Border Patrol Agent (BPA) Entry Level

A MISSION WORTHY OF A CAREER! If you are looking for a long-term federal law enforcement career, one that makes a difference every day to our country and its citizens, then the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) would like you to take the first step to becoming an entry level Border Patrol Agent. USBP is hiring immediately to fill full-time, entry-level, career positions in federal law enforcement where your prior experience in public safety, security, military police or law enforcement may qualify.

Train and work with an elite team of professionals whose camaraderie, pride, and sense of purpose are hallmarks of their daily mission of protecting America. Now is the time to make your move because, along with excellent base pay, exceptional benefits, and job stability, USBP is offering up to $60,000 in additional incentives.

Salary and Benefits

Annual base salary for newly appointed BPAs varies per grade, as follows: GL-5/GL-7 $51,632 - $92,219 per year. Border Patrol Agents are eligible to select from an array of federal employment benefits that include health, dental and other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan akin to a traditional ROTH 401(k) offering.

Recruitment Incentive

Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents will be eligible for up to $20,000 in incentives. The first $10,000 will be paid upon successful completion of the Border Patrol Academy, with the remaining $10,000 awarded for accepting a prioritized location.

Retention Incentive

Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents may also qualify for up to $40,000 in additional incentives distributed over their first four years.

Duty Locations

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Duty assignments available at the time of offer may include the Southwest Border, including prioritized locations. U.S. Border Patrol determines duty assignments at the time of offer based on operational needs, which may or may not align with candidates' first-choice preferences. RELOCATION MAY BE REQUIRED.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a BPA, you will be part of our 60,000+ workforce that strives to protect the American people by safeguarding our borders, deterring illicit activity, and enhancing the nation's economic prosperity. Typical assignments include:

• Detecting and questioning people suspected of violating immigration and custom laws and inspecting documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations.
• Preventing and apprehending undocumented noncitizens and smugglers of noncitizens at or near the borders.
• Interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry of persons or contraband.
• Performing farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks.
• Patrolling the international boundary and coastal waterways using a variety of government assets.

Qualifications

You qualify for the GL-5 grade level if you possess one of the following:

• One (1) year of general work experience that demonstrates the ability to take charge, make sound decisions, and maintain composure in stressful situations.
• A bachelor's degree or successful completion of a full four-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• A combination of general work experience AND successfully completed college education.

You qualify for the GL-7 grade level if you possess one of the following:

• One year of specialized work experience that shows you have the skills necessary to make sound judgments and decisions in the use of firearms.
• A bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement.
• One full year of graduate-level education in a field of study related to law enforcement.
• A combination of experience and education.

Other Requirements

• Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.
• Residency: You must have had primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years.
• Age Restriction: Candidates must be referred for selection to the Border Patrol Agent position before reaching their 40th birthday.
• Veterans' Preference: You may also be eligible for an excepted service Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA).
• Formal Training: After you are hired, you will be detailed to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy for approximately six months of intensive instruction.

How to Apply: Click the Apply button on this site. You will be linked to the CBP Talent Network registration page. For Position of Interest, select Border Patrol Agent, then complete the pre-screening questions.