Customs and Border Protection Officer

Border Patrol Agent

Location:

Various U.S. Border Patrol Duty Stations (Relocation May Be Required)

Job Type: Full-Time | Federal Law Enforcement Career

The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) is seeking entry‑level candidates to join as Border Patrol Agents (GL-5). This position is designed for individuals beginning a federal law enforcement career who want to help protect the nation’s borders. Agents detect and prevent illegal entry, smuggling activities, and other violations of immigration and customs laws while safeguarding the public. This role offers professional training, career advancement opportunities, and competitive federal benefits.

• Experience: One year of general work experience demonstrating decision‑making ability, leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Education: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in any field.
• Combination: A combination of general work experience and college education.
• Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
• Residency: You must have had primary U.S. residency (includes protectorates as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years.
• Age Restriction: Must be referred for selection before reaching the 40th birthday (unless you are a veteran or active or previous federal civilian law enforcement). See detailed criteria.
• Veterans’ Preference: Eligible for excepted service Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA); age restriction does not apply if you are Veterans' Preference eligible.

Annual base salary for newly appointed BPAs varies per grade: $51,632–$92,219 per year. Border Patrol 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 ROTH 401(k) offering. USBP is offering up to $60,000 in additional incentives (see details below).