Earn up to an additional $60,000 in recruitment and retention bonuses!
Border Patrol Agents
It’s Not a Uniform. It’s a Badge of Honor.
When others see danger, you see duty. When the terrain gets rough, you get focused. You believe in protecting what matters—and standing for something bigger than yourself.
As a Border Patrol Agent with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, you’ll patrol the border between official ports of entry, tracking movement, intercepting threats, and responding where most won’t go. You’ll use sensors, vehicles, and your training—but nothing replaces your instincts. Every shift is a test of grit, judgment, and resolve.
This is not a job—it’s a calling. One that demands readiness, resilience, and integrity at all times.
You’ll need to be:
- A U.S. citizen with a valid driver’s license
- Experienced in meeting and dealing with people or have the ability to gather facts and make sound recommendations; OR, possess a college degree, any major
- Pass background check, medical exam, polygraph, and fitness screening
- Ready to complete paid academy training in Artesia, NM
- Willingness to relocate where assigned. Currently, duty locations for new hires are determined based on agency needs. While you will have the opportunity to indicate your preferred location(s), please note that CBP cannot guarantee assignment to one of your selected posts upon graduation from the Academy. For this reason, the ability and willingness to relocate to an assigned duty station is a requirement for consideration.
- Age Restriction: In accordance with Public Law 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions. Candidates must be referred for selection to the Border Patrol Agent position before reaching their 40th birthday in accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-03. The age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement (non-military) position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d).
In return, you’ll receive competitive federal pay, robust benefits, 25% additional law enforcement availability pay, and training to advance in one of the most mission-critical agencies in the nation.
You’ll leave the Academy ready for anything—and backed by a team that’s earned the badge beside you. And yes—adrenaline rushes come standard.
This is not for everyone.
But if you’re still reading, maybe it is for you.
Apply Now!
Salary and Benefits:
Annual Base Salary for newly appointed BPAs varies per grade, as follows:
- GL-5/GL-7 $49,739 - $89,518 per year
Duty location impacts pay rates; locality pay for federal law enforcement is higher in some locations than others. A fully trained BPA may be eligible for up to an additional 25% of base pay per the BPA Pay Reform Act of 2014. This is a career ladder position with a grade level progression of GL-5, GL-7, GL-9, GS-11, and GS-12. You will be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level (without reapplying) once you successfully complete 52 weeks in each grade level.
Border Patrol Agents are eligible to select from an array of federal employment benefits that include health, dental and other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan akin to a traditional ROTH 401(k) offering.
Recruitment Incentive:
Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents (as defined in 5 CFR 575.102) will be offered up to a $20,000 incentive. The first $10,000 will be paid upon successful completion of the Border Patrol Academy, with the remaining $10,000 awarded for accepting a prioritized location. Prioritized locations include Sierra Blanca, TX; Presidio, TX; Sanderson, TX; Comstock, TX; Lordsburg, NM; Freer, TX; Hebbronville, TX; Ajo, AZ.
Retention Incentive:
Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents may also qualify for up to $40,000 in additional incentives distributed over their first four years.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $49,739.00 - $89,518.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: On the road
