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Border Protection Officer

💰 Earn $92K-$128K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 12–24 Month Training

📈 3.1% Job Growth

Protect national borders and ensure safe, lawful entry into the U.S.
Play a crucial role in national security and uphold immigration laws.
Engage in diverse tasks, from inspections to legal actions, every day.

What Border Protection Officers DoInvestigate 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.

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.

Border Protection Officers Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationHigh School Diploma or GED

Career ProspectsGood (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time1 to 2 years

Job Openings53,700 Annually

Median Earnings

$115,400 in California

$76,290 Nationally

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Influencing or leading others
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

you value

Having support
Having freedom
Job security

you are skilled in

Speaking
Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Coordination
Time Management

Go Deeper: Border Protection Officers Explained

Border Protection OfficerExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

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What Is the Law & Public Safety Industry?