The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is one of the most important federal law enforcement agencies in the United States. Its mission is to enforce controlled substances laws, combat drug trafficking, and dismantle criminal organizations involved in the illegal drug trade.
A career as a DEA Special Agent is both challenging and rewarding. Agents work on high-stakes investigations, participate in dangerous field operations, and sometimes operate internationally.
Because of the demanding nature of the job, DEA Special Agents receive a competitive salary package that includes a base salary, overtime pay, location adjustments, and other allowances. In 2025, the DEA salary structure remains one of the most attractive among federal law enforcement agencies.
This guide provides a full breakdown of DEA Special Agent monthly salary, allowances, benefits, and career progression in 2025, along with answers to the most frequently asked questions about the job.
DEA Special Agent Monthly Salary Summary Table (2025)
DEA Special Agents are paid under the federal General Schedule (GS) pay scale for law enforcement officers, starting at GL pay grades (GL-5, GL-7, GL-9) depending on qualifications. Agents also receive Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP), which adds 25% to base pay, and locality pay adjustments based on their duty station.
| Position / Rank | Base Monthly Salary (USD) | Monthly Salary with LEAP | Estimated Total with Allowances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Agent (GL-5) Entry | $3,941 | $4,926 | $5,300 – $6,000 |
| Special Agent (GL-7) Entry | $4,676 | $5,845 | $6,300 – $7,200 |
| Special Agent (GL-9) Entry | $5,233 | $6,541 | $7,000 – $8,000 |
| Special Agent (GS-11) | $6,021 | $7,526 | $8,300 – $9,500 |
| Special Agent (GS-12) | $7,272 | $9,090 | $10,200 – $11,500 |
| Special Agent (GS-13) Senior | $8,679 | $10,849 | $12,000 – $13,500 |
| Supervisory Special Agent (GS-14) | $10,258 | $12,822 | $14,000 – $15,800 |
| Special Agent in Charge (GS-15) | $12,410 | $15,513 | $17,000 – $19,000 |
Note: Figures are based on the 2025 GS pay scale with Washington, D.C. locality rate. Salaries can be higher in locations with higher locality adjustments such as San Francisco or New York.
How the DEA Salary Structure Works
DEA Special Agent salaries are determined by federal pay laws and have multiple components that affect total monthly earnings.
1. Pay Grade and Step
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DEA Special Agents begin at GL-5, GL-7, or GL-9 depending on qualifications.
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Promotions take agents into GS-11 through GS-15 grades.
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Within each grade, there are 10 steps — moving up a step increases pay.
2. Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP)
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Adds 25% of base pay to compensate for irregular work hours beyond a 40-hour week.
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Recognizes the need for agents to be available at all times, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
3. Locality Pay
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Increases salaries based on the cost of living in the agent’s duty location.
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Locality pay rates can range from around 15% to 40% of base salary.
4. Additional Allowances
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Agents may receive overtime, hazard pay, relocation bonuses, and special mission allowances.
Detailed Monthly Salary by Rank and Experience (2025)
GL-5 Special Agent
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Base Monthly Salary: $3,941
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With LEAP: $4,926
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With Allowances: $5,300 – $6,000
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Role: Entry-level position for candidates meeting minimum requirements such as a bachelor’s degree.
GL-7 Special Agent
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Base Monthly Salary: $4,676
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With LEAP: $5,845
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With Allowances: $6,300 – $7,200
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Role: Hired at this level with additional qualifications such as advanced education or prior law enforcement.
GL-9 Special Agent
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Base Monthly Salary: $5,233
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With LEAP: $6,541
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With Allowances: $7,000 – $8,000
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Role: Entry at this level often requires significant professional experience or specialized skills.
GS-11 Special Agent
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Base Monthly Salary: $6,021
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With LEAP: $7,526
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With Allowances: $8,300 – $9,500
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Role: Conducts complex investigations, may supervise small teams.
GS-12 Special Agent
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Base Monthly Salary: $7,272
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With LEAP: $9,090
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With Allowances: $10,200 – $11,500
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Role: Senior field agent, often takes on lead roles in multi-agency operations.
GS-13 Senior Special Agent
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Base Monthly Salary: $8,679
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With LEAP: $10,849
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With Allowances: $12,000 – $13,500
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Role: Supervises squads, manages investigations across multiple jurisdictions.
GS-14 Supervisory Special Agent
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Base Monthly Salary: $10,258
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With LEAP: $12,822
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With Allowances: $14,000 – $15,800
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Role: Oversees operations for a division or field office.
GS-15 Special Agent in Charge
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Base Monthly Salary: $12,410
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With LEAP: $15,513
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With Allowances: $17,000 – $19,000
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Role: Leads a DEA field office or major program.
Allowances and Additional Pay
DEA Special Agents can receive various forms of additional compensation:
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Overtime Pay (in certain circumstances beyond LEAP coverage)
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Hazard Pay for dangerous operations
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Relocation Bonuses for mandatory moves
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Foreign Post Allowances for overseas assignments
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Specialized Duty Pay for certain high-risk or high-demand roles
Benefits for DEA Special Agents
DEA Special Agents enjoy an extensive benefits package:
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Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
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Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) Pension
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Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with Matching Contributions
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Paid Leave: Vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
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Training and Education Assistance
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Life Insurance and Disability Coverage
Career Progression
Typical progression is as follows:
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GL-5/7/9 → GS-11 within 2–3 years
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GS-11 → GS-12 in 2–3 years
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GS-12 → GS-13 based on performance
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Promotion to GS-14/15 for supervisory and leadership positions
Factors Affecting Total Earnings
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Duty Station – High-cost cities provide higher locality pay.
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Experience Level – Increases grade and step.
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Special Assignments – Overseas work, task force leadership, and undercover duties often increase pay.
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Overtime and Bonuses – Certain operations may qualify for extra pay beyond LEAP.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the starting monthly salary for a DEA Special Agent in 2025?
Between $5,300 and $6,300 with LEAP and allowances. -
Does LEAP cover all overtime?
It covers most, but certain situations allow extra pay. -
Do agents get hazard pay?
Yes, for certain dangerous operations. -
Can DEA Special Agents work overseas?
Yes, some agents serve in foreign offices. -
Is relocation mandatory?
Often yes, especially early in a career. -
How long to reach GS-13?
Usually 6–8 years with good performance. -
Do agents get pensions?
Yes, under the FERS system. -
Is DEA pay better than FBI?
It’s comparable, with differences in allowances and assignments. -
Do DEA agents get paid during training?
Yes, at the assigned entry grade. -
What’s the highest monthly pay for a DEA agent?
Around $19,000 for GS-15 in high locality pay areas.
Conclusion
In 2025, DEA Special Agent salary and allowances remain among the most competitive in federal law enforcement. With LEAP, locality pay, and additional allowances, agents enjoy strong financial rewards alongside comprehensive benefits.
However, the role demands dedication, flexibility, and a willingness to face high-risk situations. For those committed to the mission of protecting the country from illegal drug activities, the DEA offers both a challenging and financially rewarding career path.