The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and related agencies offer high-paying federal jobs in law enforcement, trade, and immigration. Whether you want to work as a Border Patrol Agent, CBP Officer, or trade specialist, this guide covers:
✔ Top Customs jobs hiring now
✔ Salary & benefits
✔ How to apply (with/without experience)
✔ Best locations for hiring
🛂 Top US Customs Jobs Available
1. CBP Officer (Customs & Border Protection)
- Salary: $48,000–$100,000+ (GS-5 to GS-12)
- Duties: Inspect travelers, prevent smuggling, process imports/exports
- Locations: Airports, seaports, land borders
2. Border Patrol Agent
- Salary: $52,000–$110,000 (GL-5 to GL-9)
- Duties: Secure U.S. borders, track illegal crossings
- Locations: Southern/Mexico border, Canada border
3. Import Specialist (Trade Compliance)
- Salary: $60,000–$120,000 (GS-7 to GS-13)
- Duties: Enforce trade laws, audit shipments
- Locations: Major ports (LA, NYC, Miami)
4. Agriculture Specialist (CBP)
- Salary: $50,000–$95,000
- Duties: Inspect food/plants for pests/diseases
- Locations: Airports, shipping ports
5. Air & Marine Interdiction Agent
- Salary: $70,000–$130,000
- Duties: Track drug smugglers via air/sea
- Locations: Coastal states, southern border
📋 Requirements for Customs Jobs
General Eligibility:
✔ U.S. citizenship
✔ Valid driver’s license
✔ Pass background check & polygraph
✔ No felony convictions
Education/Experience:
- Entry-level (GS-5/GL-5): Bachelor’s degree OR 3+ years work experience
- Higher grades (GS-7+): Advanced degree or specialized experience
Physical Fitness (For Law Enforcement Roles):
- Border Patrol & CBP Officers must pass:
- Fitness test (push-ups, sit-ups, running)
- Medical exam
💵 Salary & Benefits
✅ Federal pay scale (GS/GL grades) + overtime
✅ Law enforcement retirement (20-year pension)
✅ Health insurance (FEHB) + TSP (401k-style retirement)
✅ Paid training (CBP Academy in New Mexico)
📍 Best Locations for Hiring
- Southern Border (Texas, Arizona, California) – High demand for Border Patrol
- Major Airports (JFK, LAX, Miami) – CBP Officers needed
- Seaports (Los Angeles, NYC, Houston) – Trade/compliance jobs
📌 How to Apply for Customs Jobs
1. Search Openings on USAJOBS
2. Create a USAJOBS Profile
- Upload resume, transcripts, DD-214 (if veteran)
3. Submit Application
- Follow exact instructions (federal resumes are detailed)
4. Pass Exams & Interviews
- CBP Entrance Exam (logic, reasoning, Spanish test for BP)
- Structured interview
5. Complete Training
- CBP Academy (Artesia, NM) – 12+ weeks
- Border Patrol Academy (New Mexico) – 6 months
🚀 Tips to Get Hired Faster
✔ Apply early – Jobs open/close quickly
✔ Learn Spanish (boosts chances for Border Patrol)
✔ Use a federal-style resume (detailed work history)
✔ Consider military/veteran preference (if applicable)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I get a CBP job with no degree?
YES! Border Patrol & CBP Officer jobs accept 3+ years of work experience instead of a degree.
❓ Do I have to carry a gun?
Yes (for law enforcement roles like CBP Officer/Border Patrol).
❓ How long does hiring take?
6–12 months (background checks & polygraph slow the process).
🛃 Start Your Customs Career Today!
Ready to apply? Check current openings:
🔗 USAJOBS CBP Careers
Need help with the application? Ask below! 🇺🇸
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