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Customs Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Kuehne+Nagel

Customs Specialist

Dulles, VA · On-site

$25 - $28.85/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 ...

Aprio

Director, Tariffs & Customs

Rockville, MD · On-site +1

$130K - $305K/yr

Customs and Border Protection, Department of Commerce, and U.S. Department of State, including Protests, Prior Disclosures, Voluntary Self Disclosures, Ruling Requests, Petitions for Relief, and ...

Kuehne + Nagel Inc.

Customs Specialist FZ-ZZ

Dulles, VA

$25 - $28.85/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 ...

Aprio

Director, Tariffs & Customs

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$130K - $305K/yr

Customs and Border Protection, Department of Commerce, and U.S. Department of State, including Protests, Prior Disclosures, Voluntary Self Disclosures, Ruling Requests, Petitions for Relief, and ...

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Customs information

See Washington salary details

$45.3K

$85.2K

$111.6K

How much do customs jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for customs in Washington is $85,218.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,200.00 and $110,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 are the career paths in customs?

Career paths in customs include roles such as Customs Officer, Customs Broker, Import/Export Specialist, and Customs Compliance Analyst. Advancement often involves gaining experience, certifications like the Certified Customs Specialist, and developing knowledge of trade laws, tariffs, and international regulations.

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.

Is it hard to get into customs?

Getting into customs work can be competitive and often requires relevant experience, such as knowledge of import/export regulations, security procedures, or language skills. Some positions may require security clearances or certifications, and strong attention to detail is important for success in the role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Customs jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Customs jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Customs jobs in Washington? For Customs jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Customs jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Customs jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Customs jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Customs job openings:
Customs jobs near you
Infographic showing various Customs job openings in Washington 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 $85,218 per year, or $41 per hour.

Customs Specialist

Kuehne+Nagel

Dulles, VA • On-site

$25 - $28.85/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

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 beyond that. In fact, your expertise makes both special and ordinary moments possible for people around the world. For example, your work could ensure that a global product launch happens on time-such as ethically sourced beauty and bath products stocked at local stores for your loved one's valued self-care routine. It's import and export work, but it's also so much more than we imagine.
In this role, you will be responsible for auditing and processing customs entries, including the pre-keying and filing of entries with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You will be reviewing and analyzing import documentation, ensuring accuracy and compliance with customs regulations, and processing entries in a timely manner. You will also support various customs brokerage activities and perform other duties related to customs entry management as required.
How you create impact
  • Accurately classify merchandise using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) to determine appropriate duty rates.
  • Thoroughly review and input shipment data into customs brokerage systems (e.g., Cargowise) to generate complete and compliant customs entries.
  • Prepare necessary documentation including invoices, packing slips, and certificates of origin for customs clearance.
  • Monitor entry status and follow up with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on any discrepancies or delays.
  • Proactively communicate with clients regarding shipment status, potential issues, and required documentation.
  • Address client inquiries promptly and professionally, providing clear explanations of customs regulations and procedures.
  • Build strong relationships with clients by delivering consistent, high-quality service and exceeding expectations.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure seamless coordination of import logistics.
  • Stay updated on evolving customs regulations and industry best practices to maintain compliance.
  • Identify and escalate potential compliance risks to management.
  • Conduct thorough document audits to ensure accuracy and adherence to customs laws.
  • Participate in internal compliance training programs and analyze customs data to identify trends and potential areas for improvement.
  • Generate reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to customs clearance efficiency and compliance.
  • Monitor and manage entry processing times to meet client deadlines

What we would like you to bring
  • A high school diploma or GED certificate is prefered
  • 2+ years' experience in Customs Clearance and Customer service
  • Working knowledge of Cargo Wise
  • Knowledge of domestic and international geography including countries, major cities and ocean ports along with basic knowledge of U.S. Regulatory Laws
  • Basic knowledge of INCO terms, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, Customs regulations and other government agency requirements

What's in it for you
At Kuehne+Nagel we strive daily to inspire, empower, and deliver not only to our customers, but also to our colleagues. We offer a dynamic global work environment with opportunities for excellent training programs and career mobility. The target wage range for this position is between $25.00 and $28.85. Base wage is part of a competitive total rewards package that includes health and welfare benefits, a 401k retirement savings plan, tuition reimbursement, and incentive compensation for eligible roles. Individual pay may vary from the target range and is determined by a number of factors including experience, skills, job location, internal pay equity, and other relevant business considerations. Kuehne+Nagel reviews pay ranges regularly to ensure competitive and fair pay based on industry market data. #LI-RT1
Kuehne+Nagel participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.
"Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to assist in specific process [e.g., screening applications, interview scheduling]. These tools analyze information to support decision-making, but final decisions are made by human reviewers."
Who we are
Logistics shapes everyday life - from the goods we consume to the healthcare we rely on. At Kuehne+Nagel, your work goes beyond logistics; it enables both ordinary and special moments in the lives of people around the world.
As a global leader with a strong heritage and a vision to move the world forward, we offer a safe, stable environment where your career can make a real difference. Whether we help deliver life-saving medicines, develop sustainable transportation solutions or support our local communities, your career will contribute to more than you can imagine.

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