About This Career Path
Investigate and inspect persons, common carriers, goods, and merchandise, arriving in or departing from the United States or between states to detect violations of immigration and customs laws and regulations.
A Day In The Life
Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security Industry
Salary Breakdown
Customs and Border Protection Officers
Average
$68,060
ANNUAL
$32.72
HOURLY
Entry Level
$48,290
ANNUAL
$23.22
HOURLY
Mid Level
$66,020
ANNUAL
$31.74
HOURLY
Expert Level
$80,140
ANNUAL
$38.53
HOURLY
Projected Jobs
Customs and Border Protection Officers
10,790
Projected job openings through 2030
Sample Career Roadmap
Customs and Border Protection Officers
Supporting Programs
Customs and Border Protection Officers
Arizona State University
Bachelor's Degree
Top Expected Tasks
Customs and Border Protection Officers
01
Examine immigration applications, visas, and passports and interview persons to determine eligibility for admission, residence, and travel in the U.S.
02
Detain persons found to be in violation of customs or immigration laws and arrange for legal action, such as deportation.
03
Inspect cargo, baggage, and personal articles entering or leaving U.S. for compliance with revenue laws and U.S. customs regulations.
04
Locate and seize contraband, undeclared merchandise, and vehicles, aircraft, or boats that contain such merchandise.
05
Interpret and explain laws and regulations to travelers, prospective immigrants, shippers, and manufacturers.
06
Institute civil and criminal prosecutions and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prosecution of those in violation of immigration or customs laws.
07
Testify regarding decisions at immigration appeals or in federal court.
08
Record and report job-related activities, findings, transactions, violations, discrepancies, and decisions.
09
Determine duty and taxes to be paid on goods.
10
Collect samples of merchandise for examination, appraisal, or testing.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Customs and Border Protection Officers
Common knowledge, skills & abilities needed to get a foot in the door.
KNOWLEDGE
Law and Government
KNOWLEDGE
Public Safety and Security
KNOWLEDGE
English Language
KNOWLEDGE
Customer and Personal Service
KNOWLEDGE
Psychology
SKILL
Active Listening
SKILL
Critical Thinking
SKILL
Speaking
SKILL
Reading Comprehension
SKILL
Social Perceptiveness
ABILITY
Inductive Reasoning
ABILITY
Near Vision
ABILITY
Oral Comprehension
ABILITY
Oral Expression
ABILITY
Problem Sensitivity
Related Careers
Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
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