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Customs Border Patrol Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Customs Border Patrol information

See Michigan salary details

$9.6K

$72.5K

$86.7K

How much do customs border patrol jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for customs border patrol in Michigan is $72,513.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $85,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Customs Border Patrol officer?

Customs Border Patrol agents are federal law enforcement officers responsible for securing the nation's borders and ports of entry. Their primary duties include preventing illegal immigration, smuggling, and the entry of contraband or dangerous goods. They inspect travelers, vehicles, and cargo, enforce customs and immigration laws, and ensure the safety and security of the country. Customs Border Patrol agents may also assist in disaster response and work closely with other agencies to uphold national security.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a Customs Border Patrol officer?

To thrive as a Customs Border Patrol Officer, you need strong knowledge of customs regulations, law enforcement procedures, and physical fitness, typically supported by a relevant background check and completion of federal training programs. Familiarity with inspection tools, detection technologies, and databases like TECS or ATS is essential. Exceptional attention to detail, integrity, and effective communication skills help officers manage high-pressure situations and interact with diverse individuals. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining border security, preventing illegal activities, and ensuring lawful entry into the country.

What challenges do Customs Border Patrol officers face during their shifts?

Customs Border Patrol officers often encounter a fast-paced and unpredictable work environment, dealing with a range of challenges such as identifying contraband, handling high-pressure situations, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Officers must stay vigilant for long periods, work in varying weather conditions, and interact with people from diverse backgrounds. Effective teamwork and communication with other law enforcement agencies are essential to address complex scenarios and maintain border security. Adaptability and resilience are key traits that help officers manage these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Customs Border Patrol vs Customs Officer?

AspectCustoms Border PatrolCustoms Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma, specialized training, background checkHigh school diploma, training, background check
Work EnvironmentBorder crossings, ports of entry, remote locationsAirports, seaports, land border crossings
Employer & IndustryU.S. Customs and Border Protection, governmentCustoms agencies, government agencies

Customs Border Patrol agents primarily focus on securing borders and preventing illegal crossings, often working in remote or border areas. Customs Officers typically work at ports of entry, inspecting goods and travelers. Both roles require similar credentials and are employed by government agencies, but their work environments and specific duties differ.

How much do customs border patrol agents make?

Customs Border Patrol agents typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and rank. Entry-level agents usually start at lower salaries, with opportunities for overtime, bilingual skills, and specialized training increasing earning potential.

How to become a Customs Border Patrol officer?

To become a Customs Border Patrol officer, candidates must meet age, education, and background requirements, pass a written exam, physical fitness test, and a medical exam. Applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions may require college coursework or experience. Successful candidates undergo training at a federal law enforcement academy and must pass a background investigation and drug test.

What are the most commonly searched types of Customs Border Patrol jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Customs Border Patrol jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Customs Border Patrol jobs in Michigan?

For Customs Border Patrol jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Customs Border Patrol jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Customs Border Patrol jobs in Michigan are:

Infographic showing various Customs Border Patrol job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,513 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

$49K - $89K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 27 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

169th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

NEW RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION INCENTIVES!

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Duty assignments available at the time of offer may include the Southwest Border, including prioritized locations.

U.S. Border Patrol determines duty assignments at the time of offer based on operational needs, which may or may not align with candidates’ first-choice preferences. Relocation may be required.

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE INCENTIVES – SEE SALARY SECTION BELOW

The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) offers those interested in a career 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 of protecting America.

If you seek an exciting and rewarding job that provides excellent pay, exceptional federal benefits, and job stability, now is the time to make your move. U.S. Border Patrol (USBP), within the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is hiring immediately for these full-time, entry-level, career Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) opportunities.

Salary and Benefits

Annual Base Salary for newly appointed BPAs varies per grade, as follows:

  • GL-5/GL-7 $49,739 - $89,518 per year

Duty location impacts pay rates; locality pay for federal law enforcement is higher in some locations than others. A fully trained BPA may be eligible for up to an additional 25% of base pay per the BPA Pay Reform Act of 2014. This is a career ladder position with a grade level progression of GL-5, GL-7, GL-9, GS-11, and GS-12. You will be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level (without reapplying) once you successfully complete 52 weeks in each grade level.

Border Patrol 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 ROTH 401(k) offering.

*Recruitment Incentive* Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents (as defined in 5 CFR 575.102) will be offered up to a $20,000 incentive. The first $10,000 will be paid upon successful completion of the Border Patrol Academy, with the remaining $10,000 awarded for accepting a prioritized location. Prioritized locations include Sierra Blanca, TX; Presidio, TX; Sanderson, TX; Comstock, TX; Lordsburg, NM; Freer, TX; Hebbronville, TX; Ajo, AZ.

*Retention Incentive* Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents may also qualify for up to $40,000 in additional incentives distributed over their first four years.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a BPA, you will be part of our 60,000+ workforce that strives to protect the American people by safeguarding our borders, deterring illicit activity, and enhancing the nation’s economic prosperity. Being a BPA makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession.

Typical assignments include:

  • Detecting and questioning people suspected of violating immigration and custom laws and inspecting documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations
  • Preventing and apprehending undocumented noncitizens and smugglers of noncitizens at or near the borders by maintaining surveillance from covert positions to include using infrared scopes during night operations
  • Interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry of persons or contraband
  • Performing farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks
  • Patrolling the international boundary and coastal waterways using a variety of government assets such as vehicles, horses, vessels, watercraft, off-road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles for the accomplishment of the USBP Mission.

Qualifications

You qualify for the GL-5 grade level if you possess one of the following:

Experience: One (1) year of general work experience that demonstrates the ability to take charge, make sound decisions, and maintain composure in stressful situations; to learn regulations, methods, and techniques through classroom training and/or on-the-job instruction; and the ability to gather concise information through questioning, observation, and examination of documents and records; OR

Education Substitution: A bachelor's degree or successful completion of a full four-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; OR

Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of general work experience AND successfully completed college education. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.

You qualify for the GL-7 grade level if you possess one of the following:

Experience: One year of specialized work experience that shows you have the skills necessary to:

  • Make sound judgments and decisions in the use of firearms.
  • Deal effectively with people in a courteous and tactful manner in connection with law enforcement matters.
  • Analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions where you will be expected to make arrests after the completion of required training and apply these skills in a law enforcement capacity such as criminal code enforcement, determining violations of laws, correctional or rehabilitation work involving criminal offenders, security, military, etc.

The above experience will be applied in connection with the following: Make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms; deal effectively with people in a courteous manner in connection with law enforcement matters; analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions; or develop and maintain contact with a network of informants.

Education Substitution for the GL-7 grade level: A bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement, which is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average (i.e., GPA of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0), or (3) honor society membership. Or will receive a bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement. Or one full year of graduate-level education in a field of study related to law enforcement (e.g., criminal justice, homeland security, justice studies, law enforcement, courts and judicial systems, forensic technology, forensic psychology, or corrections and rehabilitation) from an accredited college or university; OR

A Combination of Experience and Education: This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application.

Note: If you have previous or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience, you may qualify at the GL-9 and or GS-11 grade level. Please refer to the BPA GL-9 - 11 announcement.

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 Restriction: In accordance with Public Law 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions. Candidates must be referred for selection to the Border Patrol Agent position before reaching their 40th birthday in accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-03. The age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement (non-military) position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d).

Veterans’ Preference: You may also be eligible for an excepted service Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA). The age restriction does not apply if you are Veterans' Preference eligible.

Formal Training: After you are hired, you will be detailed to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, for approximately six (6) months of intensive instruction in immigration and nationality laws, law enforcement and USBP-specific operations, driver training, physical techniques, firearms, and other courses. Border Patrol work requires the ability to speak and read Spanish, as well as English. Border Patrol Agents will be provided training to become proficient with the Spanish language at the Academy.

How to Apply:

Click the Apply button on this site. You will be linked to the CBP Talent Network registration page. For Position of Interest, select Border Patrol Agent, then complete the pre-screening questions.

You’ll then receive a link(s) to the BPA Job Opening Announcements (JOAs) on USAJOBS, the federal government’s official employment site, to complete your application. Be certain to review ALL details of the job opportunity announcement and follow all instructions in the application process, including items (resume, transcripts, etc.) to submit. You will be evaluated based on your resume, supporting documents, and the BPA Entrance Exam.

If you have questions about the application process, contact a recruiter through the U.S. Border Patrol page: careers.cbp.gov/s/usbp.

As a subscriber to the CBP Talent Network, you’ll receive monthly emails with information about webinars, career expos, and future opportunities with CBP.


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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