Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO) – New Hire Sign-On and Retention Incentives U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers an exceptional opportunity for those interested in a career in law enforcement. As part of the Department of Homeland Security workforce, you will protect American interests and secure our nation.
Typical Assignments
Enforcing customs, immigration, and agriculture laws and regulations.
Facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel.
Conducting inspections of individuals and conveyances.
Determining the admissibility of individuals for entry into the United States.
Preventing the illegal entry of individuals and prohibited goods and the smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband.
Duty Locations Preference can be requested for the following mission‑critical locations: Anchorage, AK; Douglas, Lukeville, Nogales and San Luis, AZ; Calexico, Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, and Tecate, CA; Washington, D. C.; Key West, Miami, and Orlando, FL; Honolulu, HI; Chicago, IL; Calais, Eastport, Houlton, Jackman, Madawaska, Van Buren, and Vanceboro, ME; Detroit, Port Huron, and Sault Ste Marie, MI; Grand Portage and International Falls, MN; Raymond, Roosville, Sweetgrass, and Wild Horse, MT; Columbus and Santa Teresa, NM; Alexandria Bay, Champlain, Massena, Trout River, and Buffalo, NY; Dunseith, Pembina, and Portal, ND; Brownsville, Dallas, Del Rio, El Paso, Hidalgo, Laredo, Presidio, Progreso, and Houston, TX; Beecher Falls, Derby Line, Highgate Springs, Norton, and Richford, VT; Blaine, Oroville, and Sumas, WA.
Salary – and Duty Location Recruitment Incentives
Recruitment Incentive – up to $15,000 per year for a three‑year service contract, in the following locations:
Arizona: Douglas, Lukeville, Nogales, San Luis
California: Calexico
Hawaii: Honolulu
Maine: Calais, Eastport, Houlton, Jackman, Madawaska, Van Buren, Vanceboro
Michigan: Detroit, Port Huron, Sault Sainte Marie
Minnesota: Grand Portage, International Falls
Montana: Raymond, Sweetgrass
New York: Alexandria Bay,



Champlain, Massena, Trout River
North Dakota: Dunseith, Portal
Vermont: Beecher Falls, Derby Line, Highgate Springs, Norton, Richford
Washington: Blaine, Oroville
Recruitment Incentive – up to $15,000 per year for a four‑year service contract, in the following locations:
California: Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, Tecate
Florida: Key West
North Dakota: Pembina
Annual Base Salary for newly appointed CBPOs: GS‑5 and GS‑7 $41,863 – $112,415 per year.
Locality pay varies by duty location.
Fully trained CBPOs are eligible for up to $45,000 in overtime pay in addition to the starting salary.
Grade‑level progression: GS‑5, GS‑7, GS‑9, GS‑11, and GS‑12. Promotion is at the discretion of the agency after completion of 52 weeks at each level.
Benefits Officers are eligible for federal benefits, including health, dental, and other insurance plans; a generous annual and sick leave program; and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan similar to a 401(k).
Qualifications GS‑5 Grade Level
Experience:
Minimum of three (3) years full‑time general work experience demonstrating ability to meet people and learn and apply facts.
Education Substitution:
A bachelor’s degree or completion of a full four (4)‑year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Combination:
Successfully completed college education AND general work experience, evaluated from resume and transcripts.
GS‑7 Grade Level
Experience:
Minimum of one (1) year of specialized full‑time work experience equivalent to the next lower grade level,



including:
Performing physical inspections of people, documents or goods for criminal activity, fraud, and/or illegal operations.
Utilizing observational techniques, evaluating facts, and reviewing documentation while applying applicable laws.
Making determinations that may lead to arrests, seizures, fines, and/or penalties.
Education Substitution:
A bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement (≥3.0 GPA or equivalent) or one (1) full year of graduate‑level education that demonstrates necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Combination:
Specialized work experience equivalent to the next lower grade level AND graduate‑level education from an accredited institution.
If you have prior or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience, you may qualify for the GS‑9 grade level.
Other Requirements
Citizenship:
U. S. Citizen required.
Residency:
Primary U. S. residency (including protectorates) for at least three of the last five years.
Age Restriction:
Candidates must be referred before reaching their 40th birthday, unless applying as a veteran or current federal civilian law‑enforcement personnel.
Veterans’ Preference:
Eligible for excepted service Veterans Recruitment Appointment; age restriction does not apply if eligible.
Formal Training
Paid pre‑academy orientation (~2 weeks) at home port.
101‑day training at the CBP Field Operations Academy, FLETC, Glynco, GA.
Successful completion required; Spanish training program for southern border, Miami, or Puerto Rico duty locations.
How To Apply Click the Apply button on the job posting site. You will be linked to the CBP Talent Network. For the Position of Interest, select Customs and Border Protection Officer. Submit your application through USAJOBS, completing required documents and the CBPO Entrance Exam.
CBP Talent Network subscribers receive monthly emails with webinar and career opportunity information.

📌 Customs and border protection officer - entry level (Tecate)
🏢 U.S. Customs and Border Protection
📍 Tecate