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Customs And Border Protection Jobs in California

Customs Specialist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$28.85 - $31.25/hr

Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You will be reviewing and analyzing import documentation, ensuring accuracy and compliance with customs regulations, and processing entries in a timely manner.

Customs Specialist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$28.85 - $31.25/hr

Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You will be reviewing and analyzing import documentation, ensuring accuracy and compliance with customs regulations, and processing entries in a timely manner.

Showing results 21-40

Customs And Border Protection information

See California salary details

$39K

$117.9K

$156.4K

How much do customs and border protection jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for customs and border protection in California is $117,893.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,200.00 and $135,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges Customs and Border Protection officers face during their shifts?

Customs and Border Protection officers often encounter challenges such as working long or irregular hours, adapting to rapidly changing situations at ports of entry, and maintaining vigilance in high-stress environments. Officers must be prepared to interact with diverse travelers, sometimes in tense or uncertain circumstances, while upholding laws and regulations. Strong teamwork, effective communication, and situational awareness are essential to overcome these daily challenges and ensure border security.

How to get into Customs and Border Protection?

To join Customs and Border Protection, applicants must meet age, background, and physical fitness requirements, and typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. The hiring process includes submitting an application, passing written exams, interviews, medical and background checks, and completing training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC).

Is it hard to get a job with Customs And Border Protection?

Getting a job with Customs and Border Protection can be competitive, as it requires meeting specific eligibility criteria, passing background checks, and completing training. Candidates often need relevant experience, security clearances, and sometimes specialized skills such as language proficiency or law enforcement training.

Is Customs And Border Protection a good career?

Customs and Border Protection offers a stable career with opportunities in law enforcement, security, and border management. The job often requires physical fitness, background checks, and training, and provides benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in national security and public service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Customs and Border Protection officer?

To thrive as a Customs and Border Protection Officer, you need a solid understanding of law enforcement principles, strong decision-making abilities, and typically must pass background checks and complete federal training programs. Familiarity with inspection technologies, surveillance equipment, and CBP databases is required to effectively monitor and process travelers and cargo. Outstanding interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and stress management set individuals apart in this demanding environment. These competencies are vital for ensuring border security, facilitating lawful trade and travel, and upholding national safety.

What is the difference between Customs And Border Protection vs Customs Officer?

AspectCustoms And Border ProtectionCustoms Officer
Primary RoleEnforces laws at borders, manages immigration and trade complianceInspects goods and travelers, enforces customs regulations
Work EnvironmentBorder crossings, airports, ports, and inland facilitiesBorder checkpoints, ports, airports, and cargo areas
Required CredentialsU.S. citizenship, background check, sometimes specialized trainingU.S. citizenship, background check, training programs
EmployerU.S. Customs and Border Protection agencyU.S. Customs and Border Protection agency

Customs And Border Protection is a federal agency overseeing border security and immigration enforcement, while Customs Officers are frontline personnel working within this agency to inspect travelers and goods. Both roles require similar credentials and work in related environments, but CBP has broader responsibilities including policy enforcement and border security management.

What does a Customs and Border Protection officer do?

A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer is responsible for protecting the United States’ borders by preventing illegal immigration, drug smuggling, human trafficking, and other threats. They inspect people and goods entering and leaving the country at ports of entry, such as airports, seaports, and land border crossings. CBP officers enforce customs, immigration, and agricultural laws, ensuring the safety and security of the nation while facilitating lawful international travel and trade.
What are popular job titles related to Customs And Border Protection jobs in California? For Customs And Border Protection jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Customs And Border Protection jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Customs And Border Protection jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Customs And Border Protection jobs? Cities in California with the most Customs And Border Protection job openings:
Infographic showing various Customs And Border Protection job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,893 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Customs Specialist

Kuehne + Nagel

San Diego, CA • On-site

$28.85 - $31.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Kuehne + Nagel rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 77 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 360 rated logistics


Job description

It's more than a job

As a Customs Specialist at Kuehne+Nagel, your job is to optimise logistics to keep our global supply chains running smoothly. But the impact of your work goes beyond that. In fact, your expertise makes both special and ordinary moments possible for people around the world. For example, your work could ensure that a global product launch happens on time-such as ethically sourced beauty and bath products stocked at local stores for your loved one's valued self-care routine. It's import and export work, but it's also so much more than we imagine.

In this role, you will be responsible for auditing and processing customs entries, including the pre-keying and filing of entries with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You will be reviewing and analyzing import documentation, ensuring accuracy and compliance with customs regulations, and processing entries in a timely manner. You will also support various customs brokerage activities and perform other duties related to customs entry management as required.

How you create impact
  • Accurately classify merchandise using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) to determine appropriate duty rates.
  • Thoroughly review and input shipment data into customs brokerage systems (e.g., Cargowise) to generate complete and compliant customs entries.
  • Prepare necessary documentation including invoices, packing slips, and certificates of origin for customs clearance.
  • Monitor entry status and follow up with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on any discrepancies or delays.
  • Proactively communicate with clients regarding shipment status, potential issues, and required documentation.
  • Address client inquiries promptly and professionally, providing clear explanations of customs regulations and procedures.
  • Build strong relationships with clients by delivering consistent, high-quality service and exceeding expectations.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure seamless coordination of import logistics.
  • Stay updated on evolving customs regulations and industry best practices to maintain compliance.
  • Identify and escalate potential compliance risks to management.
  • Conduct thorough document audits to ensure accuracy and adherence to customs laws.
  • Participate in internal compliance training programs and analyze customs data to identify trends and potential areas for improvement.
  • Generate reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to customs clearance efficiency and compliance.
  • Monitor and manage entry processing times to meet client deadlines
What we would like you to bring
  • A high school diploma or GED certificate is prefered
  • 2+ years' experience in Customs Clearance and Customer service
  • Working knowledge of Cargo Wise
  • Knowledge of domestic and international geography including countries, major cities and ocean ports along with basic knowledge of U.S. Regulatory Laws
  • Basic knowledge of INCO terms, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, Customs regulations and other government agency requirements
What's in it for you

At Kuehne+Nagel we strive daily to inspire, empower, and deliver not only to our customers, but also to our colleagues. We offer a dynamic global work environment with opportunities for excellent training programs and career mobility. The target base salary wage for this position is between $28.85 and $31.25. Base wage is part of a competitive total rewards package that includes health and welfare benefits, a 401k retirement savings plan, tuition reimbursement, and incentive compensation for eligible roles. Individual pay may vary from the target range and is determined by a number of factors including experience, skills, job location, internal pay equity, and other relevant business considerations. Kuehne+Nagel reviews pay ranges regularly to ensure competitive and fair pay based on industry market data. #LI-RT1

Kuehne+Nagel participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to assist in specific process [e.g., screening applications, interview scheduling]. These tools analyze information to support decision-making, but final decisions are made by human reviewers.

Who we are

Logistics shapes everyday life - from the goods we consume to the healthcare we rely on. At Kuehne+Nagel, your work goes beyond logistics; it enables both ordinary and special moments in the lives of people around the world.

As a global leader with a strong heritage and a vision to move the world forward, we offer a safe, stable environment where your career can make a real difference. Whether we help deliver life-saving medicines, develop sustainable transportation solutions or support our local communities, your career will contribute to more than you can imagine.

Employment Type: OTHER

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