FAQs
  • Q: What are the key requirements for employment as a Border Patrol Agent with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)?
    		•
    A: The key requirements include the following:
  • Be between the ages of 18 and 39 (waiver for qualified veterans)
  • Be a U.S. citizen and a resident for the past three years
  • Have a valid state driver's license
  • Pass a thorough background investigation, medical examination, fitness test and drug test.
    		•
    Q: Where are the jobs located?
    A: We are currently hiring for Border Patrol Agent positions in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas.
    Q: What training is required?
    A: New hires must successfully complete 55 days of intensive instruction at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, N.M. Coursework includes topics such as immigration and nationality laws, as well as physical training and marksmanship. An additional 40 days is necessary for those who require Spanish language instruction.
    Q: Is the training paid by CBP?
    A: Yes.
    Q: As a Border Patrol Agent, what are the major responsibilities?
    A: Responsibilities include detection, prevention and apprehension of undocumented aliens and smugglers of aliens at or near the land border by maintaining surveillance from a covert position; responding to electronic sensor alarms and infrared scopes during night operations, low light level television systems and aircraft sightings; and interpreting and following tracks, marks and other physical evidence. Other major activities include farm and ranch checks, traffic checks, traffic observation, city patrol, transportation checks, administrative, intelligence and anti-smuggling.
    Q: What kind of compensation can I expect as a Border Patrol Agent??
    A: Salaries range from $38,619.00 - $63,259.00 /year. Starting pay up to $50K may be offered for entry-level positions. Careers which require additional experience, education, etc., are compensated accordingly.
    Q: How about benefits?
    A: CBP employees are eligible for the full range of federal benefits, including health care, life insurance, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, annual and sick leave, long-term care insurance, retirement savings plans and transit subsidies. Border Patrol Agents also receive a uniform allowance.
    For more information about careers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
    visit www.cbp.gov/careers
    The U.S. Border Patrol is hiring agents to work for the nation's largest single border agency, protecting the American people from terrorism, drug smuggling and illegal entry to our country.
    Locate
    U.S. Border Patrol
    Careers
    Opportunities include positions in law enforcement, information technology (IT), trade, law, human resources and congressional affairs, just to name a few.
    map