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The Daily Insight Hub

How much do borders pay?

Author

Jackson Reed

Updated on January 16, 2026

Border Patrol Agent average salary by State

StateAvg. salaryHourly rate
California California$78,929 $78,929$37.95 $37.95
Colorado Colorado$70,983 $70,983$34.13 $34.13
Connecticut Connecticut$79,732 $79,732$38.33 $38.33
Delaware Delaware$77,964 $77,964$37.48 $37.48

What is the starting pay for border patrol?

Start as a BPA in June 2021 as a GL-7 and make $49,508 – $78,269 per year. Be promoted in June 2022 to GL-9 and make $55,214 – $89,054 per year. Be promoted in June 2023 to GS-11 and make $64,649 – $105,061 per year.

How much do border force get paid?

Salaries for Border Force apprentices are typically around £21,431 per year. As a Border Force officer, you could earn between £24,883 and £27,372 per year. Senior Border Force officers can earn between £37,450 and £41,193 per year.

What is the most a Border Patrol agent can make?

Most BPA salaries on the USAJOBS website range from between $41,000 to $90,000 per year. The base pay range for border patrol agents varies according to education, experience, and duty posting.

Is Border Patrol a good job?

You enjoy higher than average starting pay and a competitive benefits package. Since you are a Federal employee, you enjoy generous retirement packages, health and life insurances, paid leaves, as well as other benefits. You receive specialized training at the Border Patrol Academy before you are sent on official duty.

How long is the hiring process for border patrol?

CBP’s current average time to hire for Officers and Agents is 300 days. The Fast Track Hiring Process is aimed at reducing the time to hire to 120 days or less.

What qualifications do you need to be a border control officer?

You’ll need:

  • knowledge of public safety and security.
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure.
  • excellent verbal communication skills.
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning.
  • the ability to work well with others.

What do customs officers look for?

In fact, the CBP assesses all people who arrive by airplane, overland vehicle, ship or on foot and want to enter the U.S. The job of U.S. customs agents is to search for banned agricultural products and counterfeit goods, but they also are trained to seize street and pharmaceutical drugs, illegal immigrants and …

Is being a Border Patrol agent dangerous?

Working as a border patrol agent is often very dangerous because there are so many hazards that can affect you on a daily basis. The best method of staying safe on the job is to wear body armor and stay properly armed. The body armor that you wear could mean the difference between life and death.

How many hours does a Border Patrol agent work?

Since he’s only been on the job for a few months, Cole has been working the typical twelve-hours-a-day, five-days-a-week shifts that they give to trainee agents. By the time he gets home at night, he barely has enough energy to make a microwave dinner and sink into his bed.

How much does the Border Patrol make a year?

A branch of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Border Patrol detects and prevents illegal entry into the United States, with an emphasis on preventing terrorism. The starting Border Patrol salary is $52,583, at time of writing.

When does it make economic sense to have open borders?

When the government can levy different taxes, the researchers find, the optimal policy is still to have open borders. Social norms are powerful—but fluid. A study of the 2016 election shows how they can change. Two economists propose a bipartisan immigration overhaul, with an eye towards the future of the labor force.

What are the grades for a Border Patrol agent?

Border Patrol Agent is a career ladder position with a grade level progression of GL-5, GL-7, GL-9, GS-11, and GS-12. Border Patrol Agents are eligible for a non-competitive promotion to the next higher grade level (without re-applying) once you successfully complete one year in each grade level, with supervisor approval.

When do Border Patrol agents get a promotion?

Border Patrol Agents are eligible for a non-competitive promotion to the next higher grade level (without re-applying) once you successfully complete one year in each grade level, with supervisor approval. At the GS-13 level and beyond, you compete for positions and are promoted based on merit.