The U.S. Border Patrol plays a vital role in protecting the nation’s borders, especially in Texas, which shares a long boundary with Mexico. With increasing security challenges and growing migration concerns, border patrol agents are more in demand than ever before. Texas offers competitive salaries for agents at various levels, from entry-level trainees to experienced supervisors. These salaries can vary depending on location, years of service, rank, and additional benefits like overtime pay, housing allowances, and hazard compensation.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 20 border patrol salaries in Texas for 2025, covering job descriptions, expected earnings, and essential details about each position. Whether you are considering a career as a border patrol agent or simply want to understand how the pay scales work, this detailed guide provides everything you need to know. Each listing includes insights into duties, address details, contact information, and available services, making it easier for aspiring agents and interested readers to understand the compensation structure across Texas.
Top 20 Border Patrol Salary in Texas
1. Border Patrol Agent (Entry-Level) – Rio Grande Valley Sector
Description:
The Rio Grande Valley Sector is one of the busiest in Texas, responsible for monitoring large sections of the southern border. Entry-level border patrol agents here start at the GS-5 or GS-7 pay scale, depending on qualifications and experience. The sector offers extensive training and opportunities for career growth.
- Average Salary: $52,000 – $65,000 annually
- Address: 4400 South Expressway 77, Harlingen, TX 78550
- Contact: (956) 389-3700
- Services Offered: Border surveillance, interdiction of illegal crossings, apprehension of undocumented migrants, and emergency response coordination.
2. Border Patrol Agent (Experienced) – El Paso Sector
Description:
Agents in the El Paso Sector handle some of the most challenging terrains in Texas. Experienced agents are typically classified under GS-9 or GS-11 pay scales and often manage specialized operations involving advanced surveillance technologies.
- Average Salary: $68,000 – $82,000 annually
- Address: 797 S Zaragoza Rd, El Paso, TX 79907
- Contact: (915) 790-8700
- Services Offered: Desert patrol, checkpoint monitoring, intelligence gathering, and coordination with federal and local agencies.
3. Supervisory Border Patrol Agent – Laredo Sector
Description:
Supervisory Border Patrol Agents oversee field operations, manage teams, and ensure adherence to enforcement policies. The Laredo Sector plays a crucial role due to its proximity to major smuggling corridors.
- Average Salary: $92,000 – $110,000 annually
- Address: 207 W Del Mar Blvd, Laredo, TX 78041
- Contact: (956) 764-3000
- Services Offered: Staff supervision, operational planning, training coordination, and intelligence-driven enforcement strategies.
4. Border Patrol Intelligence Agent – Del Rio Sector
Description:
Intelligence agents specialize in analyzing cross-border threats, smuggling patterns, and criminal networks. Del Rio’s location along the Rio Grande makes it a hub for intelligence operations.
- Average Salary: $80,000 – $96,000 annually
- Address: 2401 Dodson Ave, Del Rio, TX 78840
- Contact: (830) 778-7000
- Services Offered: Data analysis, intelligence gathering, coordination with Homeland Security, and tactical support.
5. Customs and Border Protection Officer – Brownsville Port of Entry
Description:
These officers inspect goods, vehicles, and individuals entering Texas through Brownsville. They work alongside border patrol agents but focus more on legal trade and customs enforcement.
- Average Salary: $72,000 – $88,000 annually
- Address: 3300 International Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78526
- Contact: (956) 983-5800
- Services Offered: Customs inspections, tariff enforcement, cargo screening, and counter-smuggling operations.
6. Canine Enforcement Border Patrol Agent – McAllen Station
Description:
Canine enforcement agents work with highly trained detection dogs to identify narcotics, explosives, and concealed individuals. The McAllen Station handles one of the busiest sections of the Texas border.
- Average Salary: $76,000 – $92,000 annually
- Address: 3300 S Ware Rd, McAllen, TX 78501
- Contact: (956) 686-8800
- Services Offered: K-9 drug detection, human smuggling detection, vehicle screening, and rapid-response assistance.
7. Border Patrol Marine Agent – Corpus Christi Station
Description:
Marine agents are responsible for patrolling waterways, using boats to monitor illegal crossings and contraband movements. Corpus Christi’s coastal location makes it an essential maritime security hub.
- Average Salary: $78,000 – $94,000 annually
- Address: 2135 Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78415
- Contact: (361) 876-9300
- Services Offered: Maritime surveillance, vessel interdiction, smuggling prevention, and coastal security operations.
8. Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) Agent – Big Bend Sector
Description:
BORTAC agents are part of the Border Patrol’s elite tactical team, trained to handle high-risk situations. They are often deployed in extreme conditions and require specialized training.
- Average Salary: $95,000 – $120,000 annually
- Address: 4100 Rio Grande St, Marfa, TX 79843
- Contact: (432) 729-5200
- Services Offered: High-risk apprehensions, tactical response, counter-terrorism operations, and emergency rescues.
9. Border Patrol Air and Marine Agent – Kingsville Station
Description:
Air and marine agents conduct aerial and marine surveillance to track illegal border activity. Kingsville’s strategic location enables them to cover coastal and inland regions effectively.
- Average Salary: $84,000 – $100,000 annually
- Address: 501 E General Cavazos Blvd, Kingsville, TX 78363
- Contact: (361) 592-6500
- Services Offered: Aerial reconnaissance, maritime patrol, search and rescue missions, and contraband interdiction.
10. Border Patrol Checkpoint Agent – Falfurrias Station
Description:
Checkpoint agents manage one of Texas’s busiest inland border checkpoints. They screen vehicles for undocumented migrants, narcotics, and illegal goods entering the state.
- Average Salary: $70,000 – $85,000 annually
- Address: 23486 US Hwy 281 S, Falfurrias, TX 78355
- Contact: (361) 325-9000
- Services Offered: Vehicle inspections, migrant processing, narcotics detection, and traffic monitoring.
11. Supervisory CBP Officer – Eagle Pass Port of Entry
Description:
Supervisory CBP Officers oversee inspection teams, manage staff schedules, and ensure smooth border crossing operations at Eagle Pass, one of Texas’s busiest ports of entry.
- Average Salary: $94,000 – $112,000 annually
- Address: 100 Monroe St, Eagle Pass, TX 78852
- Contact: (830) 773-3011
- Services Offered: Port supervision, cargo clearance, traveler inspection, and smuggling prevention.
12. Border Patrol Drone Surveillance Agent – Laredo Sector
Description:
Drone agents operate unmanned aerial systems to monitor remote areas along the Texas-Mexico border. Their work enhances situational awareness and supports ground units during enforcement actions.
- Average Salary: $82,000 – $97,000 annually
- Address: 207 W Del Mar Blvd, Laredo, TX 78041
- Contact: (956) 764-3000
- Services Offered: Drone surveillance, aerial intelligence gathering, live video monitoring, and rapid deployment support.
13. Border Patrol Communications Specialist – El Paso Sector
Description:
Communications specialists manage radio systems, emergency lines, and secure communications among agents, supervisors, and other agencies. This role is vital for coordinating rapid responses.
- Average Salary: $65,000 – $78,000 annually
- Address: 797 S Zaragoza Rd, El Paso, TX 79907
- Contact: (915) 790-8700
- Services Offered: Dispatch coordination, emergency communications, system monitoring, and crisis reporting.
14. Border Patrol Training Instructor – Artesia Training Center
Description:
Instructors provide classroom and field training for new border patrol recruits. They teach federal laws, enforcement tactics, and safety procedures to ensure agents are well-prepared for duty.
- Average Salary: $88,000 – $105,000 annually
- Address: 1300 W Richey Ave, Artesia, NM 88210
- Contact: (575) 748-8000
- Services Offered: Classroom training, tactical instruction, simulation exercises, and skill assessments.
15. Border Patrol Processing Coordinator – Rio Grande Valley Sector
Description:
Processing coordinators handle the intake and processing of apprehended individuals, managing records, verifying documents, and supporting case preparation for federal proceedings.
- Average Salary: $60,000 – $74,000 annually
- Address: 4400 South Expressway 77, Harlingen, TX 78550
- Contact: (956) 389-3700
- Services Offered: Migrant intake, data management, record verification, and detention coordination.
16. Border Patrol Field Operations Supervisor – Marfa Station
Description:
Field Operations Supervisors are responsible for coordinating daily patrol assignments, monitoring agent performance, and ensuring operational effectiveness. At the Marfa Station, supervisors manage one of Texas’s largest rural border areas, requiring advanced leadership and problem-solving skills.
- Average Salary: $96,000 – $115,000 annually
- Address: 4100 Rio Grande St, Marfa, TX 79843
- Contact: (432) 729-5200
- Services Offered: Patrol coordination, operational oversight, staff management, and rapid deployment for critical incidents.
17. Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) Agent – McAllen Sector
Description:
BORSTAR agents are specially trained to conduct life-saving missions involving migrants or agents in distress. These elite agents undergo extensive emergency medical training and are often deployed during extreme weather conditions and dangerous terrain rescues.
- Average Salary: $90,000 – $110,000 annually
- Address: 3300 S Ware Rd, McAllen, TX 78501
- Contact: (956) 686-8800
- Services Offered: Search and rescue operations, medical assistance, disaster response, and survival support in high-risk environments.
18. CBP Agricultural Specialist – Hidalgo Port of Entry
Description:
Agricultural Specialists inspect plants, animals, and related products entering Texas to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. At the Hidalgo Port of Entry, these specialists play a key role in maintaining U.S. agricultural health and safety.
- Average Salary: $70,000 – $84,000 annually
- Address: 620 S Bridge St, Hidalgo, TX 78557
- Contact: (956) 843-5700
- Services Offered: Agricultural inspections, pest control, cargo clearance, and compliance with federal import/export regulations.
19. Border Patrol Logistics Coordinator – Del Rio Sector
Description:
Logistics Coordinators manage the supply chain for border patrol operations, ensuring agents receive the equipment, vehicles, and technology they need to perform effectively. In Del Rio, the coordinator role supports thousands of operations annually.
- Average Salary: $66,000 – $80,000 annually
- Address: 2401 Dodson Ave, Del Rio, TX 78840
- Contact: (830) 778-7000
- Services Offered: Equipment management, fleet coordination, supply distribution, and operational readiness support.
20. Border Patrol Public Affairs Officer – Rio Grande Valley Sector
Description:
Public Affairs Officers manage media relations, community outreach, and public information campaigns. They ensure accurate reporting of border patrol activities while fostering relationships with local communities and stakeholders.
- Average Salary: $72,000 – $88,000 annually
- Address: 4400 South Expressway 77, Harlingen, TX 78550
- Contact: (956) 389-3700
- Services Offered: Media coordination, community outreach, press briefings, and interagency communication.
Summary of Border Patrol Salaries in Texas
Texas offers some of the highest-paying opportunities for border patrol professionals in the United States. Salaries range from approximately $52,000 for entry-level positions to $120,000 for elite tactical and supervisory roles. The variation depends on several factors, including:
- Experience & Rank: Higher-ranking positions, such as supervisors and tactical agents, receive significantly higher salaries.
- Location: Sectors like Rio Grande Valley and El Paso typically offer additional incentives due to high activity levels.
- Specialization: Roles involving marine patrols, drone surveillance, intelligence, and search-and-rescue operations pay more due to their technical demands.
- Overtime & Benefits: Agents receive overtime pay, retirement contributions, health insurance, and other federal employee benefits that increase overall compensation.
Career Growth in Border Patrol Jobs
Working for the U.S. Border Patrol in Texas offers numerous opportunities for career advancement. New agents can progress from GS-5 trainee levels to GS-11 experienced roles within a few years. Specialized paths, such as intelligence, tactical operations, or canine enforcement, provide additional options for salary growth.
With increasing investments in border security, the demand for skilled professionals is expected to rise steadily. Those seeking long-term careers benefit from structured training, federal retirement plans, and strong job security.
Final Thoughts
Border patrol agents in Texas play a critical role in safeguarding the nation’s borders, managing immigration enforcement, and preventing smuggling activities. The compensation reflects the demanding nature of the job, offering competitive salaries and significant opportunities for advancement.
Whether you’re considering starting as an entry-level agent or aiming for a supervisory or specialized role, Texas provides a wide range of career paths in border enforcement. Understanding the pay scales, benefits, and growth opportunities can help aspiring agents plan their careers effectively.