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Customs Border Patrol Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$63K - $120K/yr

Border Patrol Agent (BPA) - in the Federal Security and Public Safety Sector Experienced (GL-9 GS ... Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is hiring immediately for these full-time, career Law ...

$63K - $120K/yr

Border Patrol Agent (BPA) - in the Federal Security and Public Safety Sector Experienced (GL-9 GS ... Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is hiring immediately for these full-time, career Law ...

$63K - $120K/yr

Border Patrol Agent (BPA) - in the Federal Security and Public Safety Sector Experienced (GL-9 GS ... Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is hiring immediately for these full-time, career Law ...

$63K - $120K/yr

Border Patrol Agent (BPA) - in the Federal Security and Public Safety Sector Experienced (GL-9 GS ... Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is hiring immediately for these full-time, career Law ...

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Customs Border Patrol information

See Virginia salary details

$10.9K

$82.5K

$98.6K

How much do customs border patrol jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for customs border patrol in Virginia is $82,483.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,600.00 and $97,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Customs Border Patrol jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Customs Border Patrol jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Customs Border Patrol jobs in Virginia? For Customs Border Patrol jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Customs Border Patrol jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Customs Border Patrol jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Customs Border Patrol jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Customs Border Patrol job openings:
Infographic showing various Customs Border Patrol job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,483 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

BORDER PATROL AGENT (HEADQUARTERS PROGRAMS)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Sterling, VA

$125K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 14 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

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, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Border Patrol Headquarters, Law Enforcement Operations Directorate, Intelligence Division, located in Sterling, VA.Qualifications: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:
  • Collaborating with Border Patrol managers in the collection, formulation, and development of Border Patrol objectives.
  • Reviewing Border Patrol data and program metrics, and recommending the use or development of best practices.
  • Assisting with specific projects that included enforcement operations, intelligence collection and reporting, administrative and logistical support.
  • Creating reports utilizing information from Border Patrol databases and operations for purposes of formulating budget recommendations.

This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement: Specialized Experience in law enforcement or other responsible work that demonstrated the ability to: Make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms; deal effectively with individuals or groups of persons in a courteous, tactful manner in connection with law enforcement matters; analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions or take prompt and appropriate law enforcement action in light of applicable laws, court decisions, and sound law enforcement procedures; and develop and maintain contact with a network of informants.
Secondary Law Enforcement Officer Special Retirement Coverage: This is a secondary 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) and 5 USC 8336(c). Employees in secondary positions must meet the following conditions in order to be eligible for special retirement provisions: moved directly from a rigorous position to a secondary position without a break in service; complete 3 years of service in a rigorous position; and have been continuously employed in a secondary position(s) 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. 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.
Mandatory Prerequisite for Secondary Administrative LEO Retirement Covered Position: This position has been identified as Administrative, that is, an executive, managerial, technical, semiprofessional, or professional position for which experience in a primary/rigorous law enforcement or firefighting position, or equivalent experience outside of the Federal government is a mandatory prerequisite,

as defined by 5 CFR 831.902 (CSRS) and 5 CFR 842.802 (FERS).

Note: if you currently serve in a permanent Secondary LEO Retirement covered position, you are exempt from this mandatory prerequisite.
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 08/13/2026.
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.
Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.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