1
BENEFITS GUIDE FOR
AGENTS AND OFFICERS
JOIN AMERICA’S FRONTLINE
3
Why join U.S. Customs and Border Protection?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a premier law enforcement agency that
safeguards America’s borders. Every day, CBP protects the public from dangerous threats
and materials attempting to cross the border, while enhancing the nation’s global
economic competitiveness by enabling legitimate trade and travel.
Not only is CBP an exciting place to work, but we offer excellent benefits—from the
inception of your career into retirement!
On a typical day, CBP:
48
countries
328
ports of entry within 20 eld oces
135
Border Patrol stations within 21 sectors
74
Air and Marine Operations locations
(Based on FY 2021 Data)
JOIN AMERICA’S FRONTLINE
Border fence near San Diego.
» 491,688 passengers and pedestrians
» 121,516 incoming international air passengers and crew
» 8,094 passengers and crew on arriving ship/boat
» 362,078 incoming land travelers
» 159,598 incoming privately owned vehicles
» 89,458 truck, rail, and sea containers
» $7.6 billion worth of imported products
» $256 million in duties, taxes and other fees, including more than
$234 million in duties
» 1,703 apprehensions between U.S. ports of entry
» 25 arrests of wanted criminals at U.S. ports of entry
» 723 refusals of inadmissible persons at U.S. ports of entry
» 264 pests at U.S. ports of entry and 2,548 materials for quarantine -
plant, meat, animal byproduct, and soil
» 4,732 pounds of narcotics
» $342,000 in undeclared or illicit currency
» $9 million worth of products with Intellectual Property Rights
violations
» 7 fraudulent documents
» 64,272 men and women including law enforcement and trade
personnel:
» 25,914 CBP Officers
» 19,536 Border Patrol Agents
» 598 Air Interdiction Agents (Pilots)
» 358 Marine Interdiction Agents
» 360 Aviation Enforcement Agents
» More than 867 canine teams and 110 horse patrols
» 222 enforcement hours at and beyond the border, and within the
nation’s interior
» 78 float hours of enforcement missions in the U.S.
PROCESSED:
CONDUCTED:
DISCOVERED:
SEIZED:
INTERCEPTED:
»
EMPLOYED:
DEPLOYED:
FLEW:
FLOATED:
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Financial Security
When you join America’s frontline, you will receive a steady income, varied based on
your GS
1
/GL
2
level, your component office, and your location. Flip through the next
few pages for sample pay scales for a selection of frontline positions with CBP.
Did you know, when you join American’s frontline you can:
» Earn up to $45,000 in overtime and premium pay annually?
» Be eligible for noncompetitive promotion to the next higher grade level (without
reapplying) once you successfully complete one year in each grade level (up to
the full performance level of the position)?
» Receive cash awards as recognition for superior efforts?
» Receive excellent job-related training?
» Earn paid annual and sick leave?
» Receive uniform allowance?
» Receive transportation subsidy?
» Earn up to an additional 33 percent in incentive pay for accepting assignments in
certain locations?
Air and Marine Operations Agents provide supplies to
local residents in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria.
1
The General Schedule (GS) is a worldwide pay system with 15 grades and 10 steps in each grade for more than 400
occupations.
2
Employees covered by the General Schedule classification and pay system (1) who are law enforcement officers (LEOs)
and (2) who receive special base rates at grades 3-10 under section 403 of the Federal Employees Pay Comparability
Act of 1990 (FEPCA).
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BORDER PATROL AGENTS
“I love my job as a Border Patrol Agent with CBP. It not only offers me the
opportunity to protect America’s borders, but also oers me the opportunity
to pursue my personal passions and interests. I always tell people that the U.S.
Border Patrol is full of opportunities that will suit a variety of interests.”
“The variety is my favorite
aspect of the job.”
Border Patrol Agents (BPA) are focused 24/7 on securing our international land
border and coastal waters between ports of entry. They safeguard the American
people from terrorists and their weapons, drug smuggling, and illegal entry of
undocumented noncitizens.
A Border Patrol Agent patrols South Texas border on an all terrain vehicle.
Based on fiscal year 2022 pay scale for GS/GL, Step 1 positions. Salaries include an
average of locality, overtime, shift differential, and will vary by location.
BPA GL-7 BPA GL-9 BPA GS-11 BPA GS-12
Total
$70,234
Total
$80,230
Total
$94,463
Total
$111,407
Night Pay
Dierential
$912
Night Pay
Dierential
$1,466
Night Pay
Dierential
$1,892
Night Pay
Dierential
$1,972
Base Salary
$43,635
Base Salary
$48,667
Base Salary
$56,983
Base Salary
$68,299
Locality
$9,894
Locality
$11,035
Locality
$12,920
Locality
$15,486
Overtime
$13,382
Overtime
$14,925
Overtime
$17,476
Overtime
$20,946
Dierentials
$2,411
Dierentials
$4,137
Dierentials
$5,192
Dierentials
$4,704
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CBP OFFICERS
“I enjoy working for CBP because of its fast-paced, ever-evolving environment.
Working to interdict threats against the United States is rewarding. There is
always a chance to learn something new and to share with your fellow ocers
the knowledge you possess.”
“There is always a chance to
learn something new.”
CBP Ocers (CBPO) work in a fast-paced environment at 328 ports of entry
th
roughout the United States. They are responsible for border security — including
counterterrorism, customs, immigration, trade, and agriculture.
A CBP Officer inspects a vehicle at the Bridge of America’s Cargo Facility.
Based on fiscal year 2022 pay scale for GS, Step 1 positions. Salaries include an average
of locality, overtime,
shift differential, and will vary by location.
CBPO GS-5 CBPO GS-7 CBPO GS-9 CBPO GS-11 CBPO GS-12
Total
$42,516
Total
$56,152
Total
$69,100
Total
$88,893
Total
$102,897
Base Salary
$31,083
Locality
$7,048
Overtime
$2,527
Dierentials
$1,858
Base Salary
$38,503
Base Salary
$47,097
Base Salary
$56,983
Base Salary
$68,299
Locality
$8,730
Locality
$10,679
Locality
$12,920
Locality
$15,486
Overtime
$4,532
Overtime
$5,614
Overtime
$8,423
Overtime
$8,406
Dierentials
$4,387
Dierentials
$5,711
Dierentials
$10,566
Dierentials
$10,706
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AIR AND MARINE AGENTS
“The opportunity to help the citizens of America in their time of need is one
of the greatest honors in my life. I feel privileged to be a member of the most
capable airborne/maritime agency in America.”
“I feel privileged to be a member
of the most capable airborne/
maritime agency in America.”
Air Interdiction Agents (AIA) pilot airplanes, helicopters, and unmanned aircraft
syst
ems to interdict inbound threats to the U.S. and investigate dangerous criminal
networks.
Aviation Enforcement Agents (AEA) operate sophisticated radar and sensor
systems onboard aircraft to detect, monitor, investigate, and record the movement
of aircraft, marine vessels, and vehicles attempting to smuggle contraband into or
out of the United States.
An Air Interdiction Agent aids in rescue efforts following Hurricane Harvey.
Based on fiscal year 2022 pay scale for GS, Step 1 positions. Salaries include an average
of locality
1
, overtime, shift differential, and will vary by location.
1
AIA salaries include an additional 35% special salary rate.
AIA GS-11 AEA GL-9AIA GS-12 AEA GS-11AIA GS-13 AEA GS-12
Total
$96,159
Total
$74,627
Total
$115,255
Total
$87,379
Total
$137,052
Total
$104,731
Base Salary
$56,983
Base Salary
$48,667
Locality
$19,944
Locality
$11,035
Law
Enforcement
Availability
Pay
$19,232
Law
Enforcement
Availability
Pay
$14,925
Base Salary
$68,299
Base Salary
$56,983
Base Salary
$81,216
Base Salary
$68,299
Locality
$23,905
Locality
$12,920
Locality
$28,426
Locality
$15,486
Law
Enforcement
Availability
Pay
$23,051
Law
Enforcement
Availability
Pay
$17,476
Law
Enforcement
Availability
Pay
$27,410
Law
Enforcement
Availability
Pay
$20,946
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AIR AND MARINE AGENTS
“From the small unit, family type comradery, to the sheer adrenaline rush of
going into action with your brothers around you, every aspect of this job is
fullling. It is brotherhood, drive, honor, and valor. I am extremely proud of
what I do.”
“Every aspect of this job
is fullling.”
Marine Interdiction Agents (MIA) command vessels, conduct maritime patrols,
surveillance, high-speed vessel pursuits, and investigations to prevent acts of
terrorism and the smuggling of contraband into or out of the United States.
Air and Marine Operations crews conduct operations in South Florida.
MIA GL-9 MIA GS-11 MIA GS-12
Total
$74,627
Total
$87,379
Total
$104,731
Base Salary
$48,667
Locality
$11,035
Law
Enforcement
Availability
Pay
$14,925
Base Salary
$56,983
Base Salary
$68,299
Locality
$12,920
Locality
$15,486
Law
Enforcement
Availability
Pay
$17,476
Law
Enforcement
Availability
Pay
$20,946
Based on fiscal year 2022 pay
scale for GS, Step 1 positions.
Salaries include an average of
locality, overtime, shift differential,
and will vary by location.
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Health Insurance
Workforce health is of utmost importance to CBP. Frontline personnel are eligible to
choose from a variety of premium federal health insurance programs, including:
Federal Employees Health Benets Program
The Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) can help you and your family meet
your health care needs. Federal employees, retirees, and their survivors enjoy the widest
selection of health plans in the country.
Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program
Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) is a voluntary
benefits program, separate and different from the FEHB Program. Eligible employees and
annuitants eligible for FEHB coverage (whether or not enrolled) are eligible to enroll in a
dental plan and/or a vision plan.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow eligible employees to pay for certain health and
dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars. You may choose to make a voluntary
allotment from your salary to your FSA account(s). You will not pay taxes on your
allotments.
Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program
Long-term care is care that you need if you can no longer perform everyday tasks by
yourself due to a chronic illness, injury, disability, or the aging process.
Additionally, you may be eligible to keep your health insurance in retirement and pay
the same subsidized premium as you did as an employee.
Border Patrol Agents on patrol in Southern Arizona.
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Life Insurance
A keystone of financial planning is ensuring your family and loved ones are taken care
of financially, even after your death. CBP offers several federal life insurance programs
to help you achieve your financial planning goals.
Federal Employees Group Life Insurance
Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) is the largest group life insurance
program in the world, covering over 4 million federal employees and retirees as well as
many of their family members.
Basic Employee Death Benet Under Federal Employees
Retirement System
When a Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) employee passes away, a surviving
spouse (or former spouse) and children may be eligible for a death benefit.
Special Agents Mutual Benet Association Employee
Benevolent Fund
All newly hired permanent full-time and part-time active employees have a 60-day
opportunity to enroll in the Special Agents Mutual Benefit Association, Employee
Benevolent Fund, which provides two options: Option 1: $17,500 death benefit to
designated beneficiary(ies) for $26 per year or Option 2: $35,000 death benefit for $52
per year.
A CBP Officer and his canine screen boxed goods as they are
inspected entering the United States at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.
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Paid Time O
CBP offers substantial leave benefits to employees. Below is a summary of paid time off:
Paid Training
CBP is committed to providing first-rate training for new and current employees to
ensure staff are proficient in the latest technologies and techniques necessary to
fulfill the CBP mission. As a CBP employee, you will receive paid job-related training
to keep your skills fresh and up-to-date.
13 to 26 days of annual
leave accrued per year
(variation based on years federal service)
10 federal holidays
per year
15 days of military
reserve leave
13 days of sick leave
accrued per year
An Air and Marine Operations Aviation Enforcement Agent
operates sensors on the MQ-9 Predator B unmanned aircraft
system.
BORDER PATROL ACADEMY
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Work-Life Programs
CBP cares deeply about the health and well-being of the workforce. To ensure employees
and their families are taken care of, CBP offers a number of work-life programs.
* Programs available to CBP employees and their immediate family members.
Employee
Assistance Program*
Physical Fitness
Program
HealthierCBP
Tuition Assistance
Program
Relocation
Opportunities
Work-Life Services*
Childcare Subsidy
Professional
Mentoring Program
Peer Support
and Chaplaincy
Programs*
Confidential counseling service available 24/7 provided by experienced
counselors to address financial, legal, and personal issues for employees and
their family members.
The Physical Fitness Program allows CBP employees to use duty time to
increase their physical fitness and overall well-being.
HealthierCBP is all about providing tools and resources for a strong body,
healthy mind, and resilient spirit.
The Tuition Assistance Program reimburses CBP Federal employees for off-
duty post-secondary education costs of tuition, fees, and books. Employees
may apply for benefits up to $1,500 per course and $4,500 per calendar year.
CBP’s Operational Mobility Program for BPAs offers developmental
assignments for the journey-level workforce, building better agents with a
broader experience base.
Work-Life Services are designed to help employees balance their work
obligations and personal responsibilities. Services include nancial consultations,
legal services, elder care consultations, concierge services, and more.
The Childcare Subsidy Benefit Program assists employees who use qualified
childcare providers to provide childcare for their children.
The CBP Mentoring Program pairs mentees and mentors to help mentees
explore and navigate career opportunities while developing a healthy
work-life balance.
Chaplains provide psychological, emotional, and spiritual support to CBP
employees. Peer Support members offer employees the opportunity to meet
with a trained peer who can provide support and assistance in developing a
plan to deal with job-related stress.
A Border Patrol Agent and “Bandit” patrol the rough South Texas terrain.
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Secure Retirement
We all look forward to a rewarding career, followed by a happy and secure
retirement. But many Americans are not adequately saving to support themselves
during the “golden years.” At CBP, not only will you receive a wide range of
retirement benefits, you will also have access to training and resources to ensure
you are secure and prepared during your retirement years.
CBP offers excellent retirement benefits, including eligibility for the FERS, which
provides benefits from three sources: Social Security, Basic Benefit Plan, and the
Thrifts Saving Plan (TSP).
CBP Officers collecting contraband in a drug seizure at DiConcini Nogales Port of Entry.
Social
Security
Thrift Savings
Plan
Basic Benet
Plan
Under FERS, you may receive social security retirement payments.
TSP is a tax-deferred retirement savings and investment plan that
offers federal employees the same type of savings and tax benefits that
many private corporations offer their employees under 401(k) plans. By
participating in the TSP, federal employees have the opportunity to save part
of their income for retirement, receive matching agency contributions, and
reduce their current taxes.
CBP employees may be eligible for the generous FERS basic annuity, which
is a guaranteed lifetime pension, paid to retirees, is a percentage of your
highest average basic pay you earned during any 3 consecutive years of
service.
2524
LEO Retirement
Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Retirement applies to air interdiction agents, aviation
enforcement agents, marine interdiction agents, and Border Patrol agents.
When can I retire?
As an LEO employee, you are eligible for early retirement under the following provisions:
» Age 50 with 20 years of covered LEO service (see Example A below)
» Any age with 25 years of covered LEO service (see Example B below)
How is my annuity calculated?
1.7% x high-3 average salary x up to the first 20 years of LEO service
PLUS
1.0% x high-3 average salary x all years of LEO service over 20 years
Example A
Example B Example D
CBP Ocer Retirement
Enhanced Customs and Border Protection Retirement (eCBPO) applies to Customs
and Border Protection Of
ficers.
When can I retire?
As an eCBPO employee, you are eligible for early retirement under the following provisions:
» Age 50 with 20 years of covered eCBPO service (see Example C below)
» Any age with 25 years of covered eCBPO service (see Example D below)
How is my annuity calculated?
1.7% x high-3 average salary x up to the first 20 years of eCBPO service
PLUS
1.0% x high-3 average salary x all years of eCBPO service over 20 years
Example C
FORMULA:
1.7%
*
high-3
*
up to the rst 20 years of service
FORMULA:
1.7%
*
high-3
*
up to the rst 20 years of service
FORMULA:
1.7%
*
high-3
*
up to the rst 20 years of service
+
1.0% x high-3 x all years over 20
FORMULA:
1.7%
*
high-3
*
up to the rst 20 years of service
+
1.0% x high-3 x all years over 20
MR. ADAMS
AGE: 50 years
LEO SERVICE: 20 years
HIGH-3: $83,775
MS. CLARK
AGE: 50 years
eCBPO SERVICE: 20 years
HIGH-3: $87,912
MRS. BAKER
AGE: 48 years
LEO SERVICE: 25 years
HIGH-3: $83,775
MR. DAVIS
AGE: 48 years
eCBPO SERVICE: 25 years
HIGH-3: $87,912
$83,775
HIGH-3 AVERAGE
$87,912
HIGH-3 AVERAGE
$83,775
HIGH-3 AVERAGE
$87,912
HIGH-3 AVERAGE
34%
{20 YEARS
*
1.7%}
34%
{20 YEARS
*
1.7%}
39%
{20 YEARS
*
1.7%}
+
{5 YEARS
*
1.0%}
39%
{20 YEARS
*
1.7%}
+
{5 YEARS
*
1.0%}
$28,483
ANNUAL ANNUITY
$29,890
ANNUAL ANNUITY
$29,890
ANNUAL ANNUITY
$34,286
ANNUAL ANNUITY
* *
*
=
=
=
=
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1. Visit CBP.gov/Careers
OR
1. Visit USAJobs.gov
Enter keyword “CBP” to run search.
2. Search for desired CBP job opportunity
Review entire job announcement for important information.
3. Apply for the job
Follow instructions provided in the “How to Apply” section.
4. Application Evaluation
Once your application is received, CBP evaluates your qualications.
5. Selection
Applications of the highest-ranking candidates are referred
to the selecting ocial. Candidates are contacted directly for
further evaluation and/or interviews.
HOW TO APPLY
Air and Marine Operations UH-60 Black Hawk crews conduct operations in Santa Clara, California.
For more information, visit CBP.gov/Careers.
To view job announcements, visit USAJobs.gov.
@CBPJobs
@customsborder
U.S. Customs and
Border Protection
Publication Number 1725-0422