US Customs Officers play a vital role in securing the nation’s borders, ensuring safe trade, and enforcing federal regulations. They inspect incoming and outgoing goods, monitor travelers, prevent illegal imports, and uphold immigration laws. Their work is essential to national security, public safety, and economic stability.

In 2025, the federal government adjusted the salary structure for US Customs Officers to reflect the rising cost of living, recruitment challenges, and the increasing complexity of border security operations. These updates make Customs Officer salaries competitive compared to other federal law enforcement positions and state/local agencies.

This article covers everything a prospective or current officer needs to know: monthly salaries by grade, benefits, allowances, career progression, and FAQs, while also highlighting regional pay differences.

US Customs Officer Salary Overview (2025)

The monthly pay of US Customs Officers depends on:

  • Grade level under the federal General Schedule (GS) system

  • Years of service and step increases

  • Duty location and locality pay adjustments

  • Special assignments, overtime, and hazard pay

Summary Table: US Customs Officer Monthly Salary by Grade (2025)

GS Grade Monthly Base Salary (USD) Locality Pay (%) Estimated Total Monthly Pay
GS-5 $2,900 – $3,750 15 – 33% $3,340 – $4,988
GS-7 $3,500 – $4,583 15 – 33% $4,025 – $6,096
GS-9 $4,166 – $5,416 15 – 33% $4,791 – $7,203
GS-11 $5,000 – $6,250 15 – 33% $5,750 – $8,312
GS-12 $6,000 – $7,500 15 – 33% $6,900 – $9,975
GS-13 $7,083 – $9,166 15 – 33% $8,146 – $12,200

Figures based on 2025 GS base pay with projected locality adjustments.

How the US Customs Officer Salary Structure Works (2025)

1. Federal General Schedule (GS) System

Customs Officers are federal employees, and their pay follows the GS pay scale. Entry-level officers typically start at GS-5 or GS-7, with opportunities to progress to GS-12 or GS-13 for senior or specialized roles.

  • Step increases provide incremental pay raises for years of service and performance.

  • Advancement depends on experience, certifications, and supervisory roles.

2. Locality Pay Adjustments

Pay differs by region due to local cost-of-living adjustments:

  • Major metropolitan areas (e.g., New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C.) receive higher locality pay.

  • Locality pay ranges from 15% to 33% of base pay, reflecting housing, transportation, and living costs.

3. Hazard and Special Duty Pay

  • Officers receive hazard pay when handling high-risk border assignments or dangerous cargo inspections.

  • Special assignments, like working at international airports or ports, can include temporary pay differentials.

4. Overtime and Shift Differentials

  • Customs Officers often work long or irregular shifts, particularly during peak travel periods.

  • Overtime is compensated at 1.5x the standard hourly rate, significantly boosting monthly income.

5. Promotions and Career Growth

  • Entry-level officers can be promoted to GS-7, GS-9, or supervisory roles based on experience, training, and performance.

  • Senior officers (GS-12/GS-13) may supervise large teams, manage critical operations, or specialize in trade enforcement, narcotics inspection, or immigration compliance.

US Customs Officer Salary by Location (2025)

High-Cost Areas

Location Base Salary (GS-9) Locality Pay Total Monthly Pay
Washington, D.C. $4,500 33.26% $5,993
New York, NY $4,500 33% $5,985
San Francisco, CA $4,500 42.74% $6,421

Mid-Cost Areas

Location Base Salary (GS-9) Locality Pay Total Monthly Pay
Chicago, IL $4,500 26.25% $5,681
Dallas, TX $4,500 18.85% $5,344
Miami, FL $4,500 21.79% $5,478

Low-Cost Areas

Location Base Salary (GS-9) Locality Pay Total Monthly Pay
Kansas City, MO $4,166 15% $4,791
Des Moines, IA $4,166 15% $4,791
Little Rock, AR $4,166 15% $4,791

Benefits and Allowances for US Customs Officers (2025)

Key Benefits

  • Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage via FEHB

  • Retirement: FERS pension plus Social Security and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

  • Life Insurance: FEGLI coverage

  • Paid Leave: 13–26 days annual leave, plus 13 days sick leave

  • Paid Holidays: 11 federal holidays annually

  • Training and Professional Development: Access to certifications, legal and technical training

Key Allowances

  • Hazard Pay: Additional pay for high-risk duty

  • Overtime Pay: 1.5x hourly rate for extra shifts

  • Shift Differentials: Evening, night, or weekend work may earn additional pay

  • Travel Per Diem: When assigned to temporary duty outside the duty station

Comparison with Other Federal Law Enforcement Positions

Position Average Monthly Pay Comments
US Customs Officer (GS-9/11) $4,791 – $8,312 Strong benefits, career progression, nationwide assignments
TSA Officer $3,500 – $5,500 Lower pay, but federal benefits still available
FBI Agent $6,500 – $10,500 Higher entry requirements, longer training, and specialized roles
Border Patrol Agent $5,000 – $9,000 Similar duties but higher physical requirements and fieldwork

Key Factors Influencing Salary (2025)

  1. Grade Level (GS-5 to GS-13)

  2. Step increases based on service and performance

  3. Location and locality pay adjustments

  4. Special assignments, hazard pay, or shift differentials

  5. Years of experience and seniority

  6. Recruitment bonuses in high-demand areas

Career Progression for US Customs Officers

  • Entry-Level Officer (GS-5/GS-7): Border inspections, document review, and basic enforcement tasks

  • Experienced Officer (GS-9/GS-11): Supervisory roles, specialized inspection duties, mentoring junior officers

  • Senior Officer (GS-12/GS-13): Supervisory or managerial roles, oversee teams, coordinate with federal and state agencies

  • Specialized Roles: Trade enforcement, narcotics interdiction, immigration law compliance, cybersecurity for border systems

FAQs — US Customs Officer Salary (2025)

  1. What is the starting monthly salary for a Customs Officer?
    Typically $2,900 – $3,750 depending on GS grade and location.

  2. Does locality pay apply?
    Yes, officers in high-cost regions receive 15–33% additional pay.

  3. Are benefits included?
    Yes, including health, retirement, paid leave, and training allowances.

  4. Do officers earn overtime?
    Yes, overtime is paid at 1.5x hourly rate for extra shifts.

  5. Can Customs Officers work part-time?
    Federal part-time positions are rare but may exist; benefits may be reduced.

  6. How long to reach GS-13?
    Usually 10–15 years depending on experience and performance.

  7. Do officers receive hazard pay?
    Yes, for high-risk border assignments or dangerous cargo inspections.

  8. Can officers transfer locations?
    Yes, subject to vacancies and approval.

  9. Do officers retire with a pension?
    Yes, under FERS with Social Security and TSP contributions.

  10. Is additional training available?
    Yes, federal training programs cover law enforcement, trade compliance, and security technology.


Conclusion

In 2025, US Customs Officers enjoy competitive monthly salaries, locality pay adjustments, hazard pay, and robust benefits. Their role is crucial for national security, trade regulation, and border management.

The combination of steady pay, federal benefits, and clear career progression makes the position highly attractive. Aspiring officers gain not only a stable career but also the opportunity to serve the nation in critical enforcement roles.