Entry Level Law Enforcement Agent
US Customs and Border Protection, Vienna, VA, United States
February 2026 Update
GL-5/7 grade levels Law Enforcement Agent - in the Federal Security and Public Safety Sector (Entry Level)
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MISSION WORTHY OF A CAREER!
If you're eager to embark on a rewarding and long-term federal law enforcement career that contributes to the safety of our country and its citizens, then the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) invites you to apply as an entry-level Law Enforcement Agent. We are actively hiring for full-time roles in federal law enforcement, and your background in public safety, security, military police, or law enforcement may qualify you. Join a distinguished team of professionals committed to safeguarding America. With strong camaraderie, pride, and purpose, you will discover a fulfilling career that not only offers excellent base pay but also fantastic benefits and job stability. Additionally, USBP is providing up to
$60,000 in additional incentives! Salary and Benefits Annual base salary for newly appointed Law Enforcement Agents varies by grade, as follows:
GL-5/GL-7: $51,632 - $92,219 per year. Law Enforcement Agents can select from a comprehensive range of federal employment benefits, including health, dental, and other insurance options, generous annual and sick leave, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan akin to a traditional ROTH 401(k). Recruitment Incentive:
Newly appointed Law Enforcement Agents are eligible for up to
$20,000 in incentives.
The first $10,000 will be awarded upon successful completion of the Border Patrol Academy, with the remaining $10,000 available for candidates willing to accept a prioritized location. Retention Incentive:
Additional qualifications may allow new agents to earn up to
$40,000 in incentives
over the first four years. Duty Locations IMPORTANT NOTICE: Duty assignments at the time of offer may include mission-critical locations at the Southwest Border. U.S. Border Patrol determines duty assignments based on operational needs, which may not correspond with candidates' preferences.
RELOCATION MAY BE REQUIRED. The following sectors are currently offering duty assignment opportunities: Big Bend Sector Stations Buffalo Sector Stations Del Rio Sector Stations El Paso Sector Stations El Centro Sector Stations Grand Forks Sector Stations Havre Sector Stations Houlton Sector Stations Laredo Sector Stations Rio Grande Valley Sector Stations San Diego Sector Stations Spokane Sector Stations Swanton Sector Stations Tucson Sector Stations Yuma Sector Stations Duties and Responsibilities As a Law Enforcement Agent, you will join over 60,000 dedicated professionals in efforts to protect the American people by: Detecting and questioning individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws. Preventing and apprehending undocumented noncitizens and smugglers near borders. Maintaining surveillance from covert positions, including night operations. Interpreting physical evidence of illegal entry. Performing various checks and patrols using government assets such as vehicles, ATVs, and more. Qualifications You qualify for the GL-5 grade level if you possess one of the following: One year of general work experience demonstrating decision-making and composure under pressure. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. A combination of experience and education calculated from your resume and transcripts submitted with your application. For the GL-7 grade level, qualifications include: One year of specialized work experience demonstrating skills in law enforcement duties. A bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement or graduate-level education relevant to law enforcement. A combination of experience and education applicable as defined above. Note:
Previous law enforcement or military law enforcement experience may qualify you for higher grade levels GL-9 and/or GS-11. Other Requirements You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.
MISSION WORTHY OF A CAREER!
If you're eager to embark on a rewarding and long-term federal law enforcement career that contributes to the safety of our country and its citizens, then the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) invites you to apply as an entry-level Law Enforcement Agent. We are actively hiring for full-time roles in federal law enforcement, and your background in public safety, security, military police, or law enforcement may qualify you. Join a distinguished team of professionals committed to safeguarding America. With strong camaraderie, pride, and purpose, you will discover a fulfilling career that not only offers excellent base pay but also fantastic benefits and job stability. Additionally, USBP is providing up to
$60,000 in additional incentives! Salary and Benefits Annual base salary for newly appointed Law Enforcement Agents varies by grade, as follows:
GL-5/GL-7: $51,632 - $92,219 per year. Law Enforcement Agents can select from a comprehensive range of federal employment benefits, including health, dental, and other insurance options, generous annual and sick leave, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan akin to a traditional ROTH 401(k). Recruitment Incentive:
Newly appointed Law Enforcement Agents are eligible for up to
$20,000 in incentives.
The first $10,000 will be awarded upon successful completion of the Border Patrol Academy, with the remaining $10,000 available for candidates willing to accept a prioritized location. Retention Incentive:
Additional qualifications may allow new agents to earn up to
$40,000 in incentives
over the first four years. Duty Locations IMPORTANT NOTICE: Duty assignments at the time of offer may include mission-critical locations at the Southwest Border. U.S. Border Patrol determines duty assignments based on operational needs, which may not correspond with candidates' preferences.
RELOCATION MAY BE REQUIRED. The following sectors are currently offering duty assignment opportunities: Big Bend Sector Stations Buffalo Sector Stations Del Rio Sector Stations El Paso Sector Stations El Centro Sector Stations Grand Forks Sector Stations Havre Sector Stations Houlton Sector Stations Laredo Sector Stations Rio Grande Valley Sector Stations San Diego Sector Stations Spokane Sector Stations Swanton Sector Stations Tucson Sector Stations Yuma Sector Stations Duties and Responsibilities As a Law Enforcement Agent, you will join over 60,000 dedicated professionals in efforts to protect the American people by: Detecting and questioning individuals suspected of violating immigration and customs laws. Preventing and apprehending undocumented noncitizens and smugglers near borders. Maintaining surveillance from covert positions, including night operations. Interpreting physical evidence of illegal entry. Performing various checks and patrols using government assets such as vehicles, ATVs, and more. Qualifications You qualify for the GL-5 grade level if you possess one of the following: One year of general work experience demonstrating decision-making and composure under pressure. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. A combination of experience and education calculated from your resume and transcripts submitted with your application. For the GL-7 grade level, qualifications include: One year of specialized work experience demonstrating skills in law enforcement duties. A bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement or graduate-level education relevant to law enforcement. A combination of experience and education applicable as defined above. Note:
Previous law enforcement or military law enforcement experience may qualify you for higher grade levels GL-9 and/or GS-11. Other Requirements You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.