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Customs Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Shipping & Customs Officer

Houston, TX

$15.75 - $19/hr

Shipping & Customs Officer Job Summary As the Shipping & Customs Officer you will coordinate, monitor, and update Shipping and Customs activities to ensure all goods are delivered to the destination ...

Customs Declaration Officer The Customs Declaration Officer is responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely preparation, submission, and coordination of customs declarations for the import and ...

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Customs Officer information

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$11K

$83.2K

$99.5K

How much do customs officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for customs officer in the United States is $83,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Customs Officers face in their daily work, and how can they be managed?

Customs Officers often encounter challenges such as dealing with high-pressure situations, adapting to evolving regulations, and managing interactions with travelers from diverse backgrounds. Balancing thorough inspections with efficient processing requires strong attention to detail and sound judgment. Effective communication skills and ongoing training are key to successfully navigating these challenges, ensuring that legal requirements are met while maintaining a positive experience for travelers and stakeholders.

How do I become a US customs officer?

To become a US Customs Officer, candidates must meet age, education, and background requirements, pass written and physical tests, and complete training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Relevant skills include attention to detail, communication, and knowledge of customs laws. Applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass a background check and drug screening.

What is the difference between Customs Officer vs Border Patrol Agent?

AspectCustoms OfficerBorder Patrol Agent
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, sometimes post-secondary education, and background checksHigh school diploma or GED, specialized training, and background checks
Work EnvironmentPorts of entry, airports, and customs facilitiesU.S. borders, remote areas, and border crossings
Employer & IndustryU.S. Customs and Border Protection, government agenciesU.S. Border Patrol, Department of Homeland Security
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Customs Officers primarily work at ports of entry, inspecting goods and travelers, while Border Patrol Agents focus on patrolling and securing the borders. Both roles require similar credentials and are employed by government agencies, but their work environments and specific duties differ significantly.

What qualifications do you need for a customs officer?

To become a customs officer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions may require post-secondary education or specialized training. Relevant skills include attention to detail, communication, and knowledge of customs laws and procedures; passing background checks and physical fitness tests are also common requirements.

How much does a US customs officer get paid?

A U.S. Customs Officer typically earns a starting salary of around $40,000 to $50,000 per year, with experienced officers making up to $70,000 or more. Salaries vary based on location, experience, and rank, and the role often requires knowledge of laws, security procedures, and the use of communication tools.

What Is a Customs Officer?

Customs officers are government employees who work in airports, docks, and other points of entry to the country. Their primary duties are to check that people are entering and leaving the country legally and that they do not bring illegal substances into the country, such as drugs or weapons. As a customs officer, your responsibilities include checking traveler passports and customs documents for authenticity, searching luggage or cargo, and question any traveler found with suspicious or unlawful goods. In cases where you find illegal substances or suspicious activity, you may be called to testify about your observations in a criminal trial.

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

To thrive as a Customs Officer, you need a solid understanding of import/export regulations, attention to detail, and typically a degree or relevant law enforcement training. Familiarity with cargo screening technologies, customs management systems, and sometimes specialized certifications like CCRA are important. Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help officers build trust and effectively handle challenging situations. These skills ensure the lawful movement of goods, national security, and efficient border control operations.

Is it hard to become a customs officer?

Becoming a customs officer typically requires passing written exams, background checks, and physical fitness tests. Candidates often need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions may require college coursework or relevant experience. The process can be competitive and involves training at a customs or border protection academy.

What are Customs Officers?

Customs Officers are government officials responsible for regulating and monitoring the import and export of goods at borders, airports, and seaports. Their main duties include inspecting luggage and cargo, enforcing laws related to tariffs, immigration, and trade, and preventing smuggling or illegal activities. They play a crucial role in national security and revenue collection by ensuring that all goods comply with the country's regulations and that proper duties and taxes are paid.
What cities are hiring for Customs Officer jobs? Cities with the most Customs Officer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Customs Officer jobs? The most popular types of Customs Officer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Customs Officer jobs? The top employers for Customs Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Customs Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Customs Officer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Customs Officer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,196 per year, or $40 per hour.
Shipping & Customs Officer

Shipping & Customs Officer

Core Group Resources

Houston, TX

$15.75 - $19/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Shipping & Customs Officer
Job Summary

As the Shipping & Customs Officer you will coordinate, monitor, and update Shipping and Customs activities to ensure all goods are delivered to the destination in a safe and timely manner.
Responsibilities
  • Prepare specific procedures for shipping, customs, packing of goods, technical enquiry package for Shipping, and customs services
  • Assist the Shipping and Customs Manager in planning the shipping and customs activities
  • Review scope and documentation, prepare the Transport Plan and define the best means of transport according to goods weights and dims, best transit route/time, required schedule and actual costs
  • May prepare the transport instruction dedicated PR to issue dedicated transport contract
  • Prepare documents required to the execution of the shipping and customs activities, and fulfil import, export, and transit formalities in accordance with applicable customs rules and regulations
  • Monitor status of each shipment from goods collection up to actual completion, gather and check all shipping documents signed and stamped to attest final receipt
  • Prepare the Service Entry Sheet in accordance with Transport Service Contract Documents
  • Use SAP for the management of chipping and customs activities and ensure timely updating
  • Support the material purchasing department to define budgets for transports and the best contractual delivery
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or related field
  • 2 years of experience in Freight Forwarding & Customs in Project Cargo in an EPC/EPIC Environment
  • Experience in the Oil and Gas Industry preferred

Company Description

Core Group Resources is the bridge that connects the maritime, marine offshore, oil & gas, petrochemical, and environmental industries. Our in depth knowledge of these fields can help you navigate these quickly expanding markets.
Core Group is actively assisting companies hiring top-notch marine engineers, operations, and commercial candidates with our expertise in these industries. Candidates seeking navigation into these industries, let us chart your career here. We have mapped out all verticals in this space and know where professionals are best poised for rapid career growth.
With strong projected growth in these sectors, now is the time to partner with the leading Houston-based recruitment firm of Core Group Resources.
We Offer:
Direct Hire, Executive Search, Contract Recruitment, and Recruitment Process Outsourcing
Contact us today to learn more about how we can partner with you. Email info@coregroupresources.com to get started.