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Customs Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Analyze and investigate Customs regulations to ensure FedEx compliance with changing tariffs and inspection requirements. Coordinate problem resolutions related to Customs documentation, tariffs, or ...

Customs Entry Writer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$39K - $52K/yr

Coordinate Customs examinations, agriculture inspections, and other government agency inspections , while communicating status updates to all stakeholders. * Maintain complete, accurate, and ...

Support internal and external audits, regulatory reviews, and inspections by gathering ... S. customs or import/export compliance regulations. * Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite ...

Customs Specialist

Iselin, NJ · On-site

$27.77 - $44.02/hr

Manage government agency holds and customs examinations, including CBP, FDA, CPSC, VACIS, CET, and Tailgate inspections * Serve as a trusted customs compliance expert, interpreting regulations and ...

Manage government agency holds and customs examinations, including CBP, FDA, CPSC, VACIS, CET, and Tailgate inspections * Serve as a trusted customs compliance expert, interpreting regulations and ...

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Customs Inspector information

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$12

$27

$52

How much do customs inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for customs inspector in the United States is $27.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $31.49 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.
More about Customs Inspector jobs

What cities are hiring for Customs Inspector jobs?

Cities with the most Customs Inspector job openings:

What states have the most Customs Inspector jobs?

States with the most job openings for Customs Inspector jobs include:

Infographic showing various Customs Inspector job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,905 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

To perform any and all duties relevant to the processing of customs entries in accordance with local country clearance regulations; to work directly with customers to ensure fast, efficient customs clearance of all inbound and outbound shipments.

Job Descrtiption:
Maintain knowledge of current local country Customs regulations and legislation related to Customs clearance, responding to any internal or external inquiries regarding appropriate processes and/or payments, and providing direction to lower level staff as appropriate.
Analyze and investigate Customs regulations to ensure FedEx compliance with changing tariffs and inspection requirements. Coordinate problem resolutions related to Customs documentation, tariffs, or fines to expedite package/document movement through Customs.
Minimum Education
College degree or equivalent work experience
Minimum Experience
Four (4) years experience in a customs environment working with diverse types of international freight is required; knowledge of local country Customs service regulations and legislation for inbound and outbound clearance is necessary.


FedEx is widely acknowledged as a world-class company. We are honored and proud to be consistently recognized as a great place to work, a technology innovator and one of the world's most admired and respected companies.

FedEx is consistently named among the World's most valuable and admired brands. Some of our recent awards include:

  • 2020 Fortune's World Most Admired Companies (14th)
  • 2019 Fortune's Best Places to Work (15th)
  • 2019 Forbes's One of the "Best Employers for Diversity"
  • 2020 FedEx LAC included in the GPTW's Best Workplaces in Latin America Ranking (24th)
  • 2021 FedEx Mexico was included in the GPTW Ranking for 18th consecutive years
  • 2020 FedEx Mexico received the CEMEFI Certification for 13th consecutive years endorsing FedEx as a company socially responsible
  • 2021 FedEx Chile was re-certified with Giro Limpio, a seal from the Agency of Sustainable Energy that seeks to improve the energy efficiency of the ground transportation sector, by reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
  • 2019 FedEx Uruguay selected by GPTW among the 5 best companies to work for.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME