Border Patrol Officer Salary
Border Patrol officers are law enforcement agents who work for the federal government. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Border Patrol officers guard more than 8,000 miles of the nation's land and water boundaries. They often must work outdoors and encounter many different types of terrain. Border Patrol officers are paid according to the General Schedule federal pay plan, with new agents hired at grades GL-5, GL-7 or GL-9, depending on qualifications, reports the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's website.
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Levels
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A Border Patrol officer hired at the GL-5 level must complete a 6 1/2-month probationary period before being eligible for grade GL-7. Those hired at GL-7 must complete the same probationary period before being eligible for level GL-9.
After one year at pay level GL-9, many Border Patrol officers are promoted to level GL-11. Officers advance to levels above that only through merit promotions.
Base Compensation
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According to CBP.gov, the base starting annual salary for officers at level GL-5 is $36,658, as of 2010. Officers at GL-7 earn a base salary of $41,729; and officers at GL-9 earn at least $46,542.
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Special Pay & Overtime
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Border Patrol officers, including entry-level agents, receive special salary rates because they are law enforcement officers. They also may receive special pay, depending on their location, and night-shift deferential pay.
CBP.gov reports that Border Patrol officers have an "excellent opportunity for overtime pay." The site notes that officers may earn between 10 percent and 25 percent more pay for overtime.
Border Patrol officers also are given $1,500 to purchase their uniforms.
Benefits
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In addition to their salaries, Border Patrol officers receive federal government benefits packages, which include life insurance, health insurance, retirement benefits and a thrift-savings plan, which is similar to a 401k, according to CBP.gov. Border Patrol officers pay into the Social Security system.
Other benefits include paid time off for vacation, family care and sickness; paid time off for training; 10 paid holidays each year; a subsidy for transportation; and an employee assistance program.
During basic training at the Border Patrol Academy, which lasts 55 days, officers-in-training receive their regular salaries. Plus they receive free room and board and a daily allowance.
Pay Frequency
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Border Patrol officers are paid every two weeks, according to CBP.gov.
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References
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