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Customs And Border Protection Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Customs And Border Protection Officer information

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$11K

$83.2K

$99.5K

How much do customs and border protection officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for customs and border protection officer in the United States is $83,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Customs and Border Protection Officers face on the job, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Customs and Border Protection Officers often encounter challenges such as long and irregular shifts, exposure to high-pressure situations, and the need to make quick decisions regarding border security and immigration issues. Officers must also interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds, sometimes in stressful circumstances. Applicants can prepare by developing strong communication, stress management, and problem-solving skills, and by familiarizing themselves with relevant laws and procedures. Physical fitness and adaptability are also important, as the work environment can be demanding and unpredictable.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Customs and Border Protection Officer?

To thrive as a Customs and Border Protection Officer, you need a solid understanding of law enforcement practices, border security regulations, and typically must have a relevant degree or equivalent work experience. Familiarity with inspection tools, detection technology, and federal data systems such as TECS and ATS is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure officers can effectively enforce laws, protect national security, and interact professionally with diverse individuals at the border.

What is a Customs and Border Protection Officer?

Customs and Border Protection Officers are federal law enforcement agents who work to secure the nation's borders and ports of entry. They are responsible for screening travelers and cargo, preventing illegal immigration, and intercepting contraband such as drugs and weapons. Their duties also include enforcing customs, immigration, and trade laws to protect the country's economic interests and national security. These officers may work at airports, seaports, and land border crossings, and they often interact with travelers from around the world.

What cities are hiring for Customs And Border Protection Officer jobs?

Cities with the most Customs And Border Protection Officer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Customs And Border Protection Officer jobs?

The most popular types of Customs And Border Protection Officer jobs are:

What states have the most Customs And Border Protection Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Customs And Border Protection Officer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Customs And Border Protection Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,196 per year, or $40 per hour.

Supervisory Customs & Border Protecton Officer (Canine)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Queens, NY • On-site

$128K/yr

Other

Retirement

This job post has expired 1 day ago. 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

172nd of 845 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, Cargo Operations Examinations, located in Queens, New York.Qualifications: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
GS-13 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 (GS-12), performing duties such as:
  • Conducting prearrival targeting and intelligence vetting of persons, conveyances, and merchandise enroute to the United States using law enforcement databases, intelligence systems, and open-source information
  • Utilizing observational techniques and monitors traveler behavior to assess risk for possible involvement in terrorism, criminal activity, or other violations
  • Collaborating with internal components and cooperating government agencies to verify threats
  • Responding to and resolving technical and operational questions regarding the functioning of the canine program
  • Supervising shift operations, monitoring performance, and identifying developmental and training needs
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.
Administrative Secondary CBPO Enhanced Retirement Requirement: This position meets the definition of secondary administrative CBPO enhanced retirement coverage under the laws and regulations defined in 5 U.S.C. 8331 (31), Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and General Provisions for Customs and Border Protection Officers 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 special retirement coverage 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 Officer Special Enhanced Retirement covered position you must have permanently served in a primary CBP Officer Special Enhanced Retirement System covered 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.
  • 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 08/05/2026.

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: The Supervisory Customs & Border Protecton Officer (Canine) 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.
Leadership Training: All newly appointed (Insert appropriate level: second level supervisors are required to complete mandatory training. The training will be scheduled by the Office of Training and Development within the first 90 days of appointment. The duration of the training will include 4 weeks of in residence training in Harpers Ferry, WV. Note: This training may be waived if previously completed.
Supervisory Probationary Period: You may be required to serve an 18 month probationary period upon appointment. Selectees may be required to successfully complete the Essential Supervisory Skills (ESS) course. Failure to successfully complete the ESS course within the supervisory probationary period will result in the employee being removed from the 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. government
Education:Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.
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