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U S Customs Border Protection Jobs in Reston, VA

Percy Towers

Customs Broker

Washington, DC

$140K - $160K/yr

Coordinating filings and communications with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other government agencies * Collaborating with attorneys, specialists, and clients to deliver accurate, timely, and ...

Beyond SOF

Network Engineer -Wireless

Ashburn, VA · On-site

Must be able to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship in order to be able to qualify for a Customs & Border Protection (CBP) clearance which can take 9 months without any clearance; less time clearance ...

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All JobsU S Customs Border Protection JobsU S Customs Border Protection Jobs in Reston, VA

U S Customs Border Protection information

See Reston, VA salary details

$41.2K

$124.5K

$165.2K

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

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for u s customs border protection in Reston, VA is $124,507.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,700.00 and $142,800.00 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 Reston, VA? For U S Customs Border Protection jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching U S Customs Border Protection jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for U S Customs Border Protection jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for U S Customs Border Protection jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most U S Customs Border Protection job openings:
U S Customs Border Protection jobs near you
Infographic showing various U S Customs Border Protection job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,507 per year, or $59.9 per hour.

Customs Broker

Percy Towers

Washington, DC

$140K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Customs Specialist / International Trade Compliance Professional

(Title and compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications)

Location: Washington, DC (with international travel)

Schedule: 1,800 - 2,000 hours per year

Salary Band:

  • $140,000 - $160,000 (non-licensed)
  • $160,00-$190,000 (licensed broker)
  • $200,000+ (licensed attorneys)


This law firm is home to highly motivated professionals distinguished by intellectual rigor, technical excellence, and a shared commitment to superior client service. The Customs Specialist plays a critical role in advising clients on complex import and trade compliance matters while contributing to a collaborative, high-performance environment focused on continuous improvement.


Highly preferred to have a Licensed U.S. Customs Broker or licensed practitioners of Law.


Key Responsibilities

The Customs Specialist will provide substantive analysis and practical guidance across a broad range of customs and trade matters, including:

  • Tariff classification, customs valuation, country-of-origin determinations, and entry requirements
  • Identification of duty drawback opportunities and duty/fee savings strategies
  • Advising on CBP automated systems, including ACE, post-entry audits, and focused assessment audits
  • Supporting the design and implementation of compliance solutions, with an emphasis on automation and process optimization
  • Assisting with due diligence reviews, privilege reviews, and audits of client records and files
  • Conducting legal and factual research related to customs laws, regulations, markets, and industry standards
  • Coordinating filings and communications with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other government agencies
  • Collaborating with attorneys, specialists, and clients to deliver accurate, timely, and strategic outcomes


Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university

Customs Broker License strongly preferred. Trade Compliance Specialists or Import Specialists will be considered.


Substantial experience in customs and international trade compliance, including roles such as:

  • Licensed Customs Broke
  • U.S. Customs Auditor
  • Hands-on experience with CBP’s ACE Portal
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly and precisely
  • Strong research capabilities, including regulatory and factual analysis
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Access
  • Willingness to travel as required, internationally.


This role rewards precision, judgment, and intellectual stamina. It suits someone who enjoys living at the intersection of law, logistics, and systems—where a single classification decision can ripple across global supply chains.