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Customs Officer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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Customs Officer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$10.7K

$80.9K

$96.7K

How much do customs officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for customs officer in Raleigh, NC is $80,874.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,700.00 and $95,800.00 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 are popular job titles related to Customs Officer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Customs Officer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Customs Officer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Customs Officer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Customs Officer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Customs Officer job openings:
Infographic showing various Customs Officer job openings in Raleigh, NC 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 $80,874 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Supervisory CBP Officer (First Line-POE)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$109K/yr

Other

Retirement

Posted 10 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

167th of 836 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, Multiple Field Offices.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:
  • Conducting prearrival targeting and intelligence vetting and gathering and analyzing information from all available sources
  • Performing primary inspections of cargo, conveyances, and travelers and secondary inspections of referrals from primary
  • Developing, planning, and performing tactical operations in cargo and passenger environments
  • Employing a variety of investigative techniques and preparing accurate reports regarding inspections, gathered intelligence, and incidents
  • Interacting with internal and external contacts and mentoring lower level CBP officers and officers new to the port, environment, or work unit
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.

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 07/31/2026
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 Supervisory CBP Officer (First Line-POE) 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.
Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
  • Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
  • A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
  • Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
  • Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government
Education:Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.
Physical and Environmental Conditions: The work environment includes offices, aircraft operation areas, airline passenger and cargo areas, and marine docks. Periods of outdoor work may be required in snow, rain, or extreme heat. Occasional periods of outdoor work may be required in remote areas with no modern comfort facilities. The work may involve the use of toxic chemicals, pesticides and fumigants. Protective clothing may be required such as hard hats, gloves, goggles, hearing protection, and respirators.Employment Type: OTHER

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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