Border Patrol Agent - Experienced (GL9 / GS11)

Check out these higher-salaried federal law enforcement opportunities with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Your current or prior law enforcement experience may qualify you for this career opportunity with the nation's premier federal agency charged with securing our borders and protecting our country.

You may qualify for these higher-graded Border Patrol Agent (BPA) opportunities if you have current or prior law enforcement experience, including military police or local/state law enforcement.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Duty assignments may include the Southwest Border. U.S. Border Patrol determines assignments based on operational needs, which may not align with your preferences. Relocation may be required.

EARN UP TO $30,000 IN RECRUITMENT INCENTIVES: Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents will receive a $20,000 incentive — $10,000 after completing academy training and $10,000 after fulfilling a 3-year agreement. An extra $10,000 is available for prioritized locations (Sierra Blanca, Presidio, Sanderson, Comstock, Freer, Hebbronville, TX; Lordsburg, NM; or Ajo, AZ).

The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) offers a career with camaraderie, pride, purpose, and the mission of protecting America.

If you’re looking for an exciting, well-compensated federal law enforcement career, apply now. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is hiring full-time Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) positions.

Salary and Benefits

Base Salary: GL-9/GS-11: $63,148 – $120,145 per year

Locality Pay: Varies by duty location

Overtime: Up to 25% additional pay

This is a career ladder position progressing from GL-9 to GS-11 to GS-12. You may be promoted after 52 weeks at each level without reapplying.

Benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and the Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a traditional or Roth 401(k)).

Duties and Responsibilities

As a BPA, you help protect the U.S. by securing borders, stopping illegal activity, and supporting economic stability.

Typical assignments include:

• Questioning individuals and inspecting documents and property
• Apprehending undocumented individuals or smugglers using covert surveillance and infrared scopes
• Tracking and interpreting signs of illegal entry
• Performing farm, traffic, building, city, and transport checks
• Patrolling using vehicles, horses, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, or motorcycles

Qualifications

GL-9: One year of specialized experience at the next lower level, including:

• Searching detained persons, vehicles, and surroundings
• Apprehending or restraining suspects in violation of law
• Using firearms, writing reports, serving warrants, and gathering case evidence

GS-11: One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade, including:

• Using intelligence to monitor criminal threats and operations
• Leading fraud or contraband investigations
• Apprehending violators using surveillance and detection tech

There is no education substitution for GL-9 or GS-11 positions.

Other Requirements

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Residency: Must have lived primarily in the U.S. for 3 of the last 5 years
• Age: Must be referred before turning 40 (exceptions for federal or veteran law enforcement)
• Veterans: May qualify under Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment (VRA)

Formal Training: After hiring, agents attend the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, NM for 6 months of instruction in immigration law, firearms, defensive tactics, Spanish, and more.

How to Apply

Click the Apply button on this page. You will be redirected to the CBP Talent Network. Select "Border Patrol Agent" and complete the pre-screening questions.

You will receive a link to the BPA Job Opening Announcements on USAJOBS. Follow all instructions and submit all required materials (resume, transcripts, etc.). You’ll be evaluated based on your application and the BPA Entrance Exam.

If you have questions, contact a recruiter: careers.cbp.gov/s/usbp

NOTE: Subscribers to the CBP Talent Network will receive monthly updates on webinars, expos, and job opportunities.