Customs Border Protection Agents and Officers

Job description

Two Opportunities, One Agency Border Patrol Agent: It’s Not a Uniform.

It’s a Badge of Honor.

When others see danger, you see duty.

When the terrain gets rough, you get focused.

You believe in protecting what matters—and standing for something bigger than yourself.

As a Border Patrol Agent with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, you’ll patrol the border between official ports of entry, tracking movement, intercepting threats, and responding where most won’t go.

You’ll use sensors, vehicles, and your training—but nothing replaces your instincts.

Every shift is a test of grit, judgment, and resolve.

This is not a job—it’s a calling.

One that demands readiness, resilience, and integrity at all times.

You’ll need to be:

A U.S. citizen with a valid driver’s license

Experienced in meeting and dealing with people or have the ability to gather facts and make sound recommendations; OR, possess a college degree, any major

Under 40 at the time of selection (veteran and LEO exceptions register)

Able to pass an entrance exam, fitness test, polygraph, medical exam, and background investigation

Willing to relocate where duty assigns

Ready to complete paid academy training in Artesia, NM

In return, you’ll receive competitive federal pay, robust benefits, 25% additional law enforcement availability pay, and the training to advance in one of the most mission-critical agencies in the nation.

You’ll leave the Academy ready for anything—and backed by a team that’s earned the badge beside you.

And yes—adrenaline rushes come standard.

CBP Officer: You Don’t Just Check Passports.

You Guard the Nation.

You’re the face—and the shield—of the United States at airports, seaports, and land crossings.

This is federal law enforcement at the intersection of precision, pressure, and purpose.

You’ll use technology, intuition, and training to detect deception and keep dangerous people and materials out of the country.

Every decision you make matters.

What You’ll Do

Screen travelers, cargo, and vehicles at U.S. ports of entry

Enforce customs, immigration, and agriculture regulations

Intercept contraband and prevent entry of inadmissible individuals

Use tech and observation to detect suspicious behavior

Facilitate lawful trade and travel while upholding national security

Minimum Requirements

U.S. citizen

Valid driver’s license

A minimum of 3 years full-time general work experience that demonstrates the ability to meet and deal with people and the ability to learn and be able to apply what you have learned, OR, a college degree, any major.

Under 40 at time of selection per Department of Homeland Security directives and public law (exceptions exist for veterans and LEOs)

Pass background check, medical exam, polygraph, and fitness screening

Willingness to relocate where assigned

What You’ll Get

Competitive federal salary, with career progression

Additional base pay, locality pay and recruitment incentives

Full benefits: retirement, health, dental, vision, paid leave

Paid training, equipment, and opportunities for advancement

Mission-driven career with impact every single day

You’ll be trained at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia and backed by the full weight of one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the nation.

This is not for everyone. But if you’re still reading, maybe it’s for you.

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JOB DESCRIPTIONS FOR BPA &CBPO POSITIONS AND ALL LEVELS: Border Patrol Agent - GL-5/7 grade levels - June 2025 Update

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Duty assignments available at time of offer may include the Southwest Border including prioritized locations.

U.S. Border Patrol determines duty assignments at time of offer based on operational needs which may or may not align with candidates’ first-choice preferences.

RELOCATION MAY BE REQUIRED.

EARN UP TO $30,000 IN RECRUITMENT INCENTIVES––Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents will be offered a $20,000 incentive.

The first $10,000 to be paid upon successfully completing training at the Border Patrol Academy and the remainder to be paid in full after completing a three-year service agreement.

New Agents accepting a prioritized location (Sierra Blanca, Presidio, Sanderson, Comstock, Freer, and Hebbronville, TX; Lordsburg, NM; or Ajo, AZ) will be eligible for an additional $10,000.

Applicants currently in pre-employment do not need to reapply to be eligible for the incentive.

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The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) offers those interested in a career in law enforcement an opportunity to work with an elite team of highly trained professionals whose camaraderie, pride, and purpose are hallmarks of their daily mission protecting America.

If you seek an exciting and rewarding job that provides excellent pay, exceptional federal benefits and job stability, now is the time to make your move.

U.S. Border Patrol (USBP), within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is hiring immediately for these full-time, entry-level, career Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) opportunities.

Salary and Benefits

Annual Base Salary for newly appointed Border Patrol Agents (BPAs) varies per grade, as follows:

• GL-5/GL-7 $49,739 - $89,518 per year 

Duty location impacts pay rates; locality pay for federal law enforcement is higher in some locations than others.

And a fully trained Border Patrol Agent may be eligible for up to an additional 25% of base pay per the BPA Pay Reform Act of 2014.

This is a career ladder position with a grade level progression of GL-5, GL-7, GL-9, GS-11, and GS-12.

You will be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level (without re-applying) once you successfully complete 52 weeks in each grade level.

Agents are eligible to select from an array of federal employment benefits that include health, dental and other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan akin to a traditional and ROTH 401(k) offering.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a Border Patrol Agent (BPA) you will be part of our 60,000+ workforce that strives to protect the American people by safeguarding our borders, deterring illicit activity, and enhancing the nation’s economic prosperity.

Being a BPA makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession.

Typical assignments include: 

• Detecting and questioning people suspected of violating immigration and custom laws and inspecting documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations

• Preventing, and apprehending undocumented noncitizens and smugglers of noncitizens at or near the borders by maintaining surveillance from covert positions to include using infrared scopes during night operations

• Interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry of persons or contraband

• Performing farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks

• Patrolling the international boundary and coastal waterways using a variety of Government assets such as vehicles, horses, vessels, watercrafts, off-road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles for the accomplishment of the USBP Mission.

Qualifications

You qualify for the GL-5 grade level if you possess one of the following: 

Experience: One year of general work experience that demonstrates the ability to take charge, make sound decisions, and maintain composure in stressful situations; to learn regulations, methods, and techniques through classroom training and/or on-the-job instruction; and the ability to gather concise information through questioning, observation, and examination of documents and records; OR 

Education Substitution: A bachelor's degree or successful completion of a full four-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited or college or university; OR 

Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of general work experience AND successfully completed college education.

This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.

You qualify for the GL-7 grade level if you possess one of the following: 

Experience: One year of specialized work experience that shows you have the skills necessary to: 

• Make sound judgments and decisions in the use of firearms.

• Deal effectively with people in a courteous and tactful manner in connection with law enforcement matters.

• Analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions where you will be expected to make arrests after the completion of required training and apply these skills in a law enforcement capacity such as criminal code enforcement, determining violations of laws, correctional or rehabilitation work involving criminal offenders, security, military, etc.

The above experience will be applied in connection with the following: Make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms; deal effectively with people in a courteous manner in connection with law enforcement matters; analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions; or develop and maintain contact with a network of informants.

Education Substitution for the GL-7 grade level: A bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement, which is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average (i.e., GPA of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0), or (3) honor society membership.

Or will receive a bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement.

Or one full year of graduate level education in a field of study related to law enforcement (e.g., criminal justice, homeland security, justice studies, law enforcement, courts and judicial systems, forensic technology, forensic psychology, or corrections and rehabilitation) from an accredited college or university; OR 

A Combination of Experience and Education: This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.

Note: If you have previous or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience, you may qualify at the GL-9 and or GS-11 grade level.

Please refer to the BPA GL-9 - 11 announcement.

Other Requirements:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.

Residency: You must have had primary U.S. residency (includes protectorates as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years.

Age Restriction: In accordance with Public Law 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions.

Candidates must be referred for selection to the Border Patrol Agent position before reaching their 40th birthday in accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-03.

The age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement (non-military) position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d).

Veterans’ Preference: You may also be eligible for an excepted service Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA).

The age restriction does not apply if you are Veterans' Preference eligible.

Formal Training: After you are hired, you will be detailed to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, for approximately six (6) months of intensive instruction in immigration and nationality laws, law enforcement and USBP-specific operations, drivers training, physical techniques, firearms, and other courses.

Border Patrol work requires the ability to speak and read Spanish, as well as English.

Agents will be provided training to become proficient with the Spanish language at the Academy.

Border Patrol Agent - Experienced (GL-9 GS-11)

Check out these higher-salaried federal law enforcement opportunities with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Your current or prior law enforcement experience may qualify you for this career opportunity with the nation's premier federal agency charged with securing our borders and protecting our country.

You may qualify for these higher-graded Border Patrol Agent employment opportunities if you have current or prior law enforcement experience.

This experience could have been gained as part of a military police assignment or as a member of a state or local law enforcement organization.

Look at the duties and responsibilities section below to see if you are interested in these federal law enforcement opportunities and review the qualifications section below to see if you are qualified.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Duty assignments available at the time of offer may include the Southwest Border, including prioritized locations.

U.S. Border Patrol determines duty assignments at the time of offer based on operational needs, which may or may not align with candidates’ first-choice preferences.

Relocation may be required.

EARN UP TO $30,000 IN RECRUITMENT INCENTIVES––Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents will be offered a $20,000 incentive.

The first $10,000 to be paid upon successfully completing training at the Border Patrol Academy, and the remainder to be paid in full after completing a three-year service agreement.

New Agents accepting a prioritized location (Sierra Blanca, Presidio, Sanderson, Comstock, Freer, and Hebbronville, TX; Lordsburg, NM; or Ajo, AZ) will be eligible for an additional $10,000.

The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) offers those interested in a career in law enforcement an opportunity to work with an elite team of highly trained professionals whose camaraderie, pride, and purpose are hallmarks of their daily mission of protecting America.

If you seek an exciting and rewarding job that provides excellent pay, exceptional federal benefits, now is the time to make your move.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is hiring immediately for these full-time, career Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) opportunities.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary for newly appointed law enforcement Border Patrol Agents varies from: 

Base Salary: GL-9/GS-11 $63,148 - $120,145 per year

Locality Pay: Varies by duty location.

Overtime Pay: Up to 25%

Duty location impacts pay rates; locality pay for federal law enforcement is higher in some locations than others.

And a fully trained Border Patrol Agent may be eligible for up to an additional 25% of base pay per the BPA Pay Reform Act of 2014.

This is a career ladder position with a grade level progression of GL-9 to GS-11 to GS-12.

You will be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level (without re-applying) once you successfully complete 52 weeks in the lower grade level.

All Border Patrol Agents may select from an array of federal employment benefits that include health and insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan that is similar to traditional and ROTH 401(k) offerings.

Duties and Responsibilities:

As a Border Patrol Agent (BPA), you will be part of our 60,000+ workforce that strives to protect the American people by safeguarding our borders, deterring illicit activity, and enhancing the nation’s economic prosperity.

Being a Border Patrol Agent makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession.

Typical assignments include:

• Detecting and questioning people suspected of violating immigration and custom laws and inspecting documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations.

• Preventing and apprehending aliens and smugglers of aliens at or near the borders by maintaining surveillance from covert positions to include using infrared scopes during night operations.

• Interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry of persons or contraband.

• Performing farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks.

• Patrolling the international boundary and coastal waterways using a variety of Government assets such as vehicles, horses, vessels, watercrafts, off-road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles for the accomplishment of the USBP Mission.

Qualifications:

GL-9: You qualify for the GL-9 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

• Performing physical searches of detained individuals, their vehicles, and their immediate surroundings for weapons, contraband, currency, and other evidence.

• Apprehending, physically restraining or working with law enforcement officials to identify or apprehend violators of state, federal, or immigration laws.

• Proficient in the use of firearms, preparing investigative reports, serving court orders (e.g., warrants, subpoenas, etc.) and gathering evidence for criminal cases prosecuted through the court system.

If you have previous or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience, you may qualify at the GS-11 grade level.

GS-11: You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, with the authority granted by the state or government to enforce laws, make arrests, and investigate crimes, performing primary duties in an official law enforcement capacity such as:

• Utilizing intelligence information to track illegal operations, criminal activity, threats to our nation, and/or contraband while serving as a state, Federal, or military law enforcement official.

• Leading investigations of fraud, contraband, criminal activity, threats to our nation, and/or illegal operations to determine sources and patterns while serving as a state, Federal, or military law enforcement official.

• Apprehending violators of state, federal or immigration laws by utilizing various forms of complex technology that include surveillance, detection, situation awareness systems, and/or communications equipment.

The above experience will be applied in connection with the following: Make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms; deal effectively with people in a courteous manner in connection with law enforcement matters; analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions; or develop and maintain contact with a network of informants.

There are no education substitutions for the GL-9 or GS-11 grade level Border Patrol Agent opportunities.

Other Requirements: 

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.

Residency: You must have had primary U.S. residency (including protectorates as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years.

Age Restriction: In accordance with Public Law 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions.

Candidates must be referred for selection to the Border Patrol Agent position before reaching their 40th birthday in accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-03.

The age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement (non-military) position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d).

Veterans’ Preference: You may also be eligible for an excepted service Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment (VRA).

The age restriction does not apply if you are Veterans' Preference eligible.

Formal Training: After you are hired, you will be detailed to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, for approximately six (6) months of intensive instruction in immigration and nationality laws, law enforcement, and USBP-specific operations, drivers training, physical techniques, firearms, and other courses.

Border Patrol work requires the ability to speak and read Spanish, as well as English.

Agents will be provided training to become proficient in the Spanish language at the Academy.

Duty Locations for Border Patrol Agent all grade levels:

Arizona – Tucson Sector Stations - *Ajo, Tucson, Nogales, Douglas, Brian A Terry, Sonoita, Casa Grande, Three Points Substation, Willcox

Arizona & California – Yuma Sector Stations - Blythe, Yuma, Wellton

California – El Centro Sector Stations - El Centro, Indio, Calexico

California – San Diego Sector Stations - Boulevard, Brownfield, Campo, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, Murrieta, San Clemente

Texas & New Mexico – El Paso Sector Stations - Alamogordo, Clint, Deming, El Paso, Fort Hancock, Las Cruces, *Lordsburg, Santa Teresa, Ysleta

Texas – Big Bend Sector Stations - *Presidio, Van Horn, *Sanderson, Alpine, *Sierra Blanca, Marfa

Texas – Del Rio Sector Stations - Del Rio, Brackettville, *Comstock, Eagle Pass North, Eagle Pass South, Carrizo Springs, Uvalde

Texas – Laredo Sector Stations - Laredo South, Cotulla, *Hebbronville, Laredo West, *Freer, Laredo North, Zapata

Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Stations - Rio Grande City, Fort Brown, McAllen, Brownsville, Falfurrias, Weslaco, Kingsville, Harlingen

New York - Buffalo Sector Stations - Wellesley Island

North Dakota - Grand Forks Sector Stations - Pembina

Montana - Havre Sector Stations - Havre, Malta, Plentywood, Scobey, Sweetgrass

Maine - Houlton Sector Stations - Calais, Fort Fairfield, Jackman, Rangeley, Van Buren

Washington - Spokane Sector Stations - Colville, Curlew, Metaline Falls, Oroville

Vermont - Swanton Sector Stations - Beecher Falls, Burke, Champlain, Newport, Richford

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Customs and Border Protection Officer - GS-5/7 grade levels June 2025 Update

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers those interested in a career in law enforcement an exceptional opportunity to work with an elite team of highly trained professionals whose camaraderie, pride, and purpose are hallmarks of their daily mission of protecting America.

You will be part of the Department of Homeland Security workforce, protecting American interests and securing our nation.

If you are looking for a rewarding career with great pay, benefits, and job stability, now is the time to make your move.

As a Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO), you will be part of our 60,000+ workforce that strives to protect the American people by safeguarding our borders, deterring illicit activity, and enhancing the nation’s economic prosperity.

Being a CBPO makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession.

Typical assignments include:

• Enforcing customs, immigration, and agriculture laws and regulations.

• Facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel.

• Conducting inspections of individuals and conveyances.

• Determining the admissibility of individuals for entry into the United States.

• Preventing the illegal entry of individuals and prohibited goods and the smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband.

Duty Locations – Incentives available for some locations

You will be asked to provide your preference for one of the following mission-critical locations: Nogales, and San Luis, AZ; Calexico, Los Angeles, Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, and Tecate, CA; Washington, DC; Miami and Orlando, FL; Atlanta, GA; Hagatna, Guam; Honolulu, HI; Chicago, IL; Calais, Fort Kent, Houlton, Jackman, Madawaska, Van Buren, and Vanceboro, ME; Detroit and Port Huron, MI; Baudette, Grand Portage, International Falls, and Warroad, MN; Del Bonita, Morgan, Raymond, Roosville, and Wild Horse, MT; Newark, NJ; Alexandria Bay, Buffalo, Champlain, Massena, Ogdensburg, Queens, and Trout River, NY; Dunseith, Hansboro, Neche, Pembina, and Portal, ND; Philadelphia, PA; San Juan, PR; El Paso and Houston, TX; Christiansted, US Virgin Islands; Beecher Falls, Derby Line, Highgate Springs, Norton, and Richford, VT; Blaine Oroville, Seattle and Sumas, WA.

The preference locations listed above are expected to have vacancies available in the future, however, if the duty locations do not have vacancies at the time of your final offer, you may be offered a duty location in another geographic location within the United States.

Locations offered are based on operational and mission requirements and critical agency hiring needs for entry-level CBPOs as determined by the CBP Office of Field Operations (OFO).

Salary–and Duty Location Recruitment Incentives–and Benefits

Annual Base Salary for newly appointed CBPOs varies as follows:

• GS-5 and GS-7 $40,332 - $109,952 per year

Locality pay varies by duty location.

Note: A fully trained CBP Officer is eligible for up to $45,000 in overtime pay in addition to the starting salary.

Grade level eligibility and salaries vary depending upon background, including experience and education, and duty location of the opportunity.

This is a career ladder position with a grade level progression of GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, and GS-12.

You will be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level (without re-applying) once you successfully complete 52 weeks in each grade level.

Promotions are at the discretion of the agency.

Officers are eligible to select from an array of federal employment benefits that include health, dental and other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan akin to a traditional and ROTH 401(k) offering.

LOCATION INCENTIVES: If you accept one of the duty locations listed below, you may be eligible to receive an additional 15%-25% of your salary each year for the first three (3) years of employment in addition to any overtime pay.

If you accept the duty location of San Francisco, you may be eligible to receive an additional 25% of your salary each year for the first four (4) years of employment in addition to any overtime pay.

These incentives only apply to new federal employees and are dependent upon the availability of funds.

Duty locations offering 25% recruitment incentives: Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, and Tecate, CA; Key West, FL; Calais and Jackman, ME; Detroit, MI; Grand Portage, MN; Raymond and Sweetgrass, MT; Dunseith and Pembina, ND; Beecher Falls, VT; Oroville, WA

Duty locations offering 15% recruitment incentives: Honolulu, HI; Portal, ND; Derby Line and Richford, VT; Blaine, WA

Duty location offering 10% recruitment incentives: Calexico, CA

Qualifications:

You qualify for the GS-5 grade level if you possess one of the following:

Experience: A minimum of three (3) years full-time general work experience that demonstrates the ability to meet and deal with people and the ability to learn and be able to apply a body of facts; OR

Education Substitution: A bachelor's degree or successful completion of a full four (4)-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; OR

Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of successfully completed college education AND general work experience.

This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial college transcripts submitted with your application.

You qualify for the GS-7 grade level if you possess one of the following:

Experience: A minimum of one (1) year of specialized full-time work experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level that includes:

• Performing physical inspections of people, documents or goods for criminal activity, fraud, and/or illegal operations.

• Utilizing observational techniques, evaluating facts, and reviewing documentation while applying Federal, State, or local laws and regulations.

• Making determinations in compliance with laws and regulations that may lead to arrests, seizure of property, fines, and/or penalties based on findings.

OR for the GS-7 grade level:

Education Substitution: A bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average (3.0 or higher), or (3) honor society membership; OR one (1) full year of graduate-level education.

This education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.

OR

Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of specialized work experience equivalent to the next lower grade level AND graduate level education from an accredited college or university.

This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.

If you have previous or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience, you may qualify at the GS-9 grade level.

See the GS-9 Job Opportunity Announcement (JOAs) at USAJOBS, the federal government’s official employment site to determine if you qualify.

Other Requirements:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.

Residency: You must have had primary U.S. residency (includes protectorates as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years.

Age Restriction: In accordance with Public Law 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions.

Candidates must be referred for selection to the Customs and Border Protection Officer position before reaching their 40th birthday in accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-03.

The age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement (non-military) position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d).

Veterans’ Preference: You may also be eligible for an excepted service Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA).

The age restriction does not apply if you are Veterans' Preference eligible.

Formal Training: You will be required to complete a paid pre-academy orientation for approximately two (2) weeks at your home port.

You will then attend a 101-day training program–CBP Field Operations Academy–conducted at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) located in Glynco, GA.

This training consists of basic law enforcement skills, immigration laws, firearms training, examination of cargo/bags/merchandise, physical fitness, etc.

Candidates assigned to the southern border, Miami, or Puerto Rico duty locations must attend and pass an online Spanish training program, which will be completed at their home port.

Successful completion of the Academy is required for this position.

Customs and Border Protection Officer - GS-9 grade level June 2025 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers those interested in a career in law enforcement an exceptional opportunity to work with an elite team of highly trained professionals whose camaraderie, pride, and purpose are hallmarks of their daily mission of protecting America.

You will be part of the Department of Homeland Security workforce, protecting American interests and securing our nation.

If you are looking for a rewarding career with great pay, benefits, and job stability, now is the time to make your move.

As a Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO), you will be part of our 60,000+ workforce that strives to protect the American people by safeguarding our borders, deterring illicit activity, and enhancing the nation’s economic prosperity.

Being a CBPO makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession.

Typical assignments include:

• Enforcing customs, immigration, and agriculture law and regulations.

• Facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel.

• Conducting inspections of individuals and conveyances.

• Determining the admissibility of individuals for entry into the United States; and

• Preventing the illegal entry of individuals and prohibited goods and the smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband.

Duty Locations – Incentives available for some locations

You will be asked to provide your preference for one of the following mission-critical locations:

Nogales, and San Luis, AZ; Calexico, Los Angeles, Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, and Tecate, CA; Washington, DC; Miami and Orlando, FL; Atlanta, GA; Hagatna, Guam; Honolulu, HI; Chicago, IL; Calais, Fort Kent, Houlton, Jackman, Madawaska, Van Buren, and Vanceboro, ME; Detroit and Port Huron, MI; Baudette, Grand Portage, International Falls, and Warroad, MN; Del Bonita, Morgan, Raymond, Roosville, and Wild Horse, MT; Newark, NJ; Alexandria Bay, Buffalo, Champlain, Massena, Ogdensburg, Queens, and Trout River, NY; Dunseith, Hansboro, Neche, Pembina, and Portal, ND; Philadelphia, PA; San Juan, PR; El Paso and Houston, TX; Christiansted, US Virgin Islands; Beecher Falls, Derby Line, Highgate Springs, Norton, and Richford, VT; Blaine Oroville, Seattle and Sumas, WA.

The preference locations listed above are expected to have vacancies available in the future, however, if the duty locations do not have vacancies at the time of your final offer, you may be offered a duty location in another geographic location within the United States.

Locations offered are based on operational and mission requirements and critical agency hiring needs for entry-level CBPOs as determined by the CBP Office of Field Operations (OFO).

Salary–and Duty Location Recruitment Incentives–and Benefits

Annual Base Salary for newly appointed CBPOs varies as follows:

• GS-9 $61,111 - $124,443 per year

Locality pay varies by duty location.

Note: A fully trained CBP Officer is eligible for up to $45,000 in overtime pay in addition to the starting salary.

Grade level eligibility and salaries vary depending upon background, including experience and education, and duty location of the opportunity.

This is a career ladder position with a grade level progression of GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, and GS-12.

You will be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level (without re-applying) once you successfully complete 52 weeks in each grade level.

Promotions are at the discretion of the agency.

Officers are eligible to select from an array of federal employment benefits that include health, dental and other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan akin to a traditional and ROTH 401(k) offering.

LOCATION INCENTIVES: If you accept one of the duty locations listed below, you may be eligible to receive an additional 15%-25% of your salary each year for the first three (3) years of employment in addition to any overtime pay.

If you accept the duty location of San Francisco, you may be eligible to receive an additional 25% of your salary each year for the first four (4) years of employment in addition to any overtime pay.

These incentives only apply to new federal employees and are dependent upon the availability of funds.

Duty locations offering 25% recruitment incentives: Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, and Tecate, CA; Key West, FL; Calais and Jackman, ME; Detroit, MI; Grand Portage, MN; Raymond and Sweetgrass, MT; Dunseith and Pembina, ND; Beecher Falls, VT; Oroville, WA

Duty locations offering 15% recruitment incentives: Honolulu, HI; Portal, ND; Derby Line and Richford, VT; Blaine, WA

Duty location offering 10% recruitment incentives: Calexico, CA

Qualifications:

You qualify for the GS-9 grade level in one of the following ways: experience, education, or a combination of both.

Experience: A minimum of 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level that includes:

• Detaining suspected violators of Federal, State, or local laws and/or arresting violators using the proper law enforcement methods.

• Enforcing the laws and regulations relating to importing, exporting, and/or international shipping to and from the United States.

• Utilizing intelligence techniques and behavior analysis to identify potential threats and perform risk assessments for violations of laws and threats to national security.

• Conducting interviews in a law enforcement capacity for the purposes of gaining information from suspected violators of laws to determine the appropriate course of action.

The above experience will be applied in connection with the following: Ability to make rapid, accurate judgments and decisions with respect to the application of the regulations, instructions, and procedures for importing and exporting merchandise to and from the United States; or enforcement and administration of laws relating to the right of persons to enter, reside in, or depart from the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Education Substitution: A master's (or higher) degree, or two or more years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.B. or J.D. from an accredited or college or university; OR

Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of specialized experience AND successfully completed graduate level education.

This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.

Other Requirements:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.

Residency: You must have had primary U.S. residency (includes protectorates as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years.

Age Restriction: In accordance with Public Law 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions.

Candidates must be referred for selection to the Customs and Border Protection Officer position before reaching their 40th birthday in accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-03.

The age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement (non-military) position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d).

Veterans’ Preference: You may also be eligible for an excepted service Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA).

The age restriction does not apply if you are Veterans' Preference eligible.

Formal Training: You will be required to complete a paid pre-academy orientation for approximately two (2) weeks at your home port.

You will then attend a 101-day training program–CBP Field Operations Academy–conducted at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) located in Glynco, GA.

This training consists of basic law enforcement skills, immigration laws, firearms training,

examination of cargo/bags/merchandise, physical fitness, etc.

Candidates assigned to the southern border, Miami, or Puerto Rico duty locations must attend and pass an online Spanish training program, which will be completed at their home port.

Successful completion of the Academy is required for this position.

Duty Locations: Customs and Border Protection Officer all grade levels

Arizona - Douglas, Nogales and San Luis, AZ

California - Calexico, Los Angeles, Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, and Tecate, CA

Florida - Key West and Miami, FL

Illinois - Chicago, IL

Louisianna - New Orleans, LA

Texas - Eagle Pass, El Paso, Hidalgo, Houston, and Progreso, TX

District of Columbia - Washington, D.C.

Hawaii - Honolulu, HI

Maine - Calais, Fort Kent, Houlton, Jackman, Madawaska, Van Buren, and Vanceboro, ME

Michigan - Detroit, Port Huron, and Sault Ste Marie, MI

Minnesota - Grand Portage, International Falls, and Warroad, MN

New Jersey - Morgan, Raymond, Roosville, Sweetgrass, and Wild Horse, MT

Newark, NJ

New York - Alexandria Bay, Buffalo, Champlain, Massena, Queens, and Trout River, NY

North Dakota - Dunseith, Hansboro, Neche, Pembina, and Portal, NDVermont - Beecher Falls, Derby Line, Highgate Springs, Norton, and Richford, VT

Washington - Blaine, Oroville, and Seattle, WA.

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Required Skill Profession

Law Enforcement Workers