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Border Patrol Hiring Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Border Patrol Hiring information

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$37

How much do border patrol hiring jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for border patrol hiring in the United States is $20.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is the US Border Patrol currently hiring?

The US Border Patrol regularly recruits for various positions, including Border Patrol Agents, and hiring is ongoing based on staffing needs. Applicants typically need to meet specific requirements such as age, background checks, physical fitness, and passing written exams. Interested candidates should check the official Customs and Border Protection website for current openings and application details.

How do you get hired for border patrol?

To get hired for border patrol, applicants must meet age, education, and physical fitness requirements, pass a background check, and complete a written exam and medical examination. Candidates typically undergo training at a federal law enforcement academy and must demonstrate strong communication skills and integrity throughout the hiring process.

What is the difference between Border Patrol Hiring vs Customs Officer?

AspectBorder Patrol HiringCustoms Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, background check, physical fitnessHigh school diploma or equivalent, background check, physical fitness
Work EnvironmentU.S. borders, remote and rugged terrains, 24/7 shiftsPorts of entry, airports, border crossings, office settings
Employer & Industry UsageU.S. Customs and Border Protection, federal governmentU.S. Customs and Border Protection, federal government

Both Border Patrol Agents and Customs Officers require similar credentials and work for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. However, Border Patrol Hiring focuses on securing remote border areas, while Customs Officers primarily operate at ports of entry. Understanding these differences helps applicants choose the right career path within border security roles.

How much are border patrol agents getting paid?

Border patrol agents typically earn a starting salary of around $50,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and rank. Experienced agents or those in supervisory roles can earn higher salaries, and the position often includes benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

What is Border Patrol hiring and what does the job involve?

Border Patrol hiring refers to the recruitment process for U.S. Border Patrol agents, who are responsible for securing the nation’s borders and preventing illegal immigration, human trafficking, and smuggling of contraband. The job involves patrolling international land borders and coastal waters, using advanced technology and surveillance equipment, and working in various environments, including remote and challenging terrains. Applicants must meet strict qualifications, pass a rigorous hiring process, and undergo training at the Border Patrol Academy. The role is demanding but offers opportunities for career advancement and public service.

What are some common challenges faced by new Border Patrol agents during their first year on the job?

New Border Patrol agents often encounter challenges such as adapting to shift work, managing physically demanding duties in remote areas, and quickly learning to interpret and enforce complex immigration and customs laws. The role frequently involves responding to unpredictable situations, working outdoors in extreme weather, and collaborating closely with experienced agents to ensure border security. Supportive training, mentorship programs, and strong teamwork are in place to help new agents navigate these initial hurdles and build confidence in their responsibilities.

Is it hard to get a job as a border patrol agent?

Becoming a border patrol agent involves a competitive application process that includes written exams, physical fitness tests, background checks, and interviews. Candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some roles may require prior law enforcement or military experience. The hiring process can be lengthy and requires meeting specific eligibility criteria.

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

To thrive as a Border Patrol Agent, you need strong physical fitness, situational awareness, and U.S. citizenship, typically supported by a high school diploma or GED and successful completion of the Border Patrol Agent Entrance Exam. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, surveillance technology, and radio communications is essential for daily operations. Excellent judgment, resilience, and the ability to communicate effectively under pressure set outstanding agents apart. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring national security, enforcing immigration laws, and responding appropriately to complex and potentially dangerous situations.
More about Border Patrol Hiring jobs
What cities are hiring for Border Patrol Hiring jobs? Cities with the most Border Patrol Hiring job openings:
What states have the most Border Patrol Hiring jobs? States with the most job openings for Border Patrol Hiring jobs include:
Infographic showing various Border Patrol Hiring job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,217 per year, or $20.8 per hour.
Border Patrol Agent - Experienced (Hiring Immediately)

Border Patrol Agent - Experienced (Hiring Immediately)

Customs and Border Protection

Jacksonville, FL • On-site

$65K - $124K/yr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago


U.S. Customs and Border Protection rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

166th of 832 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Border Patrol Agent (BPA) - Experienced (GL-9 GS-11) - New Hire Sign-On and Retention Incentives

SAME MISSION, NEW DRIVE!

You love protecting your community and doing your part to keep our nation safe. But maybe you’re looking for a change of scenery?

USBP is hiring immediately for full-time, career positions, where your prior law enforcement officer (LEO) experience may qualify you for higher-graded Border Patrol Agent (BPA) opportunities. Continue making a difference with the nation's premier federal agency charged with securing our borders and protecting our country.

Whether you gained this experience as part of a military police unit or as a member of a state or local law enforcement organization, you have an opportunity to work with highly trained professionals whose camaraderie, pride, and purpose are hallmarks of their daily mission.

Check out the duties and responsibilities section below, along with the qualifications section to see if you are eligible. Now is the time to make your move, along with excellent base pay, location pay, exceptional benefits, and job stability, USBP is offering up to $60,000 in additional incentives to newly appointed Agents (see details below).

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.

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, $65,545 - $124,717per 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 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.

Duty Locations: You will be asked to select your preferred location for one of the following mission critical locations:

  • Big Bend Sector Stations - *Presidio, Van Horn, *Sanderson, Alpine, *Sierra Blanca, Marfa
  • Buffalo Sector Stations - Wellesley Island
  • Del Rio Sector Stations - Del Rio, Brackettville, *Comstock, Eagle Pass North, Eagle Pass South, Carrizo Springs, Uvalde
  • El Paso Sector Stations - Alamogordo, Clint, Deming, El Paso, Fort Hancock, Las Cruces, *Lordsburg, Santa Teresa, Ysleta
  • El Centro Sector Stations - El Centro, Indio, Calexico
  • Grand Forks Sector Stations - Pembina
  • Havre Sector Stations - Havre, Malta, Plentywood, Scobey, Sweetgrass
  • Houlton Sector Stations - Calais, Fort Fairfield, Jackman, Rangeley, Van Buren
  • Laredo Sector Stations - Laredo South, Cotulla, *Hebbronville, Laredo West, *Freer, Laredo North, Zapata
  • Rio Grande Valley Sector Stations - Rio Grande City, Fort Brown, McAllen, Brownsville, Falfurrias, Weslaco, Kingsville, Harlingen
  • San Diego Sector Stations - Boulevard, Brownfield, Campo, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, Murrieta, San Clemente
  • Spokane Sector Stations - Colville, Curlew, Metaline Falls, Oroville
  • Swanton Sector Stations - Beecher Falls, Burke, Champlain, Newport, Richford
  • Tucson Sector Stations - *Ajo, Tucson, Nogales, Douglas, Brian A Terry, Sonoita, Casa Grande, Three Points Substation, Willcox
  • Yuma Sector Stations - Blythe, Yuma, Wellton

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 immig


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About U.S. Customs and Border Protection

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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