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Interdiction Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pilot-CBP Air Interdiction Agent Leisure City, FL Dept of Homeland Security Polygraph Unspecified Career Level not specified $85,270 - $110,846 Pilot-CBP Air Interdiction Agent - New Hire Sign-On and ...

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Air Interdiction Agent

Hidalgo, TX ยท On-site

$182K/yr

Pilot-CBP Air Interdiction Agent Air and Marine Operations (AMO), a component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), offers skilled Pilots interested in law enforcement an opportunity to work ...

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Interdiction information

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$36K

$56K

$102.5K

How much do interdiction jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for interdiction in the United States is $55,965.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Interdiction Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Interdiction Officer, you need a background in law enforcement or military, strong investigative skills, and often specialized training in interdiction tactics. Familiarity with surveillance technology, communication systems, and relevant certifications (such as from agencies like DEA or Customs and Border Protection) is typically required. Keen attention to detail, sound judgment, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for identifying threats and responding to high-pressure situations. These competencies are essential for effectively intercepting illegal activities, ensuring public safety, and supporting broader security operations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in interdiction roles, and how can they effectively manage these challenges?

Professionals in interdiction roles often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing operational environments, high-stress situations, and the need to make quick, informed decisions under pressure. They must frequently collaborate with multiple agencies, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills. To manage these challenges, it's important to stay current with training, develop resilience, and foster strong interagency relationships. Maintaining situational awareness and adhering to established protocols also help ensure effective and safe operations.

What are interdiction jobs?

Interdiction jobs involve law enforcement professionals who work to detect, prevent, and stop illegal activities such as drug trafficking, smuggling, and other forms of contraband movement. These roles are often found within agencies like border patrol, customs, and specialized task forces. Interdiction officers use intelligence, surveillance, and search techniques to intercept illegal goods or people before they reach their intended destination. The work can be demanding and may involve working at borders, airports, seaports, or highways.

What is the difference between Interdiction vs Customs Officer?

AspectInterdictionCustoms Officer
Primary RoleDetecting and preventing illegal activities such as drug trafficking, smuggling, or terrorismInspecting goods and passengers to enforce customs laws and collect duties
Work EnvironmentBorder crossings, ports, airports, and security checkpointsCustoms offices, border stations, and ports
Required CredentialsSecurity training, law enforcement certifications, sometimes specialized interdiction coursesHigh school diploma or equivalent, law enforcement or customs training

Interdiction focuses on preventing illegal activities at borders or ports, often involving law enforcement skills. Customs Officers primarily enforce customs laws, inspect shipments, and collect duties. While both roles operate in border and port environments and may require similar certifications, interdiction emphasizes security and crime prevention, whereas customs officers focus on legal compliance and revenue collection.

More about Interdiction jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Interdiction jobs? The most popular types of Interdiction jobs are:
What states have the most Interdiction jobs? States with the most job openings for Interdiction jobs include:
Infographic showing various Interdiction job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,965 per year, or $26.9 per hour.
Air Interdiction Agent

Air Interdiction Agent

Navstar

Homestead, FL โ€ข On-site

$182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Pilot-CBP Air Interdiction Agent

Leisure City, FL Dept of Homeland Security Polygraph Unspecified Career Level not specified $85,270 - $110,846

Job Description

Pilot-CBP Air Interdiction Agent - New Hire Sign-On and Retention Incentives NEW RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION INCENTIVES! Air and Marine Operations (AMO), a component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), offers skilled Pilots interested in law enforcement an opportunity to work with an elite team of highly trained professionals whose camaraderie, pride, and purpose are hallmarks of their daily mission to protect America. If you are looking for an exciting and rewarding career with excellent pay, exceptional federal benefits and job stability, now is the time to make your move: become an Air Interdiction Agent. AMO is actively recruiting for these full-time security-based opportunities with a streamlined application process. Notably, seasoned pilots and those with military training are in demand-APPLY TODAY! DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE INCENTIVES - SEE SALARY SECTION BELOW!

Duty Locations Locations are offered based on operational requirements, mission requirements, and critical agency hiring needs as determined by AMO. You must be willing to work at any duty location within the region you select to include but not limited to the following:

  • Southeast Region: Homestead, FL and CAMB: Aguadilla, PR
  • Southwest Region: Tucson and Yuma, AZ; San Diego, CA; El Paso, Laredo, and McAllen, TX
  • NASOC UAS locations: Sierra Vista, AZ; San Angelo, TX

Duties and Responsibilities As an Air Interdiction Agent (AIA) you will perform aviation-based law enforcement operations for the detection, prevention, interdiction, and apprehension of terrorists, terrorist weapons, and other contraband and persons from illegally entering or attacking the United States. Typical duties include:

  • Conducting air patrol, surveillance, and pursuit activities related to the interdiction of smuggled contraband via land vehicles, aircraft, or vessels.
  • Monitoring behavior patterns and activities of suspect persons, vehicles, or vessels believed to be engaged in illegal activities.
  • Collecting, refining, and analyzing strategic and tactical intelligence.
  • Supporting search and rescue and humanitarian efforts.

Salary and Benefits Begin your career as an Air Interdiction Agent (AIA) and make up to $85,270 - $110,846 per year based on your qualifications for the GS-11 grade level and possible extra compensation based on your duty location. Recruitment Incentive: New hires may be eligible to receive a one-time Recruitment Incentive payout of $10,000 after completing Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy (FLETC) (1 year service agreement will need to be completed) (Recruitment Incentive is only available to new Federal employees as described in 5 CFR 575.102. Eligibility will be determined by Human Resources.) Your starting salary will include Special Salary Rate (SSR); Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP); Recruitment Incentive; and Retention Incentive. This career ladder position has a grade level progression of GS-11, GS-12, and GS-13. You may be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level automatically (without re-applying) once you complete 52 weeks at each grade level (with supervisor approval). Example of annual compensation for the first three years at our new-hire locations which are currently authorized to receive LEAP (amounts below include the SSR + LEAP).

  • GS-11, 1st year annual pay - $106,588
  • GS-12, 2nd year annual pay - $127,754
  • GS-13, 3rd year annual pay - $151,817

Example of annual compensation for the first three years at our new-hire locations which are currently authorized to receive a 10% Retention Incentive (amounts below include the SSR + LEAP + 10% Retention Incentive UAS Sites: Sierra Vista, AZ; Grand Forks, ND; San Angelo, TX).

  • GS-11, 1st year annual pay - $115,115
  • GS-12, 2nd year annual pay - $137,974
  • GS-13, 3rd year annual pay - $164,071

Example of annual compensation for the first three years at our new-hire locations which are currently authorized to receive a 25% Recruitment Incentive (amounts below include the SSR + LEAP + 25% Recruitment Incentive CAMB location only; Aguadilla, PR).

  • GS-11, 1st year annual pay - $127,906
  • GS-12, 2nd year annual pay - $153,305
  • GS-13, 3rd year annual pay - $182,302

Retention Incentive: Retention Incentive is contingent on eligibility. Eligibility will be determined by Human Resources.

  • RI: Retention Incentive (25% for UAS Sites, Sierra Vista, AZ, Grand Forks, ND, San Angelo, TX)
  • RI: Retention Incentive (25% for Key West, FL)
  • RI: Retention Incentive (25% for Caribbean Air and Marine Branch (CAMB) and subordinate locations)

Air Interdiction Agents are eligible to select from an array of federal employment benefits that include health, dental and other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan akin to a traditional and ROTH 401(k) offering.

Qualifications Experience: You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized professional aviation experience performing duties such as:

  • Flying as a Pilot-in-Command or sole manipulator in an airplane and helicopter in all environments of flight, including night, poor weather, unfavorable terrain, low altitudes, or speed.
  • Evaluating information rapidly and making judicious decisions promptly during in-flight operations.
  • Developing strategies and coordinating aircraft and ground assets.
  • Using information systems and databases to conduct information surveys, queries, update files and disseminate information.
  • Experience may include Operation of an aircraft as Captain, Pilot in Command, Aircraft Commander, First Officer, Certified Flight Instructor, Second in Command, or Co-pilot.

Hiring Minimums: Certification & Ratings: A current FAA Commercial or ATP Pilot Certification with one of the following ratings:

  • Dual Rated: Airplane (Single-engine land or multi-engine land) with instrument rating AND Rotorcraft Helicopter with instrument rating.
  • Airplane Rated: Airplane (Single-engine land or multi-engine land) with instrument.
  • Helicopter Rated: Rotorcraft Helicopter with instrument rating.
  • Equivalent military rating of the above at the time of application (eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot).

Flight Hours: Pilot Enter on Duty minimums are 1500 flight hours; (up to 500 hours can be waived, reducing the pilot enter on duty minimums to 1000 hours. 250 Pilot-in-Command hours; 75 Instrument hours; 75 Night hours (Flight Hour Waiver available, see Required Documents); and 100 Flight hours in the last 12 months This qualification requirement is currently being waived by OPM through August 4, 2026. FAA Class 2 medical required for assessment dated within the last 12 calendar months; FAA Class 1, FAA Class 2 or Military medical flight clearance dated within the last 12 months qualifies to start the pre-employment process for the AIA position. Apply at 750 hours total time: Applicants applying at 750 flight hours are required to obtain at least 1,000 flight hours (depending on the number of hours approved for a waiver) at their own expense before being able to attend the 3-part flight assessment. Applicants must still meet 250 Pilot-in-Command, 75 instrument, and 75-night hours (100 flight hours in the last 12 months. This qualification requirement is currently being waived by OPM through August 4, 2026) UAS Flight Hours: Applicants may include UAS Predator A (MQ-1), Predator