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.
SOC: 33-3051.04
Common Job Titles
Customs Inspector
Customs Officer
Special Agent
US Customs and Border Protection Officer (US CBPO)
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeEvaluate persons, goods, and documentation for compliance with immigration and customs laws at ports of entry using law enforcement databases and inspection protocols.
Proficient
KnowledgeAnalyze suspicious activity indicators and behavioral patterns during primary and secondary inspections to identify potential security threats.
Proficient
KnowledgeInterpret complex federal regulations and legal statutes when determining admissibility and enforcement actions under time pressure.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate X-ray inspection equipment, radiation detection devices, and ion mobility spectrometers to screen cargo, vehicles, and baggage for contraband and hazardous materials.
Proficient
Hands-onExecute physical inspections of commercial carriers and personal vehicles following standardized procedures to detect concealed items.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate public safety priorities with customer service principles when interacting with diverse international travelers in high-volume settings.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate lawful and ethical enforcement practices while managing conflicts and de-escalating confrontational situations.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess risk levels and threat indicators from multiple data sources using TECS, NCIC, and Automated Manifest System in real-time enforcement contexts.
Proficient
KnowledgeExplain enforcement decisions, customs regulations, and procedural requirements to travelers, supervisors, and external agencies in written and verbal formats.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply interview and interrogation techniques to elicit accurate information from travelers of diverse cultural backgrounds.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Customs and Border Protection Officers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
666,990
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $47,640. 25th percentile: U.S. $58,980. 50th percentile: U.S. $76,290. 75th percentile: U.S. $97,190. 90th percentile: U.S. $115,280. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$47,640
10% of workers earn the following or more
$115,280
Workers on average earn
$79,320
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Law and Government4.5/5
Public Safety and Security4.3/5
English Language3.9/5
Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
Psychology3.4/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
