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Customs Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OEC Group

Senior Customs Entry Writer

New Hyde Park, NY · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Associate's degree preferred * 3-5 years of entry writing experience Salary $65,000-$75,000 ... customs brokerage, cargo insurance and more. Company Culture OEC Group provides a fun, family ...

OEC Group

Senior Customs Entry Writer

New Hyde Park, NY · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Associate's degree preferred * 3-5 years of entry writing experience Salary $65,000-$75,000 ... customs brokerage, cargo insurance and more. Company Culture OEC Group provides a fun, family ...

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Customs Associate information

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$35.5K

$134.2K

$268.5K

How much do customs associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for customs associate in the United States is $134,221.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,000.00 and $169,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges a Customs Associate may face when ensuring compliance with international shipping regulations?

Customs Associates often encounter challenges such as staying up to date with frequently changing import/export regulations, managing complex documentation requirements, and addressing discrepancies in shipment information. Navigating these issues requires strong attention to detail and effective communication with both internal teams and external agencies. Additionally, Customs Associates must work efficiently under time constraints to prevent shipment delays and avoid costly penalties for non-compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Customs Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Customs Associate, you need a solid understanding of import/export regulations, customs documentation, and trade compliance, usually supported by relevant education or certifications in logistics or international trade. Familiarity with customs clearance software, tariff classification tools, and government trade portals is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing complex documentation and client interactions. These competencies ensure efficient clearance processes, minimize compliance risks, and maintain smooth global supply chain operations.

What does a Customs Associate do?

A Customs Associate is responsible for ensuring that goods imported to or exported from a country comply with all relevant customs laws and regulations. They prepare and review shipping documents, classify goods according to tariff codes, and communicate with customs officials to facilitate the smooth movement of cargo. Their work helps prevent delays at borders and ensures that shipments are processed efficiently and lawfully. Customs Associates also stay updated on changes to customs regulations and may assist with audits or resolve compliance issues.

What is the difference between Customs Associate vs Customs Clerk?

AspectCustoms AssociateCustoms Clerk
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles may prefer certifications in customs proceduresHigh school diploma; familiarity with customs documentation often preferred
Work EnvironmentWarehouses, shipping docks, import/export officesCustoms offices, shipping facilities, import/export departments
Employer & Industry UsageLogistics companies, freight forwarders, import/export firmsCustoms agencies, freight companies, import/export businesses
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Customs Associates and Customs Clerks both handle customs documentation and compliance, often working in similar environments within logistics and import/export industries. While their roles overlap, Customs Associates may have broader responsibilities, including customer service and coordination, whereas Customs Clerks typically focus on processing customs paperwork. Both roles require familiarity with customs regulations and documentation, making them closely related in the supply chain process.

What cities are hiring for Customs Associate jobs? Cities with the most Customs Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Customs jobs? The most popular types of Customs jobs are:
What states have the most Customs Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Customs Associate jobs include:
Customs Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Customs Associate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,221 per year, or $64.5 per hour.
Licensed Customs Brokerage Import Manager

Licensed Customs Brokerage Import Manager

FreightTAS LLC

NY • On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Customs Brokerage Import Manager. Licensed Required
Department: Customs Brokerage
Level: Manager/Supervisor
Overview:
Salary Range: $85,000-$125,000
Position Summary
The Import Manager directs and manages the activities of the import department within a branch, ensuring all import activities-both transportation and customs brokerage-are in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Establish, oversee, and continuously improve import process flows in conformance with applicable rules, procedures, and company policy.
  • Develop internal SOPs and maintain KPIs for efficient management of inbound freight, including timely recovery and handover to brokers.
  • Collaborate with sales to create customer-specific import handling procedures, especially during new customer onboarding.
  • Ensure accurate documentation is created and transmitted to government agencies. Provide timely responses to customs, customer, and internal inquiries regarding classification, duty rates, documentation, and other import regulations.
  • Represent customers to CBP as needed.
  • Maintain current knowledge of CBP and other agency regulations, incorporating changes into departmental processes and ensuring employees receive proper compliance training.
  • Organize, update, and disseminate client data (rate agreements, HTS classification, POA, IRS, Customs Bond data, etc.) for proper system updates.
  • Review and enhance account profitability, billing accuracy, and timeliness.
  • Arrange transportation, warehousing, or distribution of imported products, balancing transit times and profit opportunities. Negotiate contracts/rates with delivery agents.
  • Prepare monthly reports for management.
  • Train and onboard new staff.
  • Conduct entry audits.
  • Support accounts receivable collections when needed.

Customs Brokerage Responsibilities
In certain branches, the Import Manager oversees customs brokerage activities and functions as the broker of record. Responsibilities include:
  • Serving as the licensed broker responsible to US Customs.
  • Interfacing with government agencies and maintaining positive relationships.
  • Maintaining customer bond and power of attorney files.
  • Performing post-entry functions such as tariff concessions, refunds, duty drawbacks, credits, and issue resolution.
  • Managing the audit program to ensure continual compliance.
  • Conducting audits and assessing import compliance on all customs brokerage files.
  • Ensuring JSOX compliance.

Requirements
Supervisory Responsibilities
  • Supervise Import Supervisors and staff.
  • Interview, hire, and train employees.
  • Plan, assign, and direct work.
  • Appraise performance, reward, and discipline employees.
  • Address complaints and resolve problems in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.

Qualifications
Education and Experience
  • Associate degree required; bachelor's degree preferred.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience handling imports.
  • At least 3 years of supervisory experience.
  • Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Customs Broker License
  • A Customs Broker's License is required in small and medium-sized branches where the Import Manager directly oversees CHB functions.
  • A license is preferred but not required in larger branches where a licensed broker has direct CHB responsibility.
  • A Customs Broker's License is required

Essential Job Functions
  • Strong customer service and communication skills with the ability to handle a wide range of people and inquiries.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead a profit center.
  • Capable of reporting on revenue generation, profit, and loss.

Benefits
A comprehensive benefits package is offered, which may include:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage beginning the 1st of the month after hire.
  • 401(k) with company match.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts.
  • Life and AD&D Insurance.
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability.
  • Tuition Assistance Program.
  • Commuter Benefits.
  • Paid vacation and additional perks.

All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and policy terms as provided by Human Resources.

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