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Customs Inspector Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Prolog Inc.

Gate Agent - Part Time

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$20.91/hr

Safely escort unaccompanied minors through customs and immigration, managing their custody during ... Inspect baggage claim areas for unattended luggage and monitor terminal cleanliness to ensure ...

Prolog

Gate Agent - Part Time

Baltimore, MD · On-site

Safely escort unaccompanied minors through customs and immigration, managing their custody during ... Inspect baggage claim areas for unattended luggage and monitor terminal cleanliness to ensure ...

Barbaricum

CETS: Logistic Support

Aberdeen, MD

$19 - $25/hr

Manage the receipt, inspection, storage, inventory, issuance, transfer, and disposition of ... Coordinate domestic and international (CONUS/OCONUS) shipments, including customs documentation ...

Barbaricum

CETS: Logistic Support

Aberdeen, MD · On-site

Manage the receipt, inspection, storage, inventory, issuance, transfer, and disposition of ... Coordinate domestic and international (CONUS/OCONUS) shipments, including customs documentation ...

Barbaricum

CETS: Logistic Support

Aberdeen, MD

Manage the receipt, inspection, storage, inventory, issuance, transfer, and disposition of ... Coordinate domestic and international (CONUS/OCONUS) shipments, including customs documentation ...

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Customs Inspector information

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$12

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$50

How much do customs inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for customs inspector in Maryland is $26.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.98 and $30.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a customs inspector?

Customs Inspectors are government officials responsible for enforcing laws and regulations related to the import and export of goods at borders, airports, and seaports. They inspect luggage, cargo, and vehicles to detect illegal or restricted items such as drugs, weapons, and undeclared goods. Customs Inspectors also verify documentation, collect duties and taxes, and help prevent smuggling and trafficking. Their work helps ensure national security and compliance with trade laws.

What are some common challenges customs inspectors face during their daily inspections?

Customs Inspectors often encounter challenges such as identifying concealed or improperly declared items, managing high volumes of travelers or shipments, and staying current with constantly changing regulations. They must balance efficiency with thoroughness, ensuring that they do not disrupt trade or traveler flow while still preventing illegal activities. Additionally, working in diverse environments—from airports to shipping docks—requires strong adaptability and communication skills, especially when collaborating with other agencies or handling stressful situations.

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 often a bachelor's degree or relevant law enforcement experience. Familiarity with customs processing systems, X-ray scanners, and risk assessment tools is typically required, along with any necessary government certifications. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective interpersonal communication are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the accurate enforcement of laws, facilitate efficient border control, and help prevent illegal activities such as smuggling.

What is the difference between Customs Inspector vs Customs Officer?

AspectCustoms InspectorCustoms Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; specialized training; sometimes certifications in inspection proceduresSimilar credentials; often includes training in customs laws and inspection techniques
Work EnvironmentBorder crossings, airports, ports; inspecting goods and travelersBorder stations, customs offices; enforcing customs regulations
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies at ports, airports, border crossingsSame as Customs Inspector, often overlapping roles

Customs Inspectors and Customs Officers share similar credentials and work environments, primarily focusing on inspecting goods and travelers at borders and ports. While their roles may differ slightly in scope or specific duties, they are often employed interchangeably within government agencies to enforce customs laws and regulations.

How do you become a customs inspector?

To become a customs inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, and complete specialized training provided by the hiring agency. Some positions may require prior law enforcement or security experience, and applicants often must pass written exams and physical assessments.

Is it hard to get into customs inspector?

Becoming a customs inspector typically requires passing written exams, background checks, and physical assessments. Candidates often need relevant education, such as a high school diploma or higher, and may need to complete training programs or obtain certifications. The hiring process can be competitive due to the specialized nature of the role and security clearance requirements.

What are popular job titles related to Customs Inspector jobs in Maryland?

For Customs Inspector jobs in Maryland, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Customs Inspector jobs in Maryland look for?

The top searched job categories for Customs Inspector jobs in Maryland are:

Customs Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Customs Inspector job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $55,228 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Customs Brokerage Customer Service

Expeditors

Elkridge, MD • On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Expeditors rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 88 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 366 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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