The Average Border Patrol Salary
Border patrol agents are employed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Their job is to monitor the 6,000 miles of land borders and 2,000 miles of coastal waters surrounding the United States. Agents work in all types of weather and terrain conditions, day or night. A great deal of work occurs in isolated communities throughout the U.S.
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Salary and Benefits
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The average total pay for border guard jobs ranges from $43,407 to $69,923 annually, according to PayScale January 2011 data. The salary range falls within the 25th to 75th percentile of the nation. Bonuses can account for up to ten percent of the total pay structure, ranging from $976 to $5,087. Health benefits are practically a standard in this job, with only ten percent lacking any coverage. Medical is the most common benefit with 90 percent having coverage. Dental is also very popular, with 78 percent being covered. Though less common, 60 percent of border patrol agents do have coverage.
Experience
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Experience can account for up to an 85 percent difference in the salary of a border guard. Entry-level border guards with less than one year experience earn between $39,305 and $46,087 annually, based on PayScale January 2011 data. With one to four years' experience the salary range increases to between $41,806 and $59,293. Earnings for border guards peak at a range of $70,638 and $85,934 for those individuals with 10 to 19 years of experience.
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Starting Salary
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Border patrol agents are hired at one of the following pay levels, GL-5, GL-7 or GL-9; this starting level will depend on a combination of education and experience. Agents receive a special salary rate reserved for federal law enforcement personnel. The base starting salary is $38,619 for GL-5, $43,964 for GL-7, and $49,029 for GL-9. In addition, agents may receive a bonus based on duty location, as well as a $1,500 uniform allowance.
Overtime
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Border patrol agents are eligible for overtime after completion of their training at the Academy and upon return to their official duty station. Rates for overtime range from ten percent to 25 percent above standard pay, according to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. Agents are also entitled to additional income for work performed on Sundays, holidays or at night.
Promotion
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After successfully completing a 6 1/2 month probationary period, border patrol agents hired at the GL-5 or GL-7 level are eligible for promotion of two levels, to either GL-7 or GL-9. Agents at level GL-9 usually require one year of service before becoming eligible for promotion to level GS-11. Promotion two levels above GS 11 are filled based on merit.
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