Customs and Border Protection Officers
Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed
Investigate and inspect persons, common carriers, goods, and merchandise, arriving in or departing from the United States or between states to detect violations of immigration and customs laws and regulations.
Median pay: $76,210/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +3.1% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 53,700 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Examine immigration applications, visas, and passports and interview persons to determine eligibility for admission, residence, and travel in the U.S.
• Detain persons found to be in violation of customs or immigration laws and arrange for legal action, such as deportation.
• Inspect cargo, baggage, and personal articles entering or leaving U.S. for compliance with revenue laws and U.S. customs regulations.
• Locate and seize contraband, undeclared merchandise, and vehicles, aircraft, or boats that contain such merchandise.
• Interpret and explain laws and regulations to travelers, prospective immigrants, shippers, and manufacturers.
• Institute civil and criminal prosecutions and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prosecution of those in violation of immigration or customs laws.
• Testify regarding decisions at immigration appeals or in federal court.
• Record and report job-related activities, findings, transactions, violations, discrepancies, and decisions.
What's the median pay for Customs and Border Protection Officers?
The median pay for Customs and Border Protection Officers is $76,210 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Customs and Border Protection Officers?
Employment for Customs and Border Protection Officers is projected to change +3.1% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Customs and Border Protection Officers?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Customs and Border Protection Officers?
About 53,700 openings per year, on average, over the decade.