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Customs Inspector Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Expeditors

Customs Brokerage Customer Service

Elkridge, MD · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Attend any customs inspections or present documents to customs authorities when such are requested ... Fluent in English Additional Information Expected base salary $21-$24 per hour May be eligible for ...

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How much do customs inspector salary jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for customs inspector salary in the United States is $54,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Customs Inspector, you need a solid understanding of customs regulations, investigative techniques, and attention to detail, typically supported by relevant education or experience in law enforcement or border protection. Familiarity with customs management systems, X-ray scanners, and risk assessment tools is commonly required, and some positions may require specialized certifications or training. Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, and effective communication are essential for interacting with travelers and colleagues under sometimes stressful conditions. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the legal and efficient processing of goods and people, protect national security, and uphold customs laws.

What are some typical challenges Customs Inspectors face in their daily work, and how do they overcome them?

Customs Inspectors often encounter challenges such as identifying contraband hidden in creative ways, managing high volumes of cargo or travelers, and staying updated on changing regulations and procedures. To address these, they rely on thorough training, attention to detail, and teamwork with other inspectors and law enforcement agencies. Inspectors also use advanced technology and participate in ongoing professional development to stay effective and compliant with current laws.

What is the average salary of a Customs Inspector?

The average salary of a Customs Inspector varies depending on location, experience, and government agency. In the United States, Customs Inspectors typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 per year, with the median salary around $60,000. Additional benefits such as overtime pay, health insurance, and retirement plans can supplement their base salary. Higher-paying positions are often available with more experience or in high-cost-of-living areas.

What is the difference between Customs Inspector Salary vs Border Patrol Agent Salary?

AspectCustoms Inspector SalaryBorder Patrol Agent Salary
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; specialized trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; training at the Border Patrol Academy
Work EnvironmentPorts of entry, customs facilitiesBorder areas, remote locations along the border
Employer & IndustryU.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland SecurityU.S. Border Patrol, Department of Homeland Security

Both Customs Inspectors and Border Patrol Agents work within the Department of Homeland Security, focusing on border security and customs enforcement. Customs Inspectors typically operate at ports of entry, inspecting goods and travelers, while Border Patrol Agents patrol border areas. Salary differences are influenced by work environment and specific duties, but both roles require similar credentials and training.

More about Customs Inspector Salary jobs
What cities are hiring for Customs Inspector Salary jobs? Cities with the most Customs Inspector Salary job openings:
What states have the most Customs Inspector Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Customs Inspector Salary jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Customs Inspector Salary jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Customs Inspector Salary jobs are:
Customs Inspector Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Customs Inspector Salary job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 26% Physical, 24% Hybrid, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,939 per year, or $26.4 per hour.
Customs Brokerage Customer Service

Customs Brokerage Customer Service

Expeditors

Elkridge, MD • On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Expeditors rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 336 rated logistics

Job description

Company Description
Expeditors is a leader in the international transportation industry and has opportunities for motivated team players who are looking for a challenging and rewarding place to work. Expeditors culture of organic growth and promotion from within, combined with a strong management team and unique compensation structure, continuously attracts the highest caliber employees.
By recruiting, motivating and retaining the best personnel in the business, we feel we will keep our leadership position in the marketplace. Our business is quality customer service and our people are what make that happen. We hire individuals based on attitude and train them for the skills it takes to make a successful career here. As part of their career development and overall job evaluation, our employees are required to take a minimum of 52 hours of training per year.
Job Description
Scope of Position:
Ensure the proper and timely movement and clearance of freight, while providing an exceptional customer service within the Customs Brokerage department.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Ensure smooth and timely customs process flow.
  • Ensure accurate and timely client billing.
  • Understand all the elements of the import and export customs DLSOP (Desk Level Standard Operating Procedure) and correctly interpret this information to fulfill our customers' instructions and expectations.
  • Ensure accurate and timely data entry into our operating system.
  • Transpose customs declaration information from documents, or other sources into the customs entry system to allow for the build of a valid customs declaration.
  • Assist with verification of customs declaration information and the submission of such to the customs authority.
  • Track and trace Customs files.
  • Interact with customs authorities to address any issues/questions that may arise during the clearing process.
  • Attend any customs inspections or present documents to customs authorities when such are requested.
  • Act as the liaison between the customs authorities (or other government agencies and customers)
  • Ensure timely customs clearance of cargo to customer for Import and Export shipments.
  • Verify documents received for Import and Export customs purposes are compliant and correct.
  • Interact with our customers in arranging their international shipments, meeting customer service standards.
  • Contribute to maintain strong relationships with customs officers.
  • Ensure compliance at all times to regulations. This includes internal policies and procedures such as Operational Process Standards (OPS) and external government regulations (eg. OEA) or customer policies / requirements.
  • Understand department process flow, constantly looking for areas of improved efficiency.
  • Keep up to date on all regulatory requirements governing the import and export of goods. This includes but is not limited to customs procedures for imports and exports, other government agency requirements i.e. health, agricultural, police and military, export controls and prohibited and restricted goods.
  • Meet KPI standards, as per the company's procedures.
  • Overseas communications, timely responses to emails and requests (internal and external)

Qualifications
  • 6 months to 1 year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Good knowledge of customs brokerage processes and systems
  • Good knowledge of customs legislation, especially with regards to classification, valuation and origin.
  • Understanding of ocean and air documentation process.
  • Knowledge of air, road and ocean transport.
  • Good knowledge of incoterms
  • Effective interpersonal skills, including proven abilities to listen, comprehend, effectively communicate clearly and concisely to obtain positive results.
  • Pro-active, strong organizational skills.
  • Computer skills
  • Fluent in English

Additional Information
Expected base salary $21-$24 per hour
May be eligible for bonus following first year of continuous employment in position.
Expeditors offers excellent benefits:
  • Paid Vacation (first year prorated based off month of hire then eligible for 15 days)
  • Holidays (10)
  • Flexible Days (2)
  • Paid Sick Time (accrual rate of 1 hour of sick time per 30 hours paid)
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
  • Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental & Vision Coverage
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave (additional eligibility criteria)
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DC FSA)
  • Commuter Benefit
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Training and Personnel Development Program
  • Educational Assistance and Reimbursement

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO Guidelines.

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