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Customs Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Customs Entry Writer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

We are seeking an experienced Part-Time Customs Entry Writer to join our customs brokerage operation, with the potential for the position to grow into a full-time role as workload increases. This ...

Customs Brokerage Manager

Carson, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Lead and oversee the customs brokerage department including the team of entry writers, ensuring that operational goals and KPIs are met. * Manage the entire import clearance workflow: from customs ...

S. customs laws and import/export regulations. This role serves as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders and external trade compliance subject matter experts, ensuring project ...

Customs Specialist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$28.85 - $31.25/hr

It's more than a job As a Customs Specialist at Kuehne+Nagel, your job is to optimise logistics to keep our global supply chains running smoothly. But the impact of your work goes beyond that. In ...

Customs Specialist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$28.85 - $31.25/hr

Customs Specialist It's more than a job As a Customs Specialist at Kuehne+Nagel, your job is to optimise logistics to keep our global supply chains running smoothly. But the impact of your work goes ...

Customs Specialist

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$21.76 - $45.96/hr

Robinson is looking for a Customs Specialist who will play a critical role in protecting compliance, minimizing risk, and ensuring the seamless movement of customer shipments through the customs ...

Customs Specialist

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$21.76 - $45.96/hr

Robinson is looking for a Customs Specialist who will play a critical role in protecting compliance, minimizing risk, and ensuring the seamless movement of customer shipments through the customs ...

Customs Brokerage Manager

Carson, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Lead and oversee the customs brokerage department including the team of entry writers, ensuring that operational goals and KPIs are met. * Manage the entire import clearance workflow: from customs ...

Customs Brokerage Supervisor It's more than a job As a Customs Supervisor at Kuehne+Nagel, your job is to optimise logistics to keep our global supply chains running smoothly. But the impact of your ...

Robinson is looking for a Customs Specialist who will play a critical role in protecting compliance, minimizing risk, and ensuring the seamless movement of customer shipments through the customs ...

In this Customs Manager role, you will develop, implement, and govern ASML's global customs strategy with a strong focus on U.S. customs compliance. You will oversee customs-related activities ...

Customs Specialist

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$21.76 - $45.96/hr

Robinson is looking for a Customs Specialist who will play a critical role in protecting compliance, minimizing risk, and ensuring the seamless movement of customer shipments through the customs ...

Customs Entry Writer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$52 - $68/hr

Customs Entry Writer | Customs Brokerage | Import Operations | CargoWise LOGISTEED America is seeking an experienced Customs Entry Writer to join our Customs Brokerage team in Monterey Park, CA. The ...

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Showing results 1-20

Customs information

See California salary details

$39.5K

$74.3K

$97.2K

How much do customs jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for customs in California is $74,256.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,300.00 and $96,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a customs officer?

Customs officers are government officials responsible for enforcing laws and regulations related to the import and export of goods at borders and ports of entry. They inspect luggage, cargo, and vehicles to prevent illegal goods such as drugs, weapons, or undeclared items from entering or leaving a country. Customs officers also collect duties and taxes on imported goods and ensure compliance with trade regulations. Their work helps maintain national security, support lawful trade, and protect the country’s economy.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a customs officer?

To thrive as a Customs Officer, you need a solid understanding of import/export regulations, risk assessment, and investigative procedures, often supported by relevant government training or a degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with customs management systems, X-ray scanning equipment, and document verification tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong ethical judgment, and effective communication skills help officers excel in high-pressure situations and interact with travelers and trade partners. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring border security, facilitating lawful trade, and protecting national interests.

What are common challenges faced by customs officers and how can they be managed?

Professionals in customs often encounter challenges such as navigating complex and frequently changing international regulations, ensuring accurate and timely documentation, and managing high-pressure situations during inspections. Collaboration with other government agencies and effective communication with importers, exporters, and logistics providers are crucial for addressing these challenges. Staying updated through ongoing training and leveraging digital customs management systems can also help streamline workflows and reduce errors.

What is the difference between Customs vs Customs Broker?

AspectCustomsCustoms Broker
CredentialsKnowledge of customs regulations, often requires relevant certifications or trainingLicensed professionals with specific customs broker licenses
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, import/export departmentsPrivate customs brokerage firms, freight forwarders
Industry UsageCustoms officers enforce regulations at bordersAssist importers/exporters with customs clearance
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in customs enforcementUnderstanding customs clearance process and licensing

While Customs officers enforce customs laws at borders, Customs Brokers facilitate the clearance process for importers and exporters by ensuring compliance with regulations. Both roles are essential in international trade but serve different functions within the customs ecosystem.

Is it hard to get a job with customs?

Getting a customs job can be competitive and often requires relevant experience, security clearances, and sometimes specialized training or certifications. Strong attention to detail, knowledge of regulations, and language skills can improve chances of employment in this field.

What is the job of customs?

A customs officer is responsible for inspecting and regulating goods and travelers entering or leaving a country to enforce import and export laws, collect duties, and prevent illegal items from crossing borders. They often work at border crossings, airports, or seaports and require knowledge of customs regulations and security procedures.

What are the most commonly searched types of Customs jobs in California?

The most popular types of Customs jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Customs jobs?

Cities in California with the most Customs job openings:

Infographic showing various Customs job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,256 per year, or $35.7 per hour.

Customs Entry Writer

Hesed Customs Service

Torrance, CA • On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

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Key responsibilities

  • Prepare and enter U.S. Customs import entries accurately and efficiently.

  • Review import documentation and enter shipment, importer, HTS, value, and country of origin information into customs brokerage software.

  • Monitor entry status, identify missing or inconsistent information, and escalate issues to the licensed customs broker.


Job description

We are seeking an experienced Part-Time Customs Entry Writer to join our customs brokerage operation, with the potential for the position to grow into a full-time role as workload increases.

This position is primarily focused on accurately entering and processing customs entries based on shipment documentation and instructions provided by the customs broker.

We are looking for someone who already understands the basics of customs brokerage and import documentation. You do not need to independently classify merchandise or make complex compliance decisions, but you should understand what you are looking at and be able to recognize when information is missing, inconsistent, or needs to be brought to the broker's attention.

Schedule: Approximately 20–25 hours per week to start, with the potential to increase to full-time based on workload and business needs.

Key Responsibilities

  • Prepare and enter U.S. Customs import entries accurately and efficiently.
  • Review commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading/air waybills, arrival notices, and other import documentation.
  • Enter shipment, importer, HTS, value, country of origin, and other required information into ABI customs brokerage software based on provided documentation and instructions.
  • Transmit entries and monitor entry status and system responses.
  • Identify missing or inconsistent information and bring questions or discrepancies to the customs broker's attention.
  • Follow provided HTS classification, tariff, PGA, and other entry instructions.
  • Maintain organized shipment records and monitor entries through the customs clearance process.
  • Communicate with customers and freight forwarders as needed to obtain routine documents or shipment information.
  • Assist with other customs brokerage processing and administrative tasks as needed.
  • Escalate unusual or unclear issues to the licensed customs broker rather than making assumptions.

Qualifications

  • Previous hands-on customs entry writing experience strongly preferred.
  • Familiarity with ABI, ACE, CBP entry procedures, and common import documentation.
  • Ability to recognize HTS numbers, entry types, duties, tariffs, and common customs terminology. Independent HTS classification is not required.
  • Experience with customs brokerage software; NetCHB/Descartes experience is a plus.
  • Strong data-entry skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to identify missing or inconsistent information in shipment documents.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple shipments and work efficiently in a deadline-driven environment.
  • Good written and verbal communication skills.
  • Comfortable working independently while knowing when to ask questions.

What We're Looking For

Customs entry writing requires more than simply copying information from one document into another. We want someone who understands customs entries well enough to recognize the documents and information they are working with, accurately follow instructions, and notice when something does not look right.

You will not be expected to independently classify merchandise, make complex customs compliance decisions, or communicate directly with government agencies. Those matters will be handled by the licensed customs broker.

The right person for this position is accurate, organized, dependable, and efficient and is comfortable processing a steady volume of customs entries while asking questions when necessary.

This position will begin part-time, with the opportunity for additional hours and potential transition to full-time as the position and workload develop.