Customs and Border Protection Officers
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.
Common Job Titles
- Customs Inspector
- Customs Officer
- Special Agent
- US Customs and Border Protection Officer (US CBPO)
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeEvaluate persons, goods, and documentation for compliance with immigration and customs laws at ports of entry using law enforcement databases and inspection protocols.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze suspicious activity indicators and behavioral patterns during primary and secondary inspections to identify potential security threats.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret complex federal regulations and legal statutes when determining admissibility and enforcement actions under time pressure.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate X-ray inspection equipment, radiation detection devices, and ion mobility spectrometers to screen cargo, vehicles, and baggage for contraband and hazardous materials.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute physical inspections of commercial carriers and personal vehicles following standardized procedures to detect concealed items.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate public safety priorities with customer service principles when interacting with diverse international travelers in high-volume settings.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate lawful and ethical enforcement practices while managing conflicts and de-escalating confrontational situations.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess risk levels and threat indicators from multiple data sources using TECS, NCIC, and Automated Manifest System in real-time enforcement contexts.Proficient
- KnowledgeExplain enforcement decisions, customs regulations, and procedural requirements to travelers, supervisors, and external agencies in written and verbal formats.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply interview and interrogation techniques to elicit accurate information from travelers of diverse cultural backgrounds.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Customs and Border Protection Officers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
666,990
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $47,640. 25th percentile: U.S. $58,980. 50th percentile: U.S. $76,290. 75th percentile: U.S. $97,190. 90th percentile: U.S. $115,280. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $47,640 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $115,280 |
| Workers on average earn | $79,320 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Law and Government4.5/5
- Public Safety and Security4.3/5
- English Language3.9/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
- Psychology3.4/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- IBM WebSphere MQ
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Technology Skills
- Automated Manifest System AMS
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Global positioning system GPS software
- Law enforcement information databases
- National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database
- Treasury Enforcement Communications System TECS
Tools & Equipment
- Barcode scanners
- Compound light microscopes
- Desktop computers
- Digital video cameras
- Fingerprint scanners
- Gamma ray spectrometers
- Hazardous material detectors
- Hydrometers