1

Border Protection Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$63K - $120K/yr

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 ...

$63K - $120K/yr

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Border Protection information

See Virginia salary details

$21.9K

$70.8K

$139.6K

How much do border protection jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for border protection in Virginia is $70,790.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,975.00 and $79,261.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Border Protection vs Customs Officer?

AspectBorder ProtectionCustoms Officer
CertificationsBorder security training, possibly law enforcement credentialsCustoms enforcement training, law enforcement credentials
Work EnvironmentBorder crossings, ports, airportsBorder crossings, ports, airports
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, border securityCustoms agencies, border security
Job FocusPrevent illegal crossings, border securityEnforce customs laws, inspect goods and travelers

Border Protection and Customs Officers often work in similar environments and share certifications related to law enforcement. While Border Protection focuses on preventing illegal crossings and border security, Customs Officers primarily enforce customs laws and inspect goods and travelers. Both roles are essential for national security and often collaborate at border points, but their specific duties differ based on their primary focus.

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

To thrive as a Border Protection Officer, you need strong observational skills, physical fitness, and a solid understanding of laws and regulations, usually supported by relevant training and sometimes a degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with surveillance technology, biometric systems, and communication devices is commonly required. Excellent judgment, adaptability, and effective communication help officers manage high-pressure situations and interact with diverse populations. These skills are critical to ensure border security, enforce laws, and maintain safety for both the public and officers.

How to become a border protection agent?

To become a border protection agent, applicants typically need to meet age, education, and background requirements, pass physical fitness tests, and complete training at a federal law enforcement academy. Relevant skills include strong communication, problem-solving, and knowledge of immigration laws, with some positions requiring specialized certifications or clearances.

How much does a CBP agent get paid?

A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent's starting salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and rank. With experience and promotions, salaries can increase to over $100,000. CBP agents also receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and overtime pay.

Is it hard to get hired by border patrol?

Getting hired as a Border Patrol agent involves a competitive process that includes passing physical fitness tests, background checks, medical exams, and written assessments. Candidates typically need relevant experience, a clean record, and must meet specific age and education requirements, making the hiring process challenging but achievable with proper preparation.

What are the common challenges faced by Border Protection officers during their daily duties?

Border Protection officers often work in high-pressure environments where they must make quick decisions while ensuring the safety of themselves and others. They regularly encounter unpredictable situations, such as dealing with individuals attempting to cross borders illegally or transporting prohibited goods. Officers also need to stay current with constantly changing laws and regulations, which requires ongoing training and adaptability. Collaboration with other agencies and effective communication are key to managing these challenges successfully.

What are Border Protection officers?

Border Protection officers are professionals responsible for safeguarding a country's borders by preventing illegal entry, smuggling, and other security threats. They monitor and inspect people, vehicles, and cargo at border crossings, airports, and seaports. Their duties also include enforcing immigration laws, responding to emergencies, and working with other law enforcement agencies. Border Protection officers play a crucial role in national security and the regulation of trade and travel.

What disqualifies you from becoming a border patrol agent?

Border Patrol agents must meet specific eligibility criteria, including a clean criminal record, U.S. citizenship, and passing background checks. Disqualifications include felony convictions, certain misdemeanors, drug use, dishonorable military discharges, and failure to meet physical fitness or medical standards.
What are the most commonly searched types of Border Protection jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Border Protection jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Border Protection jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Border Protection job openings:
Infographic showing various Border Protection job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,790 per year, or $34 per hour.
CBP Officer (NTC)

$125K/yr

Other

Retirement

Posted 18 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

124th of 705 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, National Targeting Center located in Sterling, VA.
This Open Continuous Job Announcement is used in building a pool of qualified applicants. Applications will be reviewed throughout the duration of announcement up to the closing date.Qualifications:Experience: 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:
  • Researching, obtaining, assembling, and analyzing classified intelligence from a wide array of sources (federal, state, local, military, foreign, financial, and technology companies) to identify patterns, assess risks, and distinguish criminal intent
  • Providing expert guidance to CBP Officers and management, demonstrating ingenuity and resourcefulness to target, manage, process, and resolve high-risk, complex, sensitive, and unprecedented situations involving people and cargo
  • Identifying weaknesses in existing laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; making and defending recommendations for significant changes or interpretations to improve CBP Officer operations
  • Preparing complex reports that substantiate findings and serve as a basis for potential legal action, requiring a strong understanding of legal frameworks and meticulous documentation.

NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.
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.
The customs and border protection officer mandatory separation provisions of 5 USC 8425 do not apply to an individual first appointed as a customs and border protection officer before July 6, 2008.
Secondary CBPO Special Retirement Coverage: This is a secondary position subject to mandatory retirement under the special retirement provisions for Customs and Border Protection Officers (5 CFR 842.1003; 5 USC 8425(b), 5 USC 8335(b); and 5 USC 8412(d). Employees in secondary positions must meet the following conditions in order to be eligible for special retirement provisions: moved directly from a primary position to a secondary position without a break in service; complete 3 years of service in a primary position; and, if applicable, have been continuously employed in a secondary position or positions 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 If you have questions regarding your retirement coverage provisions, please contact the CBP Retirement Operations Center at (202) 863-6180.
The customs and border protection officer mandatory separation provisions of 5 USC 8425 do not apply to an individual first appointed as a customs and border protection officer before July 6, 2008.
Administrative Secondary CBP Officer (CBPO) Special Retirement Coverage (SRC) Requirement: This position meets the definition of secondary administrative CBPO SRC under the laws and regulations defined in 5 U.S.C. 8331 (31), Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and General Provisions for CBPO defined in 5 U.S.C. 8401(36), Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). The criterion is that knowledge, skill and ability in a position deemed to meet primary CBPO SRC is a mandatory prerequisite to satisfactorily perform the major duties and responsibilities of this job. The conditions for coverage of a secondary position are contained in 5 C.F.R. 831.1604 for CSRS and 5 C.F.R. 842.1003 for FERS. As defined in 5 C.F.R. 831.1602 CSRS and 5 CFR 842.1002 FERS, to be eligible for this secondary administrative CBP) SRC position you must have permanently served in a primary CBPO SRC position, e.g. Customs Inspector, GS-1890; Immigration Inspector, GS-1816; Canine Enforcement Officer, GS-1801; or CBP Officer, GS-1895.
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 01/04/2027
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: The CBP Officer (NTC) position 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.
Probationary Period: Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.
If you are not a current GS-1895, and you are selected, you will have to meet the following medical/physical standards:
Physical/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.
Physical Fitness Test: You will be required to successfully pass the Pre-employment Fitness Test. Please view both Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The Fitness Test and Pre-Employment Fitness Test Physical Readiness Program, a 6-week program designed to assist you in achieving a level of physical fitness that will help you successfully pass the CBP fitness test.Education:Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.
Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
  • Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
  • A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
  • Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
  • Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. governmen
Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


U.S. Customs and Border Protection logo

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