Customs and Border Protection Officers
Customs and Border Protection Officers inspect people, vehicles, cargo, and merchandise crossing U.S. borders or traveling between states. They examine documents, search for contraband, and enforce immigration and customs laws. Officers work at airports, seaports, land border crossings, and mail facilities.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against customs and border protection officers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
An officer might inspect several truck shipments, questioning drivers and verifying paperwork against cargo contents. Later, they could review passenger declarations at an airport gate or process international mail for prohibited items. The work involves database checks, X-ray screening, physical inspections, and detailed documentation. Shifts may be irregular, including nights and weekends, depending on facility operations.
Who this work suits
Holland code CER. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to prefer structured rules and systems, and you're comfortable making decisions that affect people and outcomes. You're organized, detail-oriented, and value order—traits that fit both the rule-based nature of customs work and its operational demands.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $97,280 | $118,880 | $126,780 | 65,940 |
| Washington | $92,930 | $102,080 | $118,480 | 9,160 |
| Illinois | $76,480 | $100,520 | $107,810 | 29,180 |
| Alaska | $78,810 | $99,130 | $126,480 | 1,260 |
| Colorado | $76,640 | $97,350 | $102,620 | 9,610 |
| Delaware | $75,550 | $92,970 | $102,530 | 1,800 |
| New York | $57,180 | $92,790 | $107,080 | 53,470 |
| New Jersey | $67,070 | $92,610 | $117,800 | 21,780 |
| District of Columbia | $77,210 | $88,650 | $107,360 | 4,720 |
| Oregon | $78,170 | $88,140 | $98,650 | 5,030 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,080 | $85,470 | $96,970 | 26,510 |
| Hawaii | $82,640 | $83,820 | $108,110 | 2,420 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Law and Public Safety Introductory Level (LPSIL) — Law and Public Safety Education Network
- National Law Enforcement — Law and Public Safety Education Network
- Certified Workplace Violence and Threat Specialist (WVTS) — McAfee Institute
- WSO - Certified Hazardous Materials Technician I (WSO-CHMT) — World Safety Organization
- Accredited Traffic Accident Reconstructionist — Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction
- Certified Central Service Vendor Partner (CCSVP) — Healthcare Sterile Processing Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against customs and border protection officers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 33-3051.04 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.