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Performs technical customs work including document processing, data entry, and administrative support.
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-4 | $30,795 | $31,822 | $32,849 | $33,876 | $34,903 | $35,930 | $36,957 | $37,984 | $39,011 | $40,038 |
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-6 | $38,407 | $39,687 | $40,967 | $42,247 | $43,527 | $44,807 | $46,087 | $47,367 | $48,647 | $49,927 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-8 | $47,265 | $48,841 | $50,417 | $51,993 | $53,569 | $55,145 | $56,721 | $58,297 | $59,873 | $61,449 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
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-1895
Individual Occupational Requirements: There are no Individual Occupational Requirements for this series.
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 technician 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.
Military jobs that transition to GS-1895
Coast Guard Yeomen perform administrative tasks and data entry, which align well with customs document processing and record maintenance.
Human Resources Specialists handle personnel records and data entry, which aligns with customs document processing and data entry tasks.
This role involves administrative tasks and data management, similar to the duties of a CBP Technician.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Skill in processing travelers and cargo documentation.
Ability to enter data into customs systems accurately.
Skill in reviewing customs documentation.
Ability to assist travelers and trade community.
Proficiency in customs information systems.
Skill in identifying discrepancies.
Ability to communicate with travelers and officers.
Basic knowledge of customs procedures.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-1895 Customs and Border Protection Technician provides technical and administrative support for CBP operations. These specialists process travelers and cargo documentation, enter trade data into customs systems, verify entry information, maintain records, support CBP Officers, and respond to inquiries from the trade community and traveling public at ports of entry.
Federal CBP Technicians earn between $30,795 (GS-4 Step 1) and $67,865 (GS-9 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Most positions are at GS-5 through GS-7. A GS-6 CBP Technician earns $38,407-$49,927, while GS-7 positions pay $42,679-$55,486. CBP ports of entry nationwide employ these technicians.
GS-1895 has no specific educational requirements—it follows the administrative qualification standard. Entry at GS-4 requires general clerical experience or high school diploma with additional education. Higher grades require specialized experience in customs processing, data entry, or administrative support. Accuracy, attention to detail, and customer service skills are essential.
Absolutely. Veterans with administrative, clerical, or logistics support experience have directly transferable skills. Military experience in personnel processing, documentation handling, data entry, or customer service provides qualifying background. This is an excellent entry-level series for veterans transitioning from any military occupation with administrative duties.
CBP Technicians follow the GS-4/5/6/7/8/9 progression with journey level at GS-7. Senior technicians reach GS-8/9. Many technicians transition to GS-1881 CBP Officer positions for law enforcement careers and higher earning potential. This technician series provides excellent preparation for CBP Officer hiring processes.
Search USAJOBS.gov for "CBP Technician" or "Customs Technician" under series 1895. CBP ports of entry hire technicians nationwide. Highlight administrative experience, data entry accuracy, customer service skills, and any customs or logistics knowledge. This is often a pathway to CBP Officer positions for those building federal careers.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.