Customs and Border Protection Officers

SOC code 33-3051 · O*NET-SOC 33-3051.04 · Medium preparation needed · Legal and protective services

CBP officers staff ports of entry, screening people and goods entering the country and enforcing customs and immigration law. It is a federal career with its own academy, structured pay grades and a hiring process built around examinations and background checks.

Customs and Border Protection Officers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$76,210

a year

Hourly

$36.64

per hour

10th$47,510Median$76,21090th$115,120

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$79,200

$38.08 per hour

Middle 50%

$59,290 – $97,600

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$47,510 – $115,120

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

670,520

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers”, not this job alone.

10th percentile: $47,510; $22.84/hr
25th percentile: $59,290; $28.50/hr
Median percentile: $76,210; $36.64/hr
75th percentile: $97,600; $46.93/hr
90th percentile: $115,120; $55.35/hr

What do customs and border protection officers do?

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 39% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)39%
Bachelor's Degree27%
Some College Courses14%
Post-Secondary Certificate10%

Common questions

How much does a customs and border protection officers earn?

The national median is $76,210 a year. The full range runs from $47,510 at the 10th percentile to $115,120 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a customs and border protection officers without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening4.0/5
Speaking4.0/5
Critical Thinking4.0/5
Reading Comprehension3.9/5
Writing3.6/5
Monitoring3.6/5
Active Learning3.4/5

Knowledge areas

Law and Government4.5/5
Public Safety and Security4.3/5
English Language3.9/5
Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
Psychology3.4/5
Administrative3.2/5
Computers and Electronics3.2/5
Geography3.2/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Judgment and Decision Making, Coordination.