Border Patrol Agent - Entry Level
Listed on 2025-12-31
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Government
Police Officer
Border Patrol Agent - Entry Level
Join to apply for the Border Patrol Agent - Entry Level role at U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Salary and BenefitsThe base pay range for a new Border Patrol Agent (BPA) is $49,739.00/yr to $89,518.00/yr, depending on grade (GL‑5/GL‑7). Duty assignments may be available at the Southwest Border and other prioritized locations. Relocation may be required.
Recruitment incentives: a $20,000 incentive is offered to newly appointed BPAs – $10,000 paid upon completing training at the Border Patrol Academy, and $10,000 upon completing a three‑year service agreement. An additional $10,000 is available for BPAs accepted to a prioritized location such as Sierra Blanca, Presidio, Sanderson, Comstock, Freer, Hebbronville (TX);
Lordsburg (NM); or Ajo (AZ).
As a BPA, you will work as part of the 60,000+ federal workforce to protect the American people by safeguarding our borders, deterring illicit activity, and enhancing the nation’s economic prosperity.
Typical Assignments Include:
- Detecting and questioning people suspected of violating immigration and custom laws and inspecting documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations.
- Preventing and apprehending undocumented noncitizens and smugglers by maintaining surveillance from covert positions, including the use of infrared scopes during night operations.
- Interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry or contraband.
- Performing farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks.
- Patrolling the international boundary and coastal waterways using government assets such as vehicles, horses, vessels, watercraft, off‑road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles.
GL‑5 Grade Level
Some ways to qualify:
• One (1) year of general work experience demonstrating leadership, sound decision‑making, and composure in stressful situations, with the ability to learn regulations through training and to gather information through questioning and document examination.
• A bachelor's degree or completion of a full four‑year degree in any field from an accredited college or university.
• A combination of general work experience and a bachelor's degree; this will be evaluated using your resume and transcripts.
GL‑7 Grade Level
To qualify for GL‑7:
• One year of specialized work experience that demonstrates:
- Making sound judgments and decisions in the use of firearms.
- Dealing effectively with people in a courteous and tactful manner in law‑enforcement contexts.
- Analyzing information rapidly and making prompt decisions, including making arrests after required training and applying those skills in law‑enforcement activities such as criminal code enforcement, correctional work, security, or military roles.
• Combination of experience and education, assessed via resume and transcripts.
Note: Candidates with previous or current law enforcement or military experience may qualify at the GL‑9 or GS‑11 levels. Refer to the BPA GL‑9–11 announcement for details.
Other Requirements- Citizenship:
Must be a U.S. Citizen. - Residency:
Must have had primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years. - Age Restriction:
Must be referred before turning 40, unless exempt by Veterans’ Preference, prior federal civilian law‑enforcement service, or military law‑enforcement service. - Veterans’ Preference:
Eligible for excepted service Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA). - Formal Training:
Must attend the U.S. Border Patrol Academy for approximately six months, covering immigration and nationality laws, law‑enforcement operations, driver training, physical techniques, firearms, and Spanish language proficiency.
Click the Apply button on this site to be directed to the CBP Talent Network registration page. Select Border Patrol Agent and complete the pre‑screening questions. You will receive links to the BPA Job Opening Announcements on USAJOBS to complete the application, including resume, transcripts, and the BPA Entrance Exam. For questions, contact a recruiter .gov/s/usbp.
As a CBP Talent Network subscriber, you will receive monthly emails with webinars, career expos, and future opportunities.
Job Details- Seniority level
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Entry level - Employment type
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Full‑time - Job function
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Other, Information Technology, and Management - Industry
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Government Administration
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