Customs and Border Protection Officers

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.

$77,270
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+3% projected 2024โ€“2034

What They Do

Customs and Border Protection Officers safeguard the nation's borders by inspecting people, vehicles, and cargo entering or leaving the United States. They work at airports, seaports, and land border crossings, examining documents like passports and visas while questioning travelers about their intentions and belongings. During their shifts, they use advanced technology including X-ray machines and drug-detection equipment to screen baggage and shipments for prohibited items such as illegal drugs, weapons, undeclared currency, or agricultural products that could harm ecosystems. Officers also process commercial shipments, ensuring businesses comply with trade regulations and tariff requirements.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)University of San Diego, CA
$143,943
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)Curry College, MA
$121,483
Criminal Justice and Corrections(certificate)Santa Rosa Junior College, CA
$111,649
Criminal Justice and Corrections(postbacc-cert)University of Louisville, KY
$102,190
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)University of Chicago, IL
$100,258
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)Lewis University, IL
$96,146
Criminal Justice and Corrections(certificate)San Bernardino Valley College, CA
$94,285
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)University of Massachusetts-Lowell, MA
$93,930
Criminal Justice and Corrections(certificate)San Diego Miramar College, CA
$91,647
Criminal Justice and Corrections(doctoral)Nova Southeastern University, FL
$90,969
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)Concordia University-Saint Paul, MN
$89,127
Criminal Justice and Corrections(certificate)Monroe Community College, NY
$85,061
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)Columbus State University, GA
$82,799
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)University of Louisville, KY
$81,602
Criminal Justice and Corrections(certificate)Moreno Valley College, CA
$81,339
Criminal Justice and Corrections(doctoral)Walden University, MN
$79,647
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)Salve Regina University, RI
$78,042
Criminal Justice and Corrections(doctoral)Capella University, MN
$76,899
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)Saint Elizabeth University, NJ
$76,861
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)Excelsior University, NY
$76,747
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)Michigan State University, MI
$75,435
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)Anderson University, SC
$75,008
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)American Public University System, WV
$74,466
Criminal Justice and Corrections(certificate)Gateway Technical College, WI
$73,818
Criminal Justice and Corrections(certificate)Butte College, CA
$73,170

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