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Border Patrol Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$63K - $120K/yr

Border Patrol Agent (BPA) - in the Federal Security and Public Safety Sector Experienced (GL-9 GS-11) SAME MISSION, NEW DRIVE! You love protecting your community and doing your part to keep our ...

$63K - $120K/yr

Border Patrol Agent (BPA) - in the Federal Security and Public Safety Sector Experienced (GL-9 GS-11) SAME MISSION, NEW DRIVE! You love protecting your community and doing your part to keep our ...

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Border Patrol information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$20

$36

How much do border patrol jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for border patrol in Virginia is $20.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $21.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How hard is it to get a job at Border Patrol?

Getting a job as 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 require prior law enforcement or military experience. The hiring process can take several months due to thorough screening and training requirements.

How much do border patrol agents make?

Border patrol agents typically earn a starting salary around $50,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and rank. With experience and specialized skills, such as language proficiency or advanced training, salaries can increase to over $80,000 annually. Overtime, shift differentials, and benefits also contribute to overall compensation.

What are some of the unique challenges border patrol agents face during their daily shifts?

Border Patrol agents regularly encounter unpredictable situations, ranging from adverse weather conditions to rapidly changing security threats. Agents must adapt quickly to varied environments, sometimes working alone or in small teams across vast and remote areas. Balancing law enforcement responsibilities with humanitarian concerns, such as providing aid to migrants in distress, is a frequent challenge. Strong teamwork and communication with other agencies are essential to address complex cross-border issues effectively.

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 a strong background in law enforcement, physical fitness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by specialized training at the Border Patrol Academy. Familiarity with surveillance technology, GPS systems, and law enforcement databases is important, and some roles may require proficiency in Spanish. Exceptional situational awareness, decision-making skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for handling challenging and dynamic environments. These skills enable agents to ensure border security, protect public safety, and uphold the law efficiently and ethically.

What is a border patrol agent?

Border Patrol agents are federal law enforcement officers responsible for securing the nation's borders and preventing illegal immigration, human trafficking, and the smuggling of drugs and contraband. They primarily work along the land borders of the United States, monitoring and patrolling to detect and apprehend individuals attempting to enter the country unlawfully. Agents also play a crucial role in upholding national security and enforcing immigration laws. Their duties often involve working in challenging environments and collaborating with other agencies to ensure border security.

What is the difference between Border Patrol vs Customs Officer?

AspectBorder PatrolCustoms Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; training academyHigh school diploma or GED; customs training
Work EnvironmentU.S. borders, remote areas, patrol vehiclesPorts of entry, airports, border crossings
Employer & IndustryU.S. Customs and Border ProtectionU.S. Customs and Border Protection
Job FocusPrevent illegal crossings, enforce immigration lawsInspect goods, enforce customs laws, prevent smuggling

Border Patrol agents primarily focus on patrolling borders to prevent illegal crossings, while Customs Officers inspect goods and travelers at ports of entry. Both roles require similar credentials and work under the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, but their work environments and specific duties differ significantly.

How do you become a border patrol officer?

To become a border patrol officer, candidates must meet age, education, and background requirements, pass a physical fitness test, and complete a training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass a drug test and background investigation.

How can I become a border patrol officer?

To become a border patrol officer, candidates must meet age, education, and background requirements, pass a physical fitness test, and complete a training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass a drug test and background investigation. Bilingual skills and prior law enforcement experience can be advantageous.
What are the most commonly searched types of Border Patrol jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Border Patrol jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Border Patrol jobs in Virginia? For Border Patrol jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Border Patrol jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Border Patrol job openings:
Infographic showing various Border Patrol job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,846 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

BORDER PATROL AGENT (HEADQUARTERS PROGRAMS)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Sterling, VA • On-site

$125K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 13 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

172nd of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Border Patrol Headquarters, Law Enforcement Operations Directorate, Intelligence Division, located in Sterling, VA.Qualifications:You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
  • Collaborating with Border Patrol managers in the collection, formulation, and development of Border Patrol objectives.
  • Reviewing Border Patrol data and program metrics, and recommending the use or development of best practices.
  • Assisting with specific projects that included enforcement operations, intelligence collection and reporting, administrative and logistical support.
  • Creating reports utilizing information from Border Patrol databases and operations for purposes of formulating budget recommendations.

This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement: Specialized Experience in law enforcement or other responsible work that demonstrated the ability to: Make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms; deal effectively with individuals or groups of persons in a courteous, tactful manner in connection with law enforcement matters; analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions or take prompt and appropriate law enforcement action in light of applicable laws, court decisions, and sound law enforcement procedures; and develop and maintain contact with a network of informants.
Secondary Law Enforcement Officer Special Retirement Coverage: This is a secondary position subject to mandatory retirement under the special retirement provisions for law enforcement officers under CSRS and FERS 5 CFR 842.803, 5 CFR 831.903, 5 USC 8425(b), 5 USC 8335(b),5 USC 8412(d) and 5 USC 8336(c). Employees in secondary positions must meet the following conditions in order to be eligible for special retirement provisions: moved directly from a rigorous position to a secondary position without a break in service; complete 3 years of service in a rigorous position; and have been continuously employed in a secondary position(s) since moving from a rigorous position without a break in service exceeding 3 days. For more information on required years of service and retirement age, click on this link. For further information on when an employee continues or discontinues coverage under the special retirement system for law enforcement officers, see the CSRS and FERS handbook, Chapter 46 (CSRS pages 12-14, and FERS pages 41-43). If you have questions regarding your retirement coverage provisions, contact the CBP Retirement Operations Center at (202) 863-6180.
Mandatory Prerequisite for Secondary Administrative LEO Retirement Covered Position: This position has been identified as Administrative, that is, an executive, managerial, technical, semiprofessional, or professional position for which experience in a primary/rigorous law enforcement or firefighting position, or equivalent experience outside of the Federal government is a mandatory prerequisite,

as defined by 5 CFR 831.902 (CSRS) and 5 CFR 842.802 (FERS).

Note: if you currently serve in a permanent Secondary LEO Retirement covered position, you are exempt from this mandatory prerequisite.
Language Requirement: Must be proficient in the Spanish language. (i.e., able to speak and read in Spanish).
Firearms Requirement: This position requires that the incumbent meet initial and continuing qualifications in the use of firearms as outlined in the Gun Control Act of 1968, amended by the Lautenberg Amendment of 1996. An applicant whose background includes any of the following will be ineligible for consideration: 1) convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year; 2) has any outstanding warrants or is a fugitive from justice; 3) unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance; 4) adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental institution; 5) illegally or unlawfully in the United States; 6) renounced U. S. citizenship; 7) subject to a court-ordered restraining (protection) order from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner (spouse, former spouse, parent of applicant's child, individual who cohabitates or has cohabitated with the applicant), or child; or 8) convicted under Federal, State, or Tribal Court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence against an intimate partner or child.
Medical Requirements: Following a tentative job offer, candidates must undergo and successfully complete a medical screening process. Individuals must be medically and physically capable of performing the essential job functions and duties of the position safely and efficiently without endangering the health and safety of the individual, others, or national security. For more information regarding the medical screening process and requirements, check out our video and visit our website.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
You must:
  • Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and
  • Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 08/13/2026.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers
Polygraph Examination: This is a polygraph-required position. If you are not a current CBP employee in a law enforcement position, you may be required to take a polygraph exam and have favorable results in order to continue in the pre-employment process. Please see Polygraph Examination.
Polygraph Reciprocity: CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam. You will receive information to request reciprocity in your Background Investigation Package.
Polygraph Waiver: Certain veterans may be eligible to obtain a polygraph waiver. You will receive information to request a waiver in your Background Investigation Package.
Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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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