Entry Level Border Patrol Officer

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Duty assignments may include various prioritized locations. Relocation may be required based on operational needs.

EARN UP TO $30,000 IN RECRUITMENT INCENTIVES! Newly appointed Border Patrol Officers will receive a $20,000 incentive, with the first $10,000 awarded upon successful completion of training at the Border Patrol Academy, and the final $10,000 paid after a three-year service agreement. Officers accepting prioritized locations will be eligible for an additional $10,000.

Applicants in pre-employment stages do not need to reapply to qualify for incentives.

The U.S. Border Patrol offers a unique opportunity for those interested in a rewarding law enforcement career, where camaraderie and pride in serving the American people are key aspects of daily responsibilities.

If you’re seeking a challenging job that offers competitive pay, outstanding federal benefits, and job security, consider joining the U.S. Border Patrol, a vital division of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which is currently hiring for these full-time, entry-level Law Enforcement Officer positions.

Salary and Benefits

Annual Base Salary for newly appointed officers varies per grade:

GL-5/GL-7: $49,739 - $89,518 per year

Duty location impacts pay rates, with higher locality pay in some areas. Fully trained Border Patrol Officers may earn up to an additional 25% of their base pay. This profession allows for career development through a clear progression from GL-5 to GL-12 levels.

Border Patrol Officers enjoy a comprehensive range of federal employment benefits, including health, dental, and insurance plans, generous leave policies, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan resembling a traditional ROTH 401(k).

Duties and Responsibilities

As a Border Patrol Officer, you will join a dedicated workforce committed to protecting the American people, deterring illegal activities, and bolstering national prosperity. Typical assignments may include:

Detecting and questioning individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws, as well as inspecting documents for citizenship verification.
Preventing and apprehending undocumented individuals and smugglers near borders through surveillance and covert operations.
Interpreting physical evidence related to illegal entries and contraband.
Conducting various checks such as farm, building, traffic, and city patrols.
Patrolling international boundaries and coastal areas using government vehicles, horses, and other means.

Qualifications

To qualify for the GL-5 level, you need

One year of general work experience demonstrating the capacity to lead, make decisions under pressure, and comprehend regulations and methods through training and instruction; or
A bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited institution; or
A combination of the above experience and education.

For the GL-7 level, you must possess

One year of specialized work experience indicating the ability to use sound judgment with firearms, engage effectively with the public, and swiftly analyze information for decision-making in law enforcement contexts; or
A bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement or one year of graduate-level education in a related field; or
A combination of experience and education.

Additional 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: Candidates must be selected before their 40th birthday, with exceptions for qualified veterans.
Formal Training: Successful candidates will undergo six months of intensive training at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy, learning about immigration laws, law enforcement operations, and firearms, among other subjects. Proficiency in Spanish is also required.

How to Apply

To apply, click the Apply button on this site. You will be directed to the CBP Talent Network registration page. For Position of Interest, select Border Patrol Officer, then answer the pre-screening questions. You will then receive links to complete your application on USAJOBS. Be sure to review all details and submit necessary documents.

If you have questions about the application process, please reach out to a recruiter through the U.S. Border Patrol website.

As a member of the CBP Talent Network, you will receive monthly updates regarding webinars, career expos, and opportunities with CBP.

Entry Level Border Patrol Officer

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