Protective Service
Customs and Border Protection Officers
Also called: Canine Enforcement Officer (K-9 Enforcement Officer), Customs Inspector, Customs Officer, Import Specialist
US median pay
$76,210
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+3.5%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
51,500
693,200 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- Examine immigration applications, visas, and passports and interview persons to determine eligibility for admission, residence, and travel in the U.S.
- Detain persons found to be in violation of customs or immigration laws and arrange for legal action, such as deportation.
- Inspect cargo, baggage, and personal articles entering or leaving U.S. for compliance with revenue laws and U.S. customs regulations.
- Locate and seize contraband, undeclared merchandise, and vehicles, aircraft, or boats that contain such merchandise.
- Interpret and explain laws and regulations to travelers, prospective immigrants, shippers, and manufacturers.
- 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.
- Testify regarding decisions at immigration appeals or in federal court.
- Record and report job-related activities, findings, transactions, violations, discrepancies, and decisions.
- Determine duty and taxes to be paid on goods.
- Collect samples of merchandise for examination, appraisal, or testing.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Social Perceptiveness3.9/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.6/5
- Coordination3.4/5
- Persuasion3.1/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.1/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Service Orientation3.0/5
- Negotiation3.0/5
Knowledge
- Law and Government4.5/5
- Public Safety and Security4.3/5
- English Language3.9/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
- Psychology3.4/5
- Administrative3.2/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma39%
- Bachelor's degree27%
- Some college14%
Who this job suits
Mostly Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.