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Customs Officer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Deloitte

Manager, Indirect Tax - Global Trade

Nashville, TN · On-site

$120K - $152K/yr

CUSICO (Certified US Import Compliance Officer) * Professional Accreditation in EU Customs Law (post masters) Preferred * Advanced degree such as MST, MAcc, JD, or LLM * Foreign language skills or ...

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Customs Officer information

See Tennessee salary details

$10K

$75.5K

$90.3K

How much do customs officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for customs officer in Tennessee is $75,510.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,700.00 and $89,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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.

How much do customs officers get paid?

The average salary for customs officers varies by country and experience, but in many regions, it ranges from $35,000 to $70,000 annually. Entry-level positions typically start lower, while experienced officers or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages, often supplemented by overtime and benefits.

Is it hard to get hired as a customs officer?

Getting hired as a customs officer can be competitive and typically requires passing written exams, background checks, and physical fitness tests. Candidates often need relevant education, such as a high school diploma or higher, and may need to complete specialized training or certifications before employment.
More about Customs Officer jobs

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Cities in Tennessee with the most Customs Officer job openings:

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Customs Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Customs Officer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,510 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

Customs Brokerage Manager TCRS4764

Trade Compliance Recruiting Solutions

Knoxville, TN • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

HIGH-LEVEL OVERVIEW

The Customs Brokerage Manager oversees the importation process for air and ocean shipments ensuring compliance with U.S. Customs and other government agencies rules and regulations.
The position manages client accounts and leads a small team of import administrators.
This is an in-office/hybrid position based near Knoxville, TN.
Relocation assistance is available.

EXPECTATIONS

  • Oversee the customs clearance process for multiple clients across all modes of transportation
  • Mentor, train, and support a small team of entry writers
  • Ensure compliance with CBP regulations and all applicable PGAs (FDA, USDA, EPA, etc.)
  • Liaise with U.S. Customs and other government agencies as needed
  • Manage classification, entry audits, and post-entry processes
  • Act as the main point of contact for clients regarding complex entry issues
  • Drive process improvements and maintain KPIs for efficiency, accuracy, and compliance
  • Stay current on regulatory changes; communicates changes to teams and update processes
  • Create timely and accurate client invoices; partner with accounting department as needed; managing profit and expenses of the department

ESSENTIALS

  • License Customs Broker required
  • 5+ years of experience in customs brokerage and import/export operations
  • Expert knowledge of import/export regulations; HTS, COO, Valuation, FTA, AD/CVD, etc.
  • Strong attention to detail, critical thinking skills, and ability to manage multiple projects
  • Excellent people leader, supporting continual growth and education
  • Hands on experience managing end to end operations of brokerage department
  • Experience with Descartes OneView, CargoWise or similar import software