Entry-Level Border Patrol Agent

Join a Mission-Driven Career!

If you're seeking more than just a job and want a fulfilling, long-term career in federal law enforcement that impacts our nation and its citizens, the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) invites you to take the first step toward becoming an Entry-Level Border Patrol Agent.

USBP is hiring immediately for full-time, entry-level positions in federal law enforcement. Your background in public safety, security, military police, or law enforcement may qualify you. Work alongside a dedicated team of professionals who embody pride, camaraderie, and a strong sense of purpose while safeguarding America.

Now is the perfect time to make your move! In addition to excellent base pay and remarkable benefits, USBP offers up to $60,000 in added incentives. See details below!

Salary and Benefits

The annual base salary for newly appointed Border Patrol Agents ranges by grade level: GL-5/GL-7 $51,632 - $92,219 per year. As a Border Patrol Agent, you can select from various federal employment benefits, including health and dental insurance, a generous leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan—similar to a traditional ROTH 401(k) plan.

Recruitment Incentives

Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents will be eligible for up to $20,000 in recruitment incentives: the first $10,000 paid upon successful completion of the Border Patrol Academy, with the remaining $10,000 awarded for accepting a prioritized location such as Sierra Blanca, Presidio, Sanderson, Comstock, Freer, or Hebbronville, TX; Lordsburg, NM; or Ajo, AZ.

Retention Incentives

Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents may also qualify for up to $40,000 in retention incentives distributed over their first four years.

Duty Locations

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Duty assignments available at the time of offer may include the Southwest Border, including prioritized locations. U.S. Border Patrol determines duty assignments at the time of offer based on operational requirements, which may not align with preferred locations. Relocation may be necessary.

Duty location affects pay rates; locality pay for federal law enforcement is greater in some areas than others. A fully trained Border Patrol Agent may be eligible for an additional 25% of base pay according to the BPA Pay Reform Act of 2014. This is a career-ladder position with grade levels GL-5, GL-7, GL-9, GS-11, and GS-12. You will qualify for promotion to the next level after successfully completing 52 weeks in each grade.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a Border Patrol Agent, you will join a workforce of over 60,000 professionals dedicated to protecting the American public by securing our borders, deterring illicit activities, and enhancing national economic prosperity. Your key assignments will include:

• Detecting and questioning individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws while inspecting documents to determine citizenship or violations.
• Preventing and apprehending undocumented individuals and smugglers at or near border areas by maintaining surveillance using various techniques, including infrared scopes during nighttime operations.
• Interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence related to illegal entries.
• Conducting checks on farms, buildings, traffic, and city patrols.
• Patrolling international boundaries and coastal waterways using various government assets such as vehicles, horses, vessels, ATVs, and motorcycles.

Qualifications

To qualify for the GL-5 grade level, you must meet one of the following:

Experience: One year of general work experience demonstrating the ability to take charge, make sound decisions, and maintain composure in stressful situations, or the ability to learn regulations, methods, and techniques through training. You should also possess skill in gathering concise information.

Education Substitution: A bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited institution.

Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of the above experience and education, which we will evaluate using your resume and submitted transcripts.

For the GL-7 grade level, you must have:

Experience: One year of specialized work experience demonstrating judgment in firearms use, effective interpersonal skills in law enforcement contexts, and rapid analysis of information for decision-making.

Education Substitution: A bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement or one year of graduate-level education in a related field.

Please note: If you have prior law enforcement or military law enforcement experience, you may qualify for the GL-9 or GS-11 grade levels.

Additional Requirements

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply.

Residency: You must have had primary U.S. residency for at least three of the past five years.

Age Requirement: Candidates must be referred for selection before reaching their 40th birthday due to law enforcement retirement regulations.