1

Customs Inspector Jobs in Miami, FL (NOW HIRING)

Summary The Petroleum Inspector performs testing of bulk liquid or gaseous hydrocarbon or chemical ... Works in cooperation with client's representatives, US Customs, vessel personnel, government agents ...

Monitor and resolve customs holds, delays, or compliance issues. * Maintain accurate HS ... Ensure accurate receipt, inspection, and system entry of inbound inventory into the WMS. * Resolve ...

S. Customs and Border Protection, export control regulations, and Expeditors' internal policies ... Conduct FTZ audits and site inspections; lead bi-weekly stakeholder meetings. * Manage the ...

... customs regulations. The Export Logistics Coordinator works closely with various internal ... the inspection of shipments in the warehouse as needed to ensure that the shipping documents ...

... customs documents, manifests, and other shipment paperwork for accuracy and regulatory compliance. • Liaise with partner airlines and relevant authorities to ensure seamless cargo inspections and ...

... customs documents, manifests, and other shipment paperwork for accuracy and regulatory compliance. • Liaise with partner airlines and relevant authorities to ensure seamless cargo inspections and ...

Prepares and maintains inspector daily reports (IDR's) of work-in-progress and provides status ... Ability to obtain security clearance for air operations badging and Customs Border Protection (CBP ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Customs Inspector information

See Miami, FL salary details

$11

$26

$49

How much do customs inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for customs inspector in Miami, FL is $26.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $30.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the qualification for custom inspector job?

To become a customs inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring a bachelor's degree. Applicants must pass written exams, physical fitness tests, background checks, and often have relevant skills such as attention to detail, communication, and knowledge of customs laws and procedures.

What are Customs Inspectors?

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 does a customs inspector do?

A customs inspector is responsible for examining travelers' luggage, cargo, and shipments to enforce import and export laws, prevent illegal items from entering or leaving a country, and collect duties or taxes. They use inspection tools, review documentation, and may work in airports, seaports, or border crossings, often requiring knowledge of regulations and security procedures.

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.

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 meet physical and medical requirements. Many positions require passing written exams and training programs, which cover customs laws, inspection procedures, and security protocols. Relevant skills include attention to detail, communication, and the ability to work in a security-sensitive environment.

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 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.

Is it hard to get into customs?

Becoming a customs inspector typically requires passing written exams, background checks, and physical assessments. Candidates often need relevant experience, such as law enforcement or security work, and must complete specialized training programs before starting the job.
What are popular job titles related to Customs Inspector jobs in Miami, FL? For Customs Inspector jobs in Miami, FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Customs Inspector jobs in Miami, FL look for? The top searched job categories for Customs Inspector jobs in Miami, FL are:
Infographic showing various Customs Inspector job openings in Miami, FL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,426 per year, or $26.2 per hour.
CBP Officer (Cargo Manager)

$116K/yr

Other

Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


U.S. Customs and Border Protection rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

166th of 832 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Miami Field Office, Trade Division.Qualifications:Experience: You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
  • Obtaining, reviewing, and analyzing prearrival information via automated manifests, entries, and passenger/crew information systems.
  • Identifying and targeting high-risk persons, shipments, and conveyances for in-depth examination.
  • Performing counterintelligence activities to identify and prevent cross-border movement of international/corporate espionage.
  • Analyzing a wide variety of information to identify anomalies attendant to the importation and exportation of commercial merchandise.
  • Interpreting and applying the laws and regulations relating to the admissibility of people into the U.S.
NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Secondary CBPO Special Retirement Coverage: This is a secondary position subject to mandatory retirement under the special retirement provisions for Customs and Border Protection Officers (5 CFR 842.1003; 5 USC 8425(b), 5 USC 8335(b); and 5 USC 8412(d). Employees in secondary positions must meet the following conditions in order to be eligible for special retirement provisions: moved directly from a primary position to a secondary position without a break in service; complete 3 years of service in a primary position; and, if applicable, have been continuously employed in a secondary position or positions since moving from a rigorous position without a break in service exceeding 3 days. For more information on required years of service and retirement age, click on this link If you have questions regarding your retirement coverage provisions, please contact the CBP Retirement Operations Center at (202) 863-6180.
The customs and border protection officer mandatory separation provisions of 5 USC 8425 do not apply to an individual first appointed as a customs and border protection officer before July 6, 2008.
Administrative Secondary CBP Officer (CBPO) Special Retirement Coverage (SRC) Requirement: This position meets the definition of secondary administrative CBPO SRC under the laws and regulations defined in 5 U.S.C. 8331 (31), Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and General Provisions for CBPO defined in 5 U.S.C. 8401(36), Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). The criterion is that knowledge, skill and ability in a position deemed to meet primary CBPO SRC is a mandatory prerequisite to satisfactorily perform the major duties and responsibilities of this job. The conditions for coverage of a secondary position are contained in 5 C.F.R. 831.1604 for CSRS and 5 C.F.R. 842.1003 for FERS. As defined in 5 C.F.R. 831.1602 CSRS and 5 CFR 842.1002 FERS, to be eligible for this secondary administrative CBP) SRC position you must have permanently served in a primary CBPO SRC position, e.g. Customs Inspector, GS-1890; Immigration Inspector, GS-1816; Canine Enforcement Officer, GS-1801; or CBP Officer, GS-1895.

You must:
  • Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and
  • Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 07/27/2026

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances.
For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers
Polygraph Examination: The CBP Officer (Cargo Manager) position is a polygraph-required position. If you are not a current CBP employee in a law enforcement position, you may be required to take a polygraph exam and have favorable results in order to continue in the pre-employment process. Please see Polygraph Examination.
Polygraph Reciprocity: CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam. You will receive information to request reciprocity in your Background Investigation Package.
Polygraph Waiver: Certain veterans may be eligible to obtain a polygraph waiver. You will receive information to request a waiver in your Background Investigation Package.
Probationary Period: Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.
If you are not a current GS-1895, and you are selected, you will have to meet the following medical/physical standards:
Physical/Medical Requirements: Following a tentative job offer, candidates must undergo and successfully complete a medical screening process. Individuals must be medically and physically capable of performing the essential job functions and duties of the position safely and efficiently without endangering the health and safety of the individual, others, or national security. For more information regarding the medical screening process and requirements, check out our video and visit our website.
Physical Fitness Test: You will be required to successfully pass the Pre-employment Fitness Test. Please view both Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The Fitness Test and Pre-Employment Fitness Test Physical Readiness Program, a 6-week program designed to assist you in achieving a level of physical fitness that will help you successfully pass the CBP fitness test.Education:Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this positionEmployment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


U.S. Customs and Border Protection logo

About U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

U.S. Customs and Border Protection serves and protects America with a workforce of more than 60,000 law enforcement and support professionals. We're united by our mission to guard our borders from threats and illicit activities while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2003