Customs and Border Protection Officer

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  Career Profile

Customs and Border Protection Officer

What they do

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.

Also Called: Canine Enforcement Officer (K-9 Enforcement Officer), Customs Inspector, Customs Officer, Import Specialist, Special Agent, US Customs and Border Protection Officer (US CBPO), Canine Enforcement Officer (K-9 Enforcement Officer), Customs Inspector, Customs Officer, Import Specialist, Special Agent, US Customs and Border Protection Officer (US CBPO)

$45,200
Starting Salary (2023)
$72,280
Median Salary (2023)
3.3%
Projected Job Growth
646,310
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Detain persons found to be in violation of customs or immigration laws and arrange for legal action, such as deportation.
Examine immigration applications, visas, and passports and interview persons to determine eligibility for admission, residence, and travel in the U.S.
Interpret and explain laws and regulations to travelers, prospective immigrants, shippers, and manufacturers.
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.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Enterprising
Business based Work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Integrity
Self-Control
Dependability
Stress Tolerance
Adaptability/Flexibility
Attention to Detail

What key skills are needed for this job?

Speaking
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Social Perceptiveness
Judgment and Decision Making

Expected Knowledge

Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Common Activities

Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

More Info

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