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Border Patrol Agent Trainee Jobs in Riverside, CA

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Border Patrol Agent Trainee information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$46.9K

$92K

$136.7K

How much do border patrol agent trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for border patrol agent trainee in Riverside, CA is $91,972.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $116,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Border Patrol Agent Trainee vs Border Patrol Agent?

AspectBorder Patrol Agent TraineeBorder Patrol Agent
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; U.S. citizenship; background check; medical examSame as trainee, plus completion of training program
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, including classroom and field trainingActive duty in the field, patrolling borders and apprehending suspects
Employer & Industry UsageU.S. Customs and Border Protection, border securitySame as trainee, after successful training completion

The main difference is that the Border Patrol Agent Trainee is in training, focusing on learning procedures and skills, while the Border Patrol Agent has completed training and actively performs border security duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Border Patrol Agent Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Border Patrol Agent Trainee, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, U.S. citizenship, physical fitness, and the ability to pass background and medical checks. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, radios, and surveillance technology, as well as completion of formal training at the Border Patrol Academy, are typically required. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, teamwork, and communication skills are essential for success in dynamic and sometimes high-pressure environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring effective border security, personal safety, and adherence to federal law enforcement standards.

What are some common challenges faced during the Border Patrol Agent Trainee program?

Border Patrol Agent Trainees often encounter challenges such as adjusting to a rigorous training environment, mastering a wide range of law enforcement skills, and adapting to the physical demands of the role. The training academy emphasizes both classroom instruction and hands-on exercises, including firearms proficiency, Spanish language acquisition, and legal procedures. Trainees may also find it challenging to adapt to the structured, disciplined setting and the expectation to perform well under pressure, but strong peer and instructor support systems are in place to help candidates succeed.

Do Border Patrol trainees get paid?

Yes, Border Patrol trainee candidates receive pay during their training period, which includes classroom instruction and field exercises. Trainees are typically paid at the entry-level salary rate for their position and may also receive benefits such as health insurance and paid leave.

Can I become a Border Patrol agent with no experience?

Border Patrol Agent Trainees typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass a background check, physical fitness test, and written exam. Prior experience is not required, but candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills, physical endurance, and a commitment to law enforcement duties.

How hard is it to get hired as a Border Patrol agent?

Getting hired as a Border Patrol agent involves a competitive process that includes passing a written exam, physical fitness test, background investigation, medical and drug screening, and an interview. Candidates typically need relevant experience, good physical condition, and meet age and citizenship requirements; the process can take several months to complete.

How long is training to become a Border Patrol agent?

Training to become a Border Patrol agent typically lasts about 20 weeks and includes classroom instruction, physical fitness training, and practical exercises. Trainees also learn about immigration laws, surveillance techniques, and law enforcement procedures to prepare for field duties.

What are Border Patrol Agent Trainees?

Border Patrol Agent Trainees are individuals who are undergoing training to become full-fledged Border Patrol Agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Their primary role is to learn how to detect, prevent, and apprehend individuals who attempt to enter the United States illegally or engage in illegal activities at or near the border. The training includes instruction in law enforcement techniques, immigration law, physical fitness, and firearms proficiency. Upon successful completion of the training program, trainees are promoted to Border Patrol Agents and assigned to duty stations along the U.S. borders.
What are the most commonly searched types of Border Patrol Agent jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Border Patrol Agent jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Border Patrol Agent Trainee jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Border Patrol Agent Trainee job openings:
Border Patrol Agent - Experienced (GS11)

Border Patrol Agent - Experienced (GS11)

United States Customs and Border Protection

Mountain Home Village, CA

$63K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


U.S. Customs and Border Protection rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

125th of 649 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

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

NEW RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION INCENTIVES!

Check out these higher-salaried federal law enforcement opportunities with the 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 (BPA) 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.

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE INCENTIVES – SEE SALARY SECTION BELOW

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.

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 and 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. A fully trained BPA 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 from 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.

*Recruitment Incentive* Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents (as defined in 5 CFR 575.102) will be offered up to a $20,000 incentive. The first $10,000 will be paid upon successful completion of the Border Patrol Academy, with the remaining $10,000 awarded for accepting a prioritized location. Prioritized locations include Sierra Blanca, TX; Presidio, TX; Sanderson, TX; Comstock, TX; Lordsburg, NM; Freer, TX; Hebbronville, TX; Ajo, AZ.

*Retention Incentive* Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents may also qualify for up to $40,000 in additional incentives distributed over their first four years.

Duties and Responsibilities:

As a 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 customs 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, watercraft, 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 one (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, driver training, physical techniques, firearms, and other courses. Border Patrol work requires the ability to speak and read Spanish, as well as English. Border Patrol Agents will be provided training to become proficient in the Spanish language at the Academy.

How to Apply:

Click the Apply button on this site. You will be linked to the CBP Talent Network registration page. For Position of Interest, select Border Patrol Agent, and then complete the pre-screening questions.

You’ll then receive a link(s) to the BPA Job Opening Announcements (JOAs) on USAJOBS, the federal government’s official employment site, to complete your application. Be certain to review ALL details of the job opportunity announcement and follow all instructions in the application process, including items (resume, transcripts, etc.) to submit. You will be evaluated based on your resume, supporting documents, and the BPA Entrance Exam.

If you have questions about the application process, contact a recruiter through the U.S. Border Patrol page: careers.cbp.gov/s/usbp.

NOTE: As a subscriber to the CBP Talent Network, you’ll receive monthly emails with information about webinars, career expos, and future opportunities with CBP.


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About U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

U.S. Customs and Border Protection serves and protects America with a workforce of more than 60,000 law enforcement and support professionals. We're united by our mission to guard our borders from threats and illicit activities while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003