Border Patrol Agent; BPA

Overview

Border Patrol Agent (BPA) – Entry Level. Join the U.S. Border Patrol in a federal law‑enforcement career that protects the nation’s borders, deters illicit activity and boosts economic prosperity.

Annual base salary ranges by grade: GL‑5/GL‑7 $ 51,632 – $92,219. Benefits include health, dental, retirement (Thrift Savings Plan), paid leave, and local pay adjustments.

Incentives:

up to $20,000 after Academy completion, an additional $10,000 for a prioritized location, and $40,000 over the first four years. A fully trained BPA may qualify for an extra 25% of base pay under the BPA Pay Reform Act.

Duty assignments are at the Southwest Border, with several priority locations (e.g., Sierra Blanca, Presidio, Sanderson, Comstock, Freer, Hebbronville, TX; Lordsburg, NM; Ajo, AZ). Locality pay varies by location and can impact overall compensation.

• Detect and question individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws.
• Inspect documents and possessions to determine citizenship and detect violations.
• Prevent and apprehend undocumented non‑citizens and smugglers near the border, using covert surveillance and infrared scopes during night operations.
• Interpret physical evidence such as tracks and marks of illegal entry.
• Conduct farm, building, traffic, city, and transportation checks.
• Patrol the international boundary and coastal waterways with a variety of vehicles and vessels.

• GL‑5: One year of general work experience OR a bachelor’s degree OR a combination of experience and education.
• GL‑7: One year of specialized law‑enforcement experience OR a bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement (3.0 GPA or higher, honors society, or a year of graduate education related to law enforcement) OR a combination of experience and education.

Citizenship: U.S. citizen. Residency:
Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years. Age restriction:
Must be less than 40 at the time of selection (unless veteran or former federal civilian law‑enforcement), in accordance with DHS Directive 251‑03. Veterans’ Preference eligibility may waive the age restriction. Formal training:
Six months at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy, including intensive instruction on immigration law, law‑enforcement operations, driver training, physical techniques, firearms, and Spanish language proficiency.

Click the “Apply” button to be directed to the CBP Talent Network. Submit the pre‑screening questionnaire, then complete the BPA job opening announcements on USAJOBS. Follow all instructions, including resume, transcripts, and the BPA Entrance Exam. Contact a recruiter .gov/s/usbp with any questions.