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U S Customs Border Protection Jobs in Raleigh, NC

S. and international regulations, including ITAR, EAR, U.S. Customs regulations, HTS classification ... Manage inbound and outbound packaging requirements and coordinate packaging solutions that protect ...

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U S Customs Border Protection information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$38.4K

$116.1K

$154.1K

How much do u s customs border protection jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for u s customs border protection in Raleigh, NC is $116,116.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,700.00 and $133,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are federal law enforcement personnel responsible for enforcing customs, immigration, and agricultural laws at U.S. borders and ports of entry. Their primary duties include screening people and goods entering the country, preventing illegal immigration, smuggling, and terrorism, and facilitating lawful international trade and travel. CBP officers play a vital role in maintaining national security while also supporting economic prosperity by ensuring the smooth flow of legitimate goods and travelers. They often work at airports, land border crossings, and seaports, and may be involved in both field operations and administrative tasks.

How much do US customs get paid per hour?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers typically earn between $20 and $40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and rank. Entry-level officers usually start at the lower end of this range, with pay increasing with seniority and specialized skills such as language proficiency or law enforcement certifications.

How much do CBP agents get paid?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents' salaries typically start at the GS-5 or GS-7 pay grade, with entry-level agents earning around $40,000 to $50,000 annually. With experience, specialized skills, and promotions, salaries can increase to over $70,000 or more per year. Overtime, benefits, and allowances are also part of compensation packages for CBP agents.

Can I join CBP without a degree?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) generally requires applicants to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent for entry-level positions. Some specialized roles may require additional education or experience, but a college degree is not always mandatory for all positions. Basic skills in communication, problem-solving, and physical fitness are also important for CBP jobs.

Is it hard to get hired by CBP?

Getting hired by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can be competitive due to strict hiring standards, including background checks, physical fitness tests, and security clearances. Candidates often need relevant experience, education, and sometimes specialized skills or certifications, such as law enforcement training or language skills, to improve their chances of selection.

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

AspectU S Customs Border ProtectionU S Customs Officer
Primary RoleProtects U S borders, enforces customs laws, and manages border securityEnforces customs laws, inspects goods and travelers, and prevents illegal activities at ports of entry
Work EnvironmentBorder crossings, airports, seaports, and inland checkpointsPorts of entry, airports, and border crossings
CredentialsFederal employment, background checks, and sometimes specialized trainingSimilar federal requirements, background checks, and customs training

U S Customs Border Protection is a broad agency responsible for border security and customs enforcement, while U S Customs Officer is a specific role within the agency focused on inspecting travelers and goods. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, but CBP oversees a wider scope of border security operations.

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

To thrive as a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer, you need a solid understanding of law enforcement procedures, federal regulations, and usually at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience. Familiarity with CBP databases, inspection technologies, and security screening systems is typically required, alongside successful completion of the CBP Officer Entrance Exam and training at the CBP Academy. Strong decision-making skills, integrity, situational awareness, and effective communication are essential for handling complex and high-pressure situations. These skills and qualities are critical for enforcing laws, securing borders, and ensuring public safety while upholding ethical standards.

What are some common challenges faced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers during their daily duties?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers often face challenges such as managing high volumes of travelers and cargo, staying vigilant for potential security threats, and adapting quickly to evolving regulations and procedures. The work environment can be fast-paced and unpredictable, requiring strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Officers also need to collaborate closely with other law enforcement agencies and team members to ensure the safety and security of the nation's borders.
What are popular job titles related to U S Customs Border Protection jobs in Raleigh, NC? For U S Customs Border Protection jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching U S Customs Border Protection jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for U S Customs Border Protection jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for U S Customs Border Protection jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most U S Customs Border Protection job openings:
Infographic showing various U S Customs Border Protection job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, and 45% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,116 per year, or $55.8 per hour.

Supervisory CBP Officer (First Line-POE)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$109K/yr

Other

Retirement

Posted 10 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, Multiple Field Offices.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:
  • Conducting prearrival targeting and intelligence vetting and gathering and analyzing information from all available sources
  • Performing primary inspections of cargo, conveyances, and travelers and secondary inspections of referrals from primary
  • Developing, planning, and performing tactical operations in cargo and passenger environments
  • Employing a variety of investigative techniques and preparing accurate reports regarding inspections, gathered intelligence, and incidents
  • Interacting with internal and external contacts and mentoring lower level CBP officers and officers new to the port, environment, or work unit
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.
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.

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
Polygraph Examination: The Supervisory CBP Officer (First Line-POE) 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.
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
Education:Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.
Physical and Environmental Conditions: The work environment includes offices, aircraft operation areas, airline passenger and cargo areas, and marine docks. Periods of outdoor work may be required in snow, rain, or extreme heat. Occasional periods of outdoor work may be required in remote areas with no modern comfort facilities. The work may involve the use of toxic chemicals, pesticides and fumigants. Protective clothing may be required such as hard hats, gloves, goggles, hearing protection, and respirators.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