Customs Patrol Officer
Performs customs patrol work including border patrol, interdiction, and enforcement between ports of entry.
💰GS-1884 Salary Information
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.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-1884
⚠️ CANCELLED SERIES\n\nThis occupational series has been officially cancelled by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM).\n\nStatus: Cancelled\n\nReplacement Series:\n- GS-1801: General Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement, and Compliance Series\n- GS-1895: Customs and Border Protection Series\n\nNote: If you are interested in this type of work, please search for the replacement series listed above.
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-1884
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal customs patrol officer position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your 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).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
📋Typical Duties
- •Patrol border areas
- •Interdict smuggling
- •Apprehend violators
- •Conduct surveillance
- •Process detainees
- •Coordinate with agencies
🎯Key Competencies
Skill in conducting patrol and surveillance activities.
Knowledge of customs and immigration laws.
Ability to detect smuggling and illegal activity.
Skill in operating patrol vehicles.
Ability to conduct surveillance operations.
Knowledge of arrest and detention procedures.
Qualification with assigned firearms.
Ability to communicate and coordinate with other officers.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1884
What is a Customs Patrol Officer?
NOTE: GS-1884 Customs Patrol Officer is a CANCELLED series. This occupational classification has been officially discontinued by OPM. Border patrol and interdiction work between ports of entry is now primarily covered under GS-1896 (Border Patrol Agent) series. Port of entry inspection work is covered under GS-1895 (CBP Officer series).
What replaced the Customs Patrol Officer series?
When CBP was formed under DHS, the GS-1884 Customs Patrol Officer series was merged with Border Patrol functions under GS-1896. Customs patrol work at and near ports is now performed by CBP Officers (GS-1895) or Border Patrol Agents (GS-1896) depending on specific location and duties.
How do I become a Border Patrol Agent instead?
To pursue the patrol and interdiction work formerly done by Customs Patrol Officers, apply for GS-1896 Border Patrol Agent positions through USAJOBS. Border Patrol Agents patrol between ports of entry, interdict smuggling, apprehend illegal crossers, and enforce immigration and customs laws along U.S. borders.
What are the requirements for Border Patrol Agent positions?
GS-1896 Border Patrol Agent positions require U.S. citizenship, bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, passing physical fitness test and medical examination, firearms qualification, and extensive background investigation. Age limits apply (generally under 40 at entry). Spanish language proficiency is required or must be acquired during training.
Can military experience qualify for Border Patrol positions?
Yes, military experience is highly valued for Border Patrol Agent (GS-1896) positions. Veterans with infantry, military police, reconnaissance, or combat arms experience have excellent backgrounds. Military discipline, weapons proficiency, tactical skills, and experience in austere environments transfer directly. Veterans preference provides significant hiring advantages.
Where can I find current border security jobs?
Search USAJOBS.gov for GS-1896 (Border Patrol Agent) for patrol work between ports of entry, or GS-1895 (CBP Officer) for port of entry work. CBP is one of the largest federal law enforcement agencies and actively recruits. Positions are available along the Southern border, Northern border, and coastal areas.
Ready to Apply for GS-1884?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.