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Customs Border Protection Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Staff Solve

Customs Entry Writer - 77073

Houston, TX

$60K - $70K/yr

S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements. * Coordinate with importers, customs officials, freight forwarders, carriers, and government ...

RBEX Inc

Diesel Mechanic

Houston, TX · On-site

$23.75 - $31.50/hr

Customs & Border Protection. Our Houston headquarters manages a large fleet of tow trucks and support vehicles that keep our operations moving efficiently. Position Summary: We are seeking an ...

Apple Towing Co.

Diesel Mechanic

Houston, TX · On-site

$23.75 - $31.50/hr

Customs & Border Protection. Our Houston headquarters manages a large fleet of tow trucks and support vehicles that keep our operations moving efficiently. Position Summary: We are seeking an ...

RBEX INC DBA APPLE TOWING CO.

Diesel Mechanic

Houston, TX · On-site

$23.75 - $31.50/hr

Customs & Border Protection. Our Houston headquarters manages a large fleet of tow trucks and support vehicles that keep our operations moving efficiently. Position Summary: We are seeking an ...

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All JobsCustoms Border Protection JobsCustoms Border Protection Jobs in Houston, TX

Customs Border Protection information

See Houston, TX salary details

$37.7K

$114K

$151.3K

How much do customs border protection jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for customs border protection in Houston, TX is $114,025.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,000.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do CBP agents get paid?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents' salaries typically start at around $50,000 to $70,000 annually for entry-level positions, depending on experience and location. With experience, specialized skills, and promotions, salaries can increase to over $100,000 per year. CBP agents also receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and overtime pay.

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

AspectCustoms Border ProtectionCustoms Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles require additional trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; specialized training provided
Work EnvironmentBorder crossings, airports, ports, and inland inspection pointsInspecting goods and travelers at border points and ports
Employer & IndustryU.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, governmentU.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, government

Customs Border Protection is the agency responsible for securing U.S. borders, while Customs Officers are the frontline personnel performing inspections and enforcement at border points. Both roles require similar credentials and work within the same environment, with Customs Officers serving as the operational staff of the agency.

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

To thrive as a Customs Border Protection Officer, you need a solid understanding of law enforcement principles, federal regulations, and border security practices, typically backed by a relevant degree or equivalent experience and successful completion of CBP training. Familiarity with detection technology, surveillance systems, and CBP databases is essential for daily operations. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and sound judgment help officers effectively manage high-pressure situations and interact with diverse populations. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring national security, enforcing laws, and facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

Do CBP officers make good money?

CBP officers typically earn a competitive salary that increases with experience, location, and rank. They also receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and overtime pay, making the position financially stable for many employees.

What are some common challenges faced by Customs Border Protection officers, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Customs Border Protection officers often encounter fast-paced and unpredictable situations, such as long shifts, exposure to harsh weather, and the need to make quick decisions under pressure. New hires may also face emotional challenges when dealing with individuals from diverse backgrounds and handling sensitive situations. Preparation includes building resilience, maintaining physical fitness, and staying updated on the latest regulations and procedures. Teamwork and strong communication skills are essential, as officers regularly collaborate with colleagues, other agencies, and the public.

How much do US customs get paid per hour?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and rank. Entry-level officers usually start at the lower end of this range, with opportunities for pay increases through promotions and overtime. The position often requires background checks, training, and security clearances.

What are Customs Border Protection officers and what do they do?

Customs Border Protection (CBP) officers are federal law enforcement agents responsible for securing U.S. borders and ports of entry. They enforce immigration, customs, and agricultural laws, inspect travelers and cargo, and help prevent illegal activities such as smuggling and trafficking. CBP officers play a key role in facilitating lawful international trade and travel while safeguarding national security.

How hard is it to become a customs and border protection officer?

Becoming a Customs and Border Protection officer typically requires meeting minimum age, education, and background check requirements, passing written exams and physical fitness tests, and completing specialized training at a federal academy. Candidates often need to demonstrate strong communication skills, integrity, and the ability to handle stressful situations. The process can be competitive and may take several months to complete.
What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Customs Border Protection jobs? Cities near Houston, TX with the most Customs Border Protection job openings:
Customs Border Protection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Customs Border Protection job openings in Houston, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,505 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Supervisory Customs Entry Officer

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Houston, TX

$106K/yr

Other

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

167th of 836 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, Machinery Center for Excellence and Expertise (MACH) located in Queens, NY and Houston, TX. The selections will be made and oversight of this position will be maintained by the Field Office, but the physical location of this position will remain in the duty location chosen.Qualifications: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:
  • Examining and validating entry and related documents to ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Enforcing measures such as additional duties, tariffs, or quotas to address unfair trade practices.
  • Advising internal and external stakeholders on complex trade issues, violations, and enforcement procedures.
  • Conducting outreach initiatives, training sessions, and educational programs to enhance comprehension of CBP requirements and procedures.
  • Guiding and assisting lower-graded Entry Specialists on work assignments, projects, or program issues
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.
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 07/31/2026.
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
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
Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.Education:Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees say

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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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