and retirement plans.
Special Pay
In addition to their salary, Border Patrol agents stationed in areas where there is a high risk of danger received additional pay. This special salary rate is known as the Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP). This takes the agent’s salary up to 25% extra of their basic pay each year.
Education
The amount of education an individual carries also plays a part in salary expectations. A bachelor’s degree could be the deciding factor in being accepted into a higher pay grade. Adding to this, a master’s degree or higher educational qualification increases the pay scale, even more, making a Border Patrol agent potentially earn $100,000 per annum or more.
Conclusion
Being a Border Patrol Agent is a modern-day risk and rewarding career. Taking into consideration the pay grade and benefits, one can become a Border Patrol Agent expecting a salary of up to $94,000 per annum. Adding the overtime, education qualification, and other benefits such as LEAP, make it a well-paid career with excellent growth potential.