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Customs And Border Protection Jobs in Washington, DC

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Customs And Border Protection information

See Washington, DC salary details

$44.6K

$134.8K

$178.8K

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

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for customs and border protection in Washington, DC is $134,790.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,100.00 and $154,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Customs and Border Protection officer do?

A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer is responsible for protecting the United States’ borders by preventing illegal immigration, drug smuggling, human trafficking, and other threats. They inspect people and goods entering and leaving the country at ports of entry, such as airports, seaports, and land border crossings. CBP officers enforce customs, immigration, and agricultural laws, ensuring the safety and security of the nation while facilitating lawful international travel and trade.

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 principles, strong decision-making abilities, and typically must pass background checks and complete federal training programs. Familiarity with inspection technologies, surveillance equipment, and CBP databases is required to effectively monitor and process travelers and cargo. Outstanding interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and stress management set individuals apart in this demanding environment. These competencies are vital for ensuring border security, facilitating lawful trade and travel, and upholding national safety.

What are some typical challenges Customs and Border Protection officers face during their shifts?

Customs and Border Protection officers often encounter challenges such as working long or irregular hours, adapting to rapidly changing situations at ports of entry, and maintaining vigilance in high-stress environments. Officers must be prepared to interact with diverse travelers, sometimes in tense or uncertain circumstances, while upholding laws and regulations. Strong teamwork, effective communication, and situational awareness are essential to overcome these daily challenges and ensure border security.

What is the difference between Customs And Border Protection vs Customs Officer?

AspectCustoms And Border ProtectionCustoms Officer
Primary RoleEnforces laws at borders, manages immigration and trade complianceInspects goods and travelers, enforces customs regulations
Work EnvironmentBorder crossings, airports, ports, and inland facilitiesBorder checkpoints, ports, airports, and cargo areas
Required CredentialsU.S. citizenship, background check, sometimes specialized trainingU.S. citizenship, background check, training programs
EmployerU.S. Customs and Border Protection agencyU.S. Customs and Border Protection agency

Customs And Border Protection is a federal agency overseeing border security and immigration enforcement, while Customs Officers are frontline personnel working within this agency to inspect travelers and goods. Both roles require similar credentials and work in related environments, but CBP has broader responsibilities including policy enforcement and border security management.

Do Customs And Border Protection officers get paid well?

Customs and Border Protection officers typically receive competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and grade level. Entry-level officers often start with a federal pay scale, and additional benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans are included. Overall, the compensation is considered fair within the federal government employment standards.

How to get into Customs and Border Protection?

To join Customs and Border Protection, applicants must meet age, background, and physical fitness requirements, and typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. The hiring process includes submitting an application, passing written exams, interviews, medical and background checks, and completing training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC).

Is it hard to get a job with Customs And Border Protection?

Getting a job with Customs and Border Protection can be competitive, as it requires meeting specific eligibility criteria, passing background checks, and completing training. Candidates often need relevant experience, security clearances, and sometimes specialized skills such as language proficiency or law enforcement training.

What are popular job titles related to Customs And Border Protection jobs in Washington, DC?

For Customs And Border Protection jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Customs And Border Protection jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Customs And Border Protection jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Customs And Border Protection job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,248 per year, or $65 per hour.

CBP Officer (FAIU)

Customs and Border Protection

Ashburn, VA • On-site, Remote

$105K - $136K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 4 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

176th of 851 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary
Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, International Operations and Advisory Directorate (IOAD), International Field Office, Field Analysis Intelligence Unit Division (FAIU), in Ashburn, VA.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
Applicant Cap:
This announcement will be open for 5 business days OR until the first 100 applications have been received, whichever happens first. It is recommended that you apply as soon as possible in order to receive consideration.
This is a Reassignment Opportunity Bulletin:
You must be currently serving or have previously served as a permanent GS-12 with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and are currently serving or have served in the 1895 series within the last five years to qualify under this Bulletin. If you hold or have previously held the GS-1895-13 level or higher and are willing to take a change to lower grade, you will also be considered for this position.
Joining the Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations will allow you to use your expertise to manage one or more national programs in order to help to detect and prevent terrorists and instruments of terror from entering/exiting the U.S. Apply for this exciting opportunity to direct programs that strengthen the Department's ability to perform homeland security.
This position starts at a salary of $105,251.00 (GS-12, Step 1) to $136,830.00 (GS-12, Step 10).
In this position you will perform activities that help prevent the entry of terrorists and instruments of terror, harmful pests and diseases, illegal drugs and contraband, illegal aliens, and importations and exportations contrary to law and trade agreements from entering/exiting the Unites States.Typical duties include:
  • Collecting, evaluating, analyzing, verifying and disseminating complex intelligence information involving terrorism, smuggling, and other criminal activity related to customs and immigration enforcement in POE operations.
  • Utilizing automated tools and databases analyzing available raw data and to aid in the identification of terrorism, smuggling, or other trends, organizations, or methods of operation.
  • Producing link analyses, data mining, and crime charting; composing detailed reports; providing other end products on demand, and on schedule, in support of prosecutions, enforcement activities, and operational justifications, plans, or activities, and plans threat assessments.
  • Developing actionable intelligence for OFO and the POE improving the effectiveness and efficiency of enforcement operations and maintaining national security.

If going from a LEO Covered Position to a Secondary CBPO Special Retirement Covered (SRC) Position: Please be advised that when you enter on duty in this Secondary CBPO SRC position you will no longer be covered under the Special Retirement System for Law Enforcement Officers, but will only be covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). For further information on the Secondary CBPO Enhanced Retirement Coverage, please see the Qualifications section
If going from a Primary CBPO Special Retirement Covered (SRC) Position to a Secondary CBPO SRC Position and you have less than 3 years in a Primary CBPO SRC Position: Please be advised that when you enter on duty in this Secondary CBPO SRC position you will no longer be covered under the Special Retirement System for CBP Officers, but will only be covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or covered under your applicable non-special retirement system depending upon previous service. For further information on the Secondary CBPO SRC, please see the Qualifications section.
CBP employees demonstrate the highest level of commitment to protect and serve the United States of America and to exemplify the CBP Core Values of Vigilance, Service to Country and Integrity. Learn more about CBP's mission, core values and careers at https://www.cbp.gov/about
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
  • Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below)
  • All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English
  • You may be required to pass a background investigation and/or polygraph
  • CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures
  • Firearm 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.
  • Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess the Ability to operate a Government Owned Vehicle. A valid, non-restricted driver's license is required.
  • DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities.
  • Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under the bargaining unit.

Qualifications
Experience: You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
  • Reviewing, analyzing, and disseminating information on new alien smuggling techniques and trends.
  • Identifying shipments or passenger arrivals requiring in-depth or special emphasis inspection actions.
  • Planning and carrying out special assignments, projects, or studies to explore and resolve major or complex problems in operations and enforcement activities, or developing or implementing improved or new procedures.

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.
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 08/28/2026

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 CBP Officer (FAIU) 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.
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.
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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