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Customs Border Protection Officer Jobs in Boston, MA

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Customs Border Protection Officer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$11.9K

$90.4K

$108.1K

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

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for customs border protection officer in Boston, MA is $90,385.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,100.00 and $107,000.00 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.
Infographic showing various Customs Border Protection Officer job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,385 per year, or $43.5 per hour.

CBP Officer (Border Security) Temporary Promotion NTE 1 Year

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Boston, MA

$123K/yr

Temporary

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

170th of 848 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, Boston Field Office, Field Analysis and Intelligence Unit (FAIU), located in Boston, Massachusetts.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.
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, 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.
  • Identifying known or potential terrorists and instruments of terror, criminals, smuggling tactics, techniques, and procedures used by transnational criminal organizations, and other threats to U.S. borders and national security.
  • Briefing and regularly disseminating relevant information and intelligence concerning trends/patterns and particular persons, merchandise, and conveyances traveling through U.S. ports of entry to all levels of management and front-line personnel to enable admissibility and enforcement decisions.
  • Continually collecting, evaluating, and validating information, facts, and evidence necessary to properly assess risk and make decisions related to the full scope of issues applicable to the entry of persons and goods to the U.S.
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 08/25/2026
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 (Border Security) Temporary Promotion NTE 1 Year 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.
Education:Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.
Training: This position has a training requirement. Selectee(s) are required to attend and successfully complete 101-days of paid training at the CBP Field Operations Academy (FOA) in Glynco, GA. Prior to arriving at the FOA, selectee's must complete approximately 7-10 days of pre-academy training. Upon successful completion of FOA training, selectee's must complete an additional 14-17 weeks of post-academy training the selectee(s) assigned duty station. You may be required to successfully complete the training requirement as a condition of employment. Failure to successfully complete the required course(s) of training in accordance with CBP standards and policies will result in placement into either a former or different position, demotion, or separation as determined by management and appropriate procedures.
Employment Type: OTHER

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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