Employment Prospects
Employers
The U.S. Customs Service is the sole employer of customs officials. In the fiscal year of 2023, CBP had 60,000 employees, including officers, border patrol agents, air and marine agents, trade personnel, and agriculture specialists.
Starting Out
Applicants may enter the various occupations of the CBP by applying to take the appropriate civil service examinations. Interested applicants should note the age, citizenship, and experience requirements previously described and realize that they will undergo an intensive background check and a drug test. If hired, applicants will receive exacting, on-the-job training. Entrance-level appointments are at grades GS-5, GS-7, or GS-9, depending on the level of education or work experience.
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