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Performs customs and border protection work including inspection, enforcement, and facilitation of lawful trade and travel.
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-1881
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
OR
Experience: Experience in law enforcement, inspection, or border security.
Special Requirements:
Education and Experience Requirements (Group Standard):
This is a two-grade interval series. Positions follow the GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 progression pattern.
| Grade | Education | Experience | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | Bachelor's degree in any field from accredited college/university | 3 years progressively responsible experience, 1 year equivalent to GS-4 | Equivalent combinations qualifying |
| GS-7 | 1 full year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 | Combinations of graduate education and experience |
| GS-9 | 2 years graduate education or master's degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-7 requirement) and experience |
| GS-11 | 3 years graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-9 requirement) and experience |
| GS-12+ | Not applicable | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to next lower grade | N/A |
Superior Academic Achievement (for GS-7):
Graduate Education: One year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours the school determines represents 1 year of full-time study. If unavailable, 18 semester hours satisfies the 1-year requirement.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal customs and border protection officer position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Skill in inspecting travelers, vehicles, and cargo.
Knowledge of customs, immigration, and agriculture laws.
Ability to examine travel and trade documents.
Skill in detecting prohibited items.
Ability to interview travelers and make admissibility decisions.
Skill in making arrests and seizures.
Qualification with assigned firearms.
Ability to communicate with diverse populations.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-1881 Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO) is a federal law enforcement officer who inspects travelers and cargo at U.S. ports of entry—airports, seaports, and land border crossings. CBP Officers enforce customs, immigration, and agriculture laws; detect smuggling and prohibited items; facilitate lawful trade and travel; and protect America's borders as part of DHS.
CBP Officers earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $98,422 (GS-12 Step 10) on the 2025 base GS scale. However, CBP Officers also receive Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP)—an additional 25% of base salary. With locality pay and LEAP, a journey-level GS-12 CBP Officer in a major port earns approximately $95,000-$130,000+ total compensation.
CBP Officer requires U.S. citizenship, bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, ability to pass medical examination and physical fitness test, firearms qualification, and extensive background investigation. Age limits apply—typically must enter on duty before age 40. Language skills (especially Spanish) are valued but not required for most locations.
Yes, military experience is highly valued for CBP Officer positions. Veterans with military police, security forces, infantry, or any honorable service can qualify based on military experience in lieu of education. Veterans preference provides significant hiring advantages, and many CBP Officers are military veterans who transitioned using their discipline and security training.
CBP Officers enter at GS-5 or GS-7 and progress through GS-9/11 to journey level at GS-12 within approximately 3-4 years. Supervisory CBP Officers and team leads advance further. Career paths include specializing in targeting, agriculture inspection, or anti-terrorism; transitioning to CBP Air and Marine or Border Patrol; or advancing to Port Director positions.
Search USAJOBS.gov for "CBP Officer" or "Customs and Border Protection Officer" under series 1881. CBP actively recruits with positions at airports, seaports, and land borders nationwide. Be prepared for polygraph examination and extensive background check taking 6-18 months. Highlight law enforcement experience, language skills, and leadership abilities.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.