Customs and Border Protection Technician
Performs technical customs work including document processing, data entry, and administrative support.
💰GS-1895 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-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.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-1895
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
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):
- Upper third of graduating class in college/university or major subdivision
- GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 as recorded on official transcript, OR 3.5 or higher in major field
- Election to membership in national scholastic honor society
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.
🎖️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-1895
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal customs and border protection technician 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.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-1895
Yeoman
Coast Guard Yeomen perform administrative tasks and data entry, which align well with customs document processing and record maintenance.
Administration
This role involves administrative tasks and data management, similar to the duties of a CBP Technician.
Yeoman
Yeomen are responsible for clerical and administrative duties, which are closely related to the tasks of processing and maintaining customs records.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Process customs documents
- •Enter trade data
- •Verify entry information
- •Maintain records
- •Support CBP officers
- •Respond to inquiries
🎯Key Competencies
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.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1895
What is a CBP Technician?
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.
How much does a federal CBP Technician make?
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.
What are the requirements for GS-1895 positions?
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.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1895?
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.
What is the career progression for CBP Technician?
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.
How do I apply for GS-1895 jobs on USAJOBS?
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.
Ready to Apply for GS-1895?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.