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Cbp Agent Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Cbp Agent information

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$5

$16

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How much do cbp agent jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for cbp agent in California is $16.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a CBP agent?

CBP Agents, or Customs and Border Protection Agents, are federal law enforcement officers responsible for protecting the United States' borders. They prevent illegal immigration, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and other illegal activities at ports of entry and along the border. CBP Agents inspect individuals, vehicles, and cargo entering the country, enforce customs, immigration, and agricultural laws, and ensure national security. They play a critical role in facilitating lawful trade and travel while safeguarding America’s borders.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a CBP agent?

To thrive as a CBP Agent, you need strong observational skills, physical fitness, and knowledge of law enforcement procedures, typically backed by a relevant degree or work experience and successful completion of the CBP entrance exam. Familiarity with border security technologies, databases, and firearms certification is essential for daily operations. Integrity, decision-making under pressure, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure that CBP Agents can enforce laws, protect borders, and handle complex situations professionally and safely.

What challenges do CBP agents face during their daily operations?

CBP Agents often encounter challenges such as working in remote or high-traffic border areas, managing unpredictable situations, and adapting to rapidly changing environments. They must stay vigilant for potential security threats while ensuring the legal and humane treatment of individuals crossing the border. The role also requires balancing enforcement duties with strong communication and teamwork, as agents frequently collaborate with other law enforcement agencies and support personnel.

How do you become a CBP agent?

To become a CBP agent, applicants must meet age, citizenship, and background requirements, pass a written exam and physical fitness test, and complete a training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring college coursework or experience in law enforcement or related fields.

How much does a CBP agent get paid?

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

What does a CBP agent do?

A CBP agent, or Customs and Border Protection agent, is responsible for inspecting and securing U.S. borders, preventing illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and contraband. They conduct patrols, perform inspections at ports of entry, and use tools like surveillance equipment to enforce immigration and customs laws. The role requires strong observation skills, physical fitness, and often involves working in various environments including airports, border crossings, and remote areas.

What cities in California are hiring for Cbp Agent jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cbp Agent job openings:

Infographic showing various Cbp Agent job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,197 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Air Interdiction Agent with Security Clearance

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Imperial Beach, CA • On-site

$189K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


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

177th of 854 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Pilot-CBP Air Interdiction Agent - New Hire Sign-On and Retention Incentives NEW RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION INCENTIVES! Air and Marine Operations (AMO), a component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), offers skilled Pilots interested 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 to protect America. If you are looking for an exciting and rewarding career with excellent pay, exceptional federal benefits and job stability, now is the time to make your move: become an Air Interdiction Agent. AMO is actively recruiting for these full-time security-based opportunities with a streamlined application process. Notably, seasoned pilots and those with military training are in demand-APPLY TODAY! DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE INCENTIVES - SEE SALARY SECTION BELOW! Duty Locations Locations are offered based on operational requirements, mission requirements, and critical agency hiring needs as determined by AMO. You must be willing to work at any duty location within the region you select to include but not limited to the following: * Southeast Region: Homestead, FL and CAMB: Aguadilla, PR * Southwest Region: Tucson and Yuma, AZ; San Diego, CA; El Paso, Laredo, and McAllen, TX * NASOC UAS locations: Sierra Vista, AZ; San Angelo, TX Duties and Responsibilities As an Air Interdiction Agent (AIA) you will perform aviation-based law enforcement operations for the detection, prevention, interdiction, and apprehension of terrorists, terrorist weapons, and other contraband and persons from illegally entering or attacking the United States. Typical duties include: * Conducting air patrol, surveillance, and pursuit activities related to the interdiction of smuggled contraband via land vehicles, aircraft, or vessels. * Monitoring behavior patterns and activities of suspect persons, vehicles, or vessels believed to be engaged in illegal activities. * Collecting, refining, and analyzing strategic and tactical intelligence. * Supporting search and rescue and humanitarian efforts. Salary and Benefits Begin your career as an Air Interdiction Agent (AIA) and make up to $88,509 - $163,996 per year based on your qualifications for the GS-11 grade level and possible extra compensation based on your duty location (see below). Recruitment Incentive: New hires may be eligible to receive a one-time Recruitment Incentive payout of $10,000 after completing Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy (FLETC) (1 year service agreement will need to be completed) (Recruitment Incentive is only available to new Federal employees. Eligibility will be determined by Human Resources.) Your starting salary will include Special Salary Rate (SSR); Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP); Recruitment Incentive; and Retention Incentive. This career ladder position has a grade level progression of GS-11, GS-12, and GS-13. You may be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level automatically (without re-applying) once you complete 52 weeks at each grade level (with supervisor approval). Example of annual compensation for the first three years at our new-hire locations which are currently authorized to receive LEAP (amounts below include the SSR + LEAP). >
* GS-11, 1st year annual pay - $120,636 * GS-12, 2nd year annual pay - $132,606 * GS-13, 3rd year annual pay - $157,686 Example of annual compensation for the first three years at our new-hire locations which are currently authorized to receive a 10% Retention Incentive (amounts below include the SSR + LEAP + 10% Retention Incentive UAS Sites: Sierra Vista, AZ; Grand Forks, ND; San Angelo, TX). * GS-11, 1st year annual pay - $120,636 * GS-12, 2nd year annual pay - $159,127 * GS-13, 3rd year annual pay - $189,223 Retention Incentive: Retention Incentive is contingent on eligibility. Eligibility will be determined by Human Resources. * RI: Retention Incentive (25% for UAS Sites, Sierra Vista, AZ, Grand Forks, ND, San Angelo, TX) * RI: Retention Incentive (25% for Key West, FL) * RI: Retention Incentive (25% for Caribbean Air and Marine Branch (CAMB) and subordinate locations) Air Interdiction Agents are eligible to select from an array of federal employment benefits that include health, dental and other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan akin to a traditional and ROTH 401(k) offering. Qualifications Experience: You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized professional aviation experience performing duties such as: * Flying as a Pilot-in-Command or sole manipulator in an airplane and helicopter in all environments of flight, including night, poor weather, unfavorable terrain, low altitudes, or speed. * Evaluating information rapidly and making judicious decisions promptly during in-flight operations. * Developing strategies and coordinating aircraft and ground assets. * Using information systems and databases to conduct information surveys, queries, update files and disseminate information. * Experience may include Operation of an aircraft as Captain, Pilot in Command, Aircraft Commander, First Officer, Certified Flight Instructor, Second in Command, or Co-pilot. Hiring Minimums: Certification & Ratings: A current FAA Commercial or ATP Pilot Certification with one of the following ratings: * Dual Rated: Airplane (Single-engine land or multi-engine land) with instrument rating AND Rotorcraft Helicopter with instrument rating. * Airplane Rated: Airplane (Single-engine land or multi-engine land) with instrument. * Helicopter Rated: Rotorcraft Helicopter with instrument rating. * Equivalent military rating of the above at the time of application (eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot). Flight Hours: Pilot Enter on Duty minimums are 1500 flight hours; (up to 500 hours can be waived, reducing the pilot enter on duty minimums to 1000 hours. 250 Pilot-in-Command hours; 75 Instrument hours; 75 Night hours (Flight Hour Waiver available, see Required Documents); and 100 Flight hours in the last 12 months This qualification requirement is currently being waived by OPM through August 4, 2026. FAA Class 2 medical required for assessment dated within the last 12 calendar months; FAA Class 1, FAA Class 2 or Military medical flight clearance dated within the last 12 months qualifies to start the pre-employment process for the AIA position. Apply at 750 hours total time: Applicants applying at 750 flight hours are required to obtain at least 1,000 flight hours (depending on the number of hours approved for a waiver) at their own expense before being able to attend the 3-part flight assessment. Applicants must still meet 250 Pilot-in-Command, 75 instrument, and 75-night hours (100 flight hours in the last 12 months. This qualification requirement is currently being waived by OPM through August 4, 2026) UAS Flight Hours: Applicants may include UAS Predator A (MQ-1), Predator B (MQ-9) flight hours and Predator A (MQ-1), Predator B (MQ-9) or predator-based flight hours. These hours may be credited towards satisfying the "Total flight time" 1,500 flight hour requirement only. UAS hours do not count towards the 250 flight hours as a Pilot in Command, 75 flight hours Instrument, and 75 flight hours Night. Flight hour logbooks will be required at the time of your Flight Assessment for verification. Other Requirements Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position. Residency: You must have had primary U.S. residency (includes protectorates as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. 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. The age requirement is also necessary to ensure that you are able to complete the 20 years of applicable service for retirement. NOTE: The Commissioner of CBP has approved a temporary increase in the maximum allowable age to 40 for original placement into an Air Interdiction Agent position. Age Waiver: 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 decision 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. Training: This position has a training requirement. You may be required to successfully complete the training requirement as a condition of employment. Failure to successfully complete the required course(s) of training in accordance with CBP standards and policies will result in placement into either a former or different position, demotion, or separation as determined by management and appropriate procedures. Travel Required: You may be expected to travel for this position based on

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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