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Customs Border Protection Officer Jobs in Wisconsin

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Customs Border Protection Officer information

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$11.1K

$84K

$100.4K

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

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for customs border protection officer in Wisconsin is $83,975.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,400.00 and $99,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Customs Border Protection Officer?

Customs Border Protection Officers, often known as CBP Officers, are federal law enforcement agents who work for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Their primary duties include securing U.S. borders at ports of entry by inspecting people and goods entering the country, preventing illegal immigration, smuggling, and other unlawful activities. CBP Officers also enforce customs, immigration, and agricultural laws to protect the nation’s security and economic interests. They undergo extensive training and may work in various environments such as airports, seaports, and land border crossings.

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

To thrive as a Customs Border Protection Officer, you need strong observational skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of federal regulations, usually supported by successful completion of the CBP Officer Entrance Exam and relevant background checks. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, x-ray scanning equipment, and biometric identification systems is commonly required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, stress management, and sound judgment help officers interact effectively with travelers and colleagues. These competencies are crucial for ensuring border security, enforcing import/export laws, and maintaining public safety.

What are some common challenges faced by Customs Border Protection Officers during their shifts?

Customs Border Protection Officers often face the challenge of making quick, accurate decisions under pressure while interacting with travelers from diverse backgrounds. They must remain vigilant for potential security threats, contraband, or illegal activities, which can require keen observational skills and adherence to strict protocols. The role can involve long hours, shift work, and exposure to changing environmental conditions at ports of entry. Officers also need to balance law enforcement duties with providing respectful customer service to the public.

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

AspectCustoms Border Protection OfficerCustoms Inspector
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require additional training or certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; specialized training often provided
Work EnvironmentBorder crossings, airports, seaports, and other points of entryInspection stations, ports, and border checkpoints
Employer & Industry UsageU.S. Customs and Border Protection, federal governmentU.S. Customs and Border Protection, federal agencies

Both Customs Border Protection Officers and Customs Inspectors work for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, focusing on border security and customs enforcement. While their roles overlap, Officers often handle a broader range of duties including immigration enforcement, whereas Inspectors primarily focus on inspecting goods and cargo. Both positions require similar credentials and work environments, making them closely related roles within border security operations.

Do Customs Border Protection officers get paid well?

Customs Border Protection officers typically receive competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and rank, with entry-level officers earning around the federal pay scale. They also receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and overtime pay, making the position financially stable for many employees.

How can I become a U.S. Customs Border Protection Officer?

To become a U.S. Customs Border Protection Officer, applicants must meet age, citizenship, and background requirements, pass written and physical fitness tests, and complete a structured training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Relevant skills include attention to detail, communication, and knowledge of customs laws. Candidates often need to pass a drug test and security clearance before employment.

How much do customs border protection officers make?

Customs Border Protection Officers typically earn a starting salary around $50,000 to $60,000 annually, with experienced officers making over $80,000. Salaries vary based on location, experience, and rank, and the role often requires passing background checks and training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.
Customs Border Protection Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Customs Border Protection Officer job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 68% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 31% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,975 per year, or $40.4 per hour.

Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO) - Entry Level New Hire Sign-On and Retention Incentives

Superior, WI

U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Public Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about U.S. Customs and Border Protectionexternal

$40K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New

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

Job description

Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO)

NEW RECRUITMENT INCENTIVES!

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers those interested in a career in law enforcement anexceptional 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. You will be part of theDepartment of Homeland Security workforce, protecting American interests and securing our nation.

If you are looking for a rewarding career with great pay, benefits, and job stability, now is the time tomake your move.

DONT FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE INCENTIVES SEE SALARY SECTION BELOW

As a Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO), you will be part of our 60,000+ workforce thatstrives to protect the American people by safeguarding our borders, deterring illicit activity, andenhancing the nations economic prosperity. Being a CBPO makes you a valuable member of the FederalLaw Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession.

Typical assignments include:

  • Enforcing customs, immigration, and agriculture laws and regulations.
  • Facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel.
  • Conducting inspections of individuals and conveyances.
  • Determining the admissibility of individuals for entry into the United States.
  • Preventing the illegal entry of individuals and prohibited goods and the smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband.

Duty Locations Incentives available for some locations

You will be asked to provide your preference for one of the following mission-critical locations:

Anchorage, AK; Douglas, Lukeville, Nogales and San Luis, AZ; Calexico, Otay Mesa, San Francisco, SanYsidro, and Tecate, CA; Washington, D.C.; Key West, Miami, and Orlando, FL; Honolulu, HI; Chicago, IL; Calais,Eastport, Houlton, Jackman, Madawaska, Van Buren, and Vanceboro, ME; Detroit, Port Huron, andSault Ste Marie, MI; Grand Portage and International Falls, MN; Raymond, Roosville, Sweetgrass, andWild Horse, MT; Columbus and Santa Teresa, NM; Alexandria Bay, Champlain, Massena, TroutRiver, and Buffalo, NY; Dunseith, Pembina, and Portal, ND; Brownsville, Dallas, Del Rio, El Paso, Hidalgo, Laredo,Presidio, Progreso, and Houston, TX; Beecher Falls, Derby Line, Highgate Springs, Norton, and Richford, VT;Blaine, Oroville, and Sumas, WA.

The preference locations listed above are expected to have vacancies available in the future, however, ifthe duty locations do not have vacancies at the time of your final offer, you may be offered a dutylocation in another geographic location within the United States. Locations offered are based onoperational and mission requirements and critical agency hiring needs for entry-level CBPOs asdetermined by the CBP Office of Field Operations (OFO).

Salary and Duty Location Recruitment Incentives and Benefits

**Recruitment Incentive** Newly appointed Customs and Border Protection Officers (as defined in 5 CFR 575.102) will be offered up to a $15,000 incentive per year, for a three-year service contract, in thefollowing locations:
  • Arizona: Douglas, Lukeville, Nogales, San Luis
  • California: Calexico
  • Hawaii: Honolulu
  • Maine: Calais, Eastport, Houlton, Jackman, Madawaska, Van Buren, Vanceboro
  • Michigan: Detroit, Port Huron, Sault Sainte Marie
  • Minnesota: Grand Portage, International Falls
  • Montana: Raymond, Sweetgrass
  • New York: Alexandria Bay, Champlain, Massena, Trout River
  • North Dakota: Dunseith, Portal
  • Vermont: Beecher Falls, Derby Line, Highgate Springs, Norton, Richford
  • Washington: Blaine, Oroville**Recruitment Incentive** Newly appointed Customs and Border Protection Officers (as defined in 5 CFR 575.102 will be offered up to a $15,000 incentive per year, for a four-year service contract, in thefollowing locations:
  • California: Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, Tecate
  • Florida: Key West
  • North Dakota: Pembina

    Annual Base Salary for newly appointed CBPOs varies as follows:

    • GS-5 and GS-7 $40,332 - $109,952 per year
    Locality pay varies by duty location.Note: A fully trained CBPO is eligible for up to $45,000 in overtime pay in addition to the starting salary.Grade level eligibility and salaries vary depending upon background, including experience andeducation, and duty location of the opportunity. This is a career ladder position with a grade levelprogression of GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, and GS-12. You will be eligible for a promotion to the next highergrade level (without re-applying) once you successfully complete 52 weeks in each grade level.Promotions are at the discretion of the agency.Officers are eligible to select from an array of federal employment benefits that include health, dentaland other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the ThriftSavings Plan, a retirement plan akin to a traditional and ROTH 401(k) offering.

    Qualifications:

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

    Experience:A minimum of three (3) years full-time general work experience that demonstrates theability to meet and deal with people and the ability to learn and be able to apply a body of facts; OR

    Education Substitution:A bachelor's degree or successful completion of a full four (4)-year course ofstudy in any field leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; OR

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

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

    Experience: A minimum of one (1) year of specialized full-time work experience equivalent to at leastthe next lower grade level that includes:

    • Performing physical inspections of people, documents or goods for criminal activity, fraud,and/or illegal operations.
    • Utilizing observational techniques, evaluating facts, and reviewing documentation whileapplying Federal, State, or local laws and regulations.
    • Making determinations in compliance with laws and regulations that may lead to arrests, seizureof property, fines, and/or penalties based on findings.OR for the GS-7 grade level:

      Education Substitution:A bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement based on (1) classstanding, (2) grade-point average (3.0 or higher), or (3) honor society membership; OR one (1) full yearof graduate-level education. This education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilitiesnecessary to do the work: OR

      Combination of Experience and Education:A combination of specialized work experience equivalent tothe next lower grade level AND graduate level education from an accredited college or university. Thiswill be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with yourapplication.

      If you have previous or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience, you mayqualify at the GS-9 grade level. See the GS-9 Job Opportunity Announcement (JOAs) at USAJOBS, thefederal governments official employment site to determine if you qualify.

      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 underinternational law) for at least three (3) of the last five (5) years.

      Age Restriction: In accordance with Public Law 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcementretirement provisions. Candidates must be referred for selection to the Customs and Border ProtectionOfficer position before reaching their 40th birthday in accordance with Department of HomelandSecurity Directive 251-03. The age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving or havepreviously 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 RecruitmentAppointment (VRA). The age restriction does not apply if you are Veterans' Preference eligible.

      Formal Training:You will be required to complete a paid pre-academy orientation for approximatelytwo (2) weeks at your home port. You will then attend a 101-day training program CBP Field

      Operations Academy conducted at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) located inGlynco, GA. This training consists of basic law enforcement skills, immigration laws, firearms training,examination of cargo/bags/merchandise, physical fitness, etc. Candidates assigned to the southernborder, Miami, or Puerto Rico duty locations must attend and pass an online Spanish training program,which will be completed at their home port. Successful completion of the Academy is required for thisposition.

      How to Apply:

      Click the Apply button on this site. You will be linked to the CBP Talent Network page. For Position ofInterest, select Customs and Border Protection Officer.Youll then receive a link(s) to the CBPO JOA(s) on USAJOBS to complete your application. Be certain toreview ALL details of the job opportunity announcement and follow all instructions in the applicationprocess, including items (resume, transcripts, etc.) to submit. You will be evaluated based on yourresume, supporting documents, and the CBPO Entrance Exam.As a subscriber to the CBP Talent Network, youll receive monthly emails with information aboutwebinars, career expos, and future opportunities with OFO and CBP.
    • Required
      Preferred
        Job Industries
        • Government & Military

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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

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