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Border Security Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

$60K/yr

February 2026 Update GL-5/7 grade levels Border Patrol Agent (BPA) - in the Federal Security and Public Safety Sector (Entry Level) A MISSION WORTHY OF A CAREER! If you're looking for "just a job ...

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Border Security information

See Michigan salary details

$24.8K

$38.3K

$51.4K

How much do border security jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for border security in Michigan is $38,318.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,100.00 and $41,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by border security officers during their daily duties?

Border security officers often encounter challenges such as managing high volumes of travelers, identifying fraudulent documents, and responding to rapidly changing security threats. They must remain vigilant and adaptable while working in dynamic, high-pressure environments that may require long hours or shift work. Additionally, effective communication and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies are crucial for handling complex situations and ensuring the safety of all parties.

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

To excel as a Border Security Officer, you need physical fitness, attention to detail, strong observation skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent; additional law enforcement or military training is often preferred. Familiarity with surveillance systems, identification verification technology, and communication devices is crucial. Outstanding interpersonal skills, integrity, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help officers manage challenging interactions and emergencies. These skills and qualities are vital to effectively enforce laws, maintain national security, and ensure safe and lawful border crossings.

What is border security?

Border security refers to the measures and policies implemented by a country to monitor, regulate, and protect its borders from illegal activities such as unauthorized immigration, smuggling, human trafficking, and potential security threats. Border security professionals work at international borders, airports, and seaports to enforce laws, inspect goods and people, and prevent unlawful entry. Their role is crucial in maintaining national security, facilitating lawful trade and travel, and safeguarding the public.

How much do border guards get paid in the US?

Border guards in the US, such as Customs and Border Protection officers, typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and rank. Entry-level positions usually start around $40,000, with opportunities for overtime and promotions increasing overall compensation.

Is it hard to get hired by border patrol?

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

What qualifications do you need to be a border patrol?

To become a border patrol agent, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, and meet physical fitness standards. Some positions may require college coursework or prior law enforcement experience, and applicants must complete training at a federal law enforcement academy.

What is the difference between Border Security vs Customs Officer?

AspectBorder SecurityCustoms Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; security trainingHigh school diploma; customs and immigration training
Work EnvironmentBorder crossings, airports, portsCustoms stations, ports, airports
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, homeland securityCustoms agencies, border control
Common Search/ComparisonBorder Security vs Customs Officer

Border Security and Customs Officers both work in border control environments, but Border Security personnel focus on overall border protection, including preventing illegal crossings and threats. Customs Officers primarily handle customs inspections, tariffs, and import/export regulations. While their roles overlap in border areas, their specific responsibilities and training differ, making each role unique within border enforcement agencies.

Is border patrol hiring now?

Border patrol agencies periodically open hiring for positions such as Border Patrol Agent, which typically require passing a physical fitness test, background check, and training at a federal academy. Recruitment opportunities depend on agency needs and budget, so interested candidates should regularly check official government employment websites for current openings.
Infographic showing various Border Security job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,318 per year, or $18.4 per hour.
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent

Supervisory Border Patrol Agent

US Department of Homeland Security

Detroit, MI • On-site

$109K/yr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


U.S. Department Of Homeland Security rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

93rd of 288 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, located in the following locations:
  • Swanton Sector:
    • Ogdensburg, NY
    • Newport, VT
    • Burke, NY
  • Detroit Sector:
    • Sault Ste. Marie, MI
    • Detroit, MI
    • Gibraltar, MI
    • Port Clinton, OH
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:
  • Interpreting and enforcing immigration or comparable laws, rules, and regulations;
  • Gathering and analyzing intelligence from a variety of sources;
  • Developing case work pertaining to criminal prosecutions and investigations;
  • Identifying and investigating smuggling operations;
  • Devising and recommending solutions to operational problems, and apprising management of identified deficiencies and solutions;
  • Ensuring compliance with enforcement and operational practices.

Rigorous Law Enforcement Officer Special Retirement Coverage: This is a rigorous 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), 5 USC 8336(c). 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.
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 07/24/2026.

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.
Age Requirement: Provisions of Public Laws 93-350 and 100-238 allow the imposition of a maximum age for initial appointment to a primary Law Enforcement Officer position within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In accordance with DHS Management Directive 251-03, the "day before an individual's 37th birthday" is the maximum age for original appointment to a position as a primary law enforcement officer within DHS. NOTE: CBP has approved a temporary increase in the maximum allowable age to 40 for original placement into a law enforcement position. In accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-03, unless the below criteria applies, you must meet this age requirement by the date of referral to the hiring manager.
Creditable law enforcement officer service covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d), or creditable service covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8401(36) (as a Customs and Border Protection Officer) on or after July 6, 2008, may be applied toward the maximum age requirement. This age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving in a federal civilian (not military) law enforcement position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d).
Veterans Preference Eligibility: To ensure compliance with statutes pertaining to the appointment of preference eligible veterans as determined by the Merit Systems Protection Board in its recent decision of Isabella v. Dept. of State, the maximum age for original appointment articulated above shall not apply to the hiring of individuals entitled to veterans preference eligibility under 5 U.S.C. 3312. You must submit proof of Veteran's Preference (DD-214 Member 4 Copy) at the time of application. For more information on Veterans' Preference eligibility please see the OPM Veterans' Guide.
Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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About U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency operating within the government services industry in Washington, DC, US. Established in 2003, the DHS is directly responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries. Its main responsibilities include protecting the United States from and responding to terrorist attacks, man-made accidents, and natural disasters. Through its more than 20 component agencies including Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it ensures the safety of the US through numerous programs and initiatives. The DHS upholds a core value system with the mission of safeguarding the American people, our homeland, and values. Notably, the DHS plays a critical role in the spectral range of activities to prepare, prevent, and respond to possible threats to the US.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003