DEA Agent Salary. Special agents for the U.S. federal government beginning their career with the DEA usually start at the GS-7 or GS-9 level (depending on education and experience). At the GS-7 or GS-9 levels they can expect to make between $35,369-$49,729 year and $39,448-$55,905 a year respectively. Again, experience and education can greatly affect starting salaries levels for DEA agents.