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Customs Officer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Security Officer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$19.36/hr

Our officers are cross trained to serve in a variety of key posts, working in collaboration with ... Ability to obtain an airport badge with customs seal: DHS requires a 10-year verifiable background ...

Security Officer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$19.36/hr

Our officers are cross trained to serve in a variety of key posts, working in collaboration with ... Ability to obtain an airport badge with customs seal: DHS requires a 10-year verifiable background ...

Security Officer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$19.36/hr

Our officers are cross trained to serve in a variety of key posts, working in collaboration with ... Ability to obtain an airport badge with customs seal: DHS requires a 10-year verifiable background ...

Protocol Officer Mid

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$108K - $130K/yr

Protocol Officer Mid TULK is a boutique strategic technology and management consulting firm ... Conduct research on cultural customs, biographical information, and diplomatic etiquette to support ...

Protocol Officer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$107K - $179K/yr

The Protocol Officer is a core member of the protocol team responsible for the detailed planning ... customs. * Provide comprehensive event support by managing registration, directing guest flow, and ...

... customs. * Lead the comprehensive planning, coordination, and execution of distinguished visitor engagements, including creating detailed itineraries, arranging secure transportation, lodging, and ...

Protocol Officer Senior

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$139K - $167K/yr

... customs. * Lead the comprehensive planning, coordination, and execution of distinguished visitor engagements, including creating detailed itineraries, arranging secure transportation, lodging, and ...

Protocol Officer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$107K - $179K/yr

The Protocol Officer is a core member of the protocol team responsible for the detailed planning ... customs. * Provide comprehensive event support by managing registration, directing guest flow, and ...

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Customs Officer information

See Virginia salary details

$10.9K

$82.5K

$98.6K

How much do customs officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for customs officer 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 a customs officer?

Customs officers are government employees who work in airports, docks, and other points of entry to the country. Their primary duties are to check that people are entering and leaving the country legally and that they do not bring illegal substances into the country, such as drugs or weapons. As a customs officer, your responsibilities include checking traveler passports and customs documents for authenticity, searching luggage or cargo, and question any traveler found with suspicious or unlawful goods. In cases where you find illegal substances or suspicious activity, you may be called to testify about your observations in a criminal trial.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a customs officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Customs Officer, you need a solid understanding of import/export regulations, attention to detail, and typically a degree or relevant law enforcement training. Familiarity with cargo screening technologies, customs management systems, and sometimes specialized certifications like CCRA are important. Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help officers build trust and effectively handle challenging situations. These skills ensure the lawful movement of goods, national security, and efficient border control operations.

What are some common challenges customs officers face in their daily work, and how can they be managed?

Customs Officers often encounter challenges such as dealing with high-pressure situations, adapting to evolving regulations, and managing interactions with travelers from diverse backgrounds. Balancing thorough inspections with efficient processing requires strong attention to detail and sound judgment. Effective communication skills and ongoing training are key to successfully navigating these challenges, ensuring that legal requirements are met while maintaining a positive experience for travelers and stakeholders.

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

AspectCustoms OfficerBorder Patrol Agent
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, sometimes post-secondary education, and background checksHigh school diploma or GED, specialized training, and background checks
Work EnvironmentPorts of entry, airports, and customs facilitiesU.S. borders, remote areas, and border crossings
Employer & IndustryU.S. Customs and Border Protection, government agenciesU.S. Border Patrol, Department of Homeland Security
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Customs Officers primarily work at ports of entry, inspecting goods and travelers, while Border Patrol Agents focus on patrolling and securing the borders. Both roles require similar credentials and are employed by government agencies, but their work environments and specific duties differ significantly.

How much do customs officers get paid?

The average salary for customs officers varies by country and experience, but in many regions, it ranges from $35,000 to $70,000 annually. Entry-level positions typically start lower, while experienced officers or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages, often supplemented by overtime and benefits.

Is it hard to get hired as a customs officer?

Getting hired as a customs officer can be competitive and typically requires passing written exams, background checks, and physical fitness tests. Candidates often need relevant education, such as a high school diploma or higher, and may need to complete specialized training or certifications before employment.

What are popular job titles related to Customs Officer jobs in Virginia?

For Customs Officer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Customs Officer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Customs Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various Customs Officer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,483 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

$125K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Research, obtain, assemble, and analyze classified intelligence from various sources to identify patterns and assess risks.

  • Provide expert guidance to CBP Officers and management on high-risk, complex, sensitive, and unprecedented situations involving people and cargo.

  • Prepare complex reports that substantiate findings and serve as a basis for potential legal action.


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

176th of 855 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, National Targeting Center located in Sterling, VA.
This Open Continuous Job Announcement is used in building a pool of qualified applicants. Applications will be reviewed throughout the duration of announcement up to the closing date. Please see additional information section for further instructions. 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:
  • Researching, obtaining, assembling, and analyzing classified intelligence from a wide array of sources (federal, state, local, military, foreign, financial, and technology companies) to identify patterns, assess risks, and distinguish criminal intent
  • Providing expert guidance to CBP Officers and management, demonstrating ingenuity and resourcefulness to target, manage, process, and resolve high-risk, complex, sensitive, and unprecedented situations involving people and cargo
  • Identifying weaknesses in existing laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; making and defending recommendations for significant changes or interpretations to improve CBP Officer operations
  • Preparing complex reports that substantiate findings and serve as a basis for potential legal action, requiring a strong understanding of legal frameworks and meticulous documentation.

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.
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.
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 01/04/2027
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 (NTC) 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.
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. governmen
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