U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is one of the largest federal law enforcement agencies, offering 6,000+ annual job openings with excellent benefits. Here’s your complete guide to landing a CBP job through USAJOBS.gov.
🚨 Current CBP Hiring Surge (2024-2025)
CBP is urgently hiring for these critical positions:
1. Border Patrol Agent (GL-5 to GL-9)
- Salary: $48,809 – $87,868 (plus overtime)
- Requirements:
- U.S. citizen
- Valid driver’s license
- Pass polygraph/physical
- Signing Bonus: Up to $20,000 for hard-to-fill locations
2. CBP Officer (GS-5 to GS-12)
- Salary: $46,696 – $122,459
- Locations: 328+ ports of entry
- Perks: Law enforcement retirement (6c coverage)
3. Air & Marine Interdiction Agent
- Salary: $55,562 – $129,878
- Special Requirements: Aviation/boating experience
📌 Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Create USAJOBS Profile
- Register at USAJOBS.gov
- Complete profile with DD-214 (if veteran)
2. Search CBP Jobs
- Use filters:
- Keyword: “Customs and Border Protection”
- Series: 1895 (Border Patrol), 1896 (CBP Officer)
- Location: Select preferred states
3. Submit Application Package
- Required documents:
- Resume (Federal format)
- Occupational Questionnaire
- Transcripts (for GS-5/7 positions)
4. Complete Hiring Steps
- Entrance Exam (Logic reasoning test)
- Fitness Test (Push-ups, sit-ups, 5-mile run)
- Medical Evaluation
- Polygraph Exam (Most common disqualifier)
- Background Investigation (1+ years)
- Final Offer (With duty location)
⏳ Hiring Timeline
| Step | Duration |
|---|---|
| Application Review | 2-4 weeks |
| Testing Phase | 1-3 months |
| Background Check | 6-12 months |
| Final Offer | 12-18 months total |
Pro Tip: Apply for multiple positions to increase chances.
💰 CBP Salary & Benefits
- Base Pay + Locality Adjustment (Up to 33% extra)
- LEAP (25% overtime pay for agents/officers)
- Federal Benefits:
- FERS retirement (34% pension after 20 years)
- TSP (Government 401k) with 5% match
- FEHB health insurance (200+ plan options)
⚡ 5 Tips to Get Hired Faster
- Use the Federal Resume Builder on USAJOBS
- Prepare for Polygraph (Be 100% truthful)
- Apply to Remote Locations (Faster hiring)
- Claim Veterans Preference (If eligible)
- Stay in Shape (Pass the PFT-1 fitness test)
❌ Common Disqualifiers
- Recent drug use (including marijuana)
- Financial irresponsibility
- Criminal record
- Dishonesty during polygraph
✅ Start Your Application
➡️ Current CBP Openings:
USAJOBS CBP Search