What is a Customs Agent? And How to Become One? Joining The CBP.

According to O*NET Online, the main role of a Customs Agent (aka Customs Inspector) is to investigate and inspect persons,  goods, common carriers, and merchandise arriving in or departing from the United States or between states to detect violations of immigration and customs laws and regulations.

Customs Agents work for the United States Department of Customs and Border Patrol, which is a branch of the DHS (Department of Homeland Security).

U.S. Customs Careers

A customs agent who works for the CBP is responsible for helping keep weapons and terrorists out of the United States.

They are also responsible for preventing smuggling and illegal immigration.

Some customs agents have extensive knowledge of immigration laws and specialize in working with immigrants.

Other agents are trained in how to handle guns and narcotics and work exclusively in that department.

Customs agents work all over the country at land border crossings and in airports.

These individuals are the first line of defense against several risks to national security.

Education Requirements

In order to pursue a customs agent career a person will need to have at least an associate’s degree and preferably a bachelor’s degree.

Most customs agents choose to get their degrees in areas such as security management, criminal justice, or psychology.

Liberal arts and humanities degrees are also ideal for working with the United States Customs and Border Patrol.

While it is not required, it is ideal for a person to study a foreign language, particularly Spanish, during their years as a student.

This can create a great advantage when applying for a job as a customs agent.

Law enforcement or similar official training of another variety can also increase a person’s chances of becoming a customs agent.

However, this experience does not replace the education requirements.

Customs Agent Career

After graduating from college, a person interested in the customs agent field will need to apply for an open position.

There are a number of oral tests and written tests that a person must pass in order to be considered for a position with the United States Border Patrol.

These tests include language, aptitude, and general reasoning.

Additionally, a person who is interested in working as a customs agent will have to go through a fairly extensive background check.

This background check will be conducted before a final interview takes place.

A medical examination will be required as well as a physical fitness examination before a person is approved for a position as a customs agent.

After a person goes through the initial interview, takes all of the required tests, passes the medical examination and physical examination, and goes through a final interview, they will then start a one or two-year training program.

The training program that a person goes through will be specialized to match the job that they have applied for.

The training will include classroom hours as well as physical activities.

For those specializing in immigration, courses about immigration laws will be completed.

If you are interested in immigration specifically, you can train to become an immigration officer (ICE).

Individuals who are trained to deal with guns and narcotics will take courses on how to appropriately handle these situations.

Individuals who complete the training program successfully will then be placed in a position as a customs agent in an airport, at a border crossing, or a dock or seaport.

U.S. Average Salary: $79320

$47.6KK
$52.4KK
$79.3KK
$87.3KK
$96KK
10%
25%
50%
75%
90%

Salary Information by State

State Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Alabama12,060$55,330$26.60$78,140$37,010
Alaska1,160$103,670$49.84$136,070$69,370
Arizona12,430$82,400$39.62$100,430$59,760
Arkansas5,490$49,700$23.89$69,420$35,950
California65,170$111,630$53.67$151,160$76,010
Connecticut6,500$83,210$40.01$102,820$61,000
Delaware1,790$85,350$41.04$104,840$62,050
D.C.4,830$91,310$43.90$115,730$66,420
Florida48,340$83,850$40.31$117,940$52,500
Georgia21,540$57,970$27.87$77,750$42,180
Hawaii2,390$92,030$44.24$114,220$75,370
Idaho2,630$68,470$32.92$92,710$48,980
Illinois29,790$92,020$44.24$119,020$55,830
Indiana13,480$73,620$35.40$93,990$52,860
Iowa5,110$75,390$36.25$96,260$57,460
Kansas6,160$58,580$28.16$82,870$37,640
Kentucky7,090$59,460$28.59$78,820$40,600
Louisiana14,340$52,840$25.40$73,270$35,170
Maine1,930$68,100$32.74$84,270$54,660
Maryland9,420$81,660$39.26$109,300$58,140
Massachusetts17,000$80,790$38.84$106,300$59,870
Michigan16,290$71,380$34.32$91,210$49,390
Minnesota8,920$84,220$40.49$104,800$60,390
Mississippi7,590$45,450$21.85$58,780$30,450
Missouri12,750$63,640$30.60$90,900$41,970
Montana2,020$69,670$33.49$88,090$51,820
Nebraska3,620$73,580$35.38$96,340$50,080
Nevada5,490$84,510$40.63$102,460$62,980
New Hampshire2,550$70,060$33.68$89,120$54,410
New Jersey21,620$93,290$44.85$134,460$57,260
New Mexico4,830$65,020$31.26$77,910$47,470
New York54,360$86,880$41.77$116,950$53,020
North Carolina21,650$60,520$29.10$80,920$44,850
North Dakota1,850$74,450$35.80$92,340$58,580
Ohio24,050$76,200$36.64$104,430$49,390
Oklahoma9,420$61,000$29.33$95,950$34,780
Oregon4,950$88,260$42.43$112,530$68,270
Pennsylvania24,280$83,130$39.97$112,380$50,070
Rhode Island1,780$75,090$36.10$89,070$54,980
South Carolina12,820$60,140$28.91$78,590$43,640
South Dakota1,890$62,940$30.26$83,640$46,940
Tennessee13,780$60,280$28.98$81,340$40,940
Texas62,230$75,970$36.53$99,450$51,590
Utah5,370$77,370$37.20$98,670$58,870
Vermont1,080$68,220$32.80$89,110$46,500
Virginia19,400$70,330$33.81$96,700$50,160
Washington8,370$101,590$48.84$123,220$75,780
West Virginia3,130$54,930$26.41$68,080$39,780
Wisconsin11,500$77,520$37.27$93,460$55,450
Wyoming1,300$66,280$31.87$80,720$49,380
Puerto Rico11,620$41,280$19.85$49,570$28,680

Annual Average Salary: Top 10 States

California tops the list in this field, with an average salary of $111,630.

These are the leading 10 states in terms of earnings in the field:

California - $111,630
Alaska - $103,670
Washington - $101,590
New Jersey - $93,290
Hawaii - $92,030
Illinois - $92,020
District of Columbia - $91,310
Oregon - $88,260
New York - $86,880
Delaware - $85,350
* Salary information based on the May 2024 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers, OCC Code 33-3051, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Michael Morales
Michael is the Webmaster and Editor in Chief for Legalcareerpath.com. With a strong background in Web Publishing and Internet Marketing, he currently works as an independent consultant. A former paramedic and EMS educator, he enjoys punishing himself doing triathlons and endurance sports. Michael currently lives in sunny Northern California, home of the highest tax rates in the United States.

2 Responses to What is a Customs Agent? And How to Become One? Joining The CBP.

  1. Liz Hernandez #

    It’s worth noting that the role of a Customs Agent can be challenging, as it requires excellent attention to detail, adaptability, and the ability to work under pressure.

  2. Martin Conroy #

    They are responsible for inspecting goods, verifying compliance with import/export laws, and ensuring national security by detecting illegal activities like smuggling.

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