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Customs Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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$38.9K

$73.1K

$95.8K

How much do customs jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for customs in Raleigh, NC is $73,141.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $94,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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, 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.

How to get a job working for customs?

To work in customs, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and may be required to pass background checks and drug tests. Relevant skills include attention to detail, communication, and knowledge of customs regulations; some positions may require specialized certifications or training. Applying through government agency websites or customs departments and demonstrating language skills can improve chances of employment.

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 are customs officers and what do they do?

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 does a customs job involve?

A customs job involves inspecting and processing shipments to ensure compliance with import and export regulations. Customs officers verify documentation, assess duties, and prevent illegal goods from entering or leaving a country. Strong attention to detail, knowledge of customs laws, and sometimes security clearance are important for this role.

How much do US customs pay?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers typically earn an annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and rank. Entry-level officers usually start at the GS-5 to GS-7 pay grade, with opportunities for advancement and overtime pay. Certifications and training in inspection procedures are often required for the role.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in customs, 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 hired by CBP?

Getting hired by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can be competitive, as it involves a rigorous application process including background checks, physical fitness tests, and interviews. Candidates often need relevant experience, security clearances, and sometimes specialized skills such as language proficiency or law enforcement training.
What are popular job titles related to Customs jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Customs jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Customs jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Customs jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Customs jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Customs job openings:
Infographic showing various Customs job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,141 per year, or $35.2 per hour.
Border Patrol Agent (BPA) Experienced New Hire Sign-On and Retention Incentives

Border Patrol Agent (BPA) Experienced New Hire Sign-On and Retention Incentives

United States Customs and Border Protection

Crabtree Valley, NC

$63K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


U.S. Customs and Border Protection rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

124th of 646 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Border Patrol Agent (BPA) - Experienced (GL-9 GS-11)

NEW RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION INCENTIVES!

Check out these higher-salaried federal law enforcement opportunities with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Your current or prior law enforcement experience may qualify you for this career opportunity with the nation's premier federal agency charged with securing our borders and protecting our country.

You may qualify for these higher-graded Border Patrol Agent (BPA) employment opportunities if you have current or prior law enforcement experience. This experience could have been gained as part of a military police assignment or as a member of a state or local law enforcement organization. Look at the duties and responsibilities section below to see if you are interested in these federal law enforcement opportunities and review the qualifications section below to see if you are qualified.

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE INCENTIVES – SEE SALARY SECTION BELOW

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Duty assignments available at the time of offer may include the Southwest Border, including prioritized locations.

U.S. Border Patrol determines duty assignments at the time of offer based on operational needs, which may or may not align with candidates’ first-choice preferences. Relocation may be required.

The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) offers those interested in a career in law enforcement an opportunity to work with an elite team of highly trained professionals whose camaraderie, pride, and purpose are hallmarks of their daily mission of protecting America.

If you seek an exciting and rewarding job that provides excellent pay and exceptional federal benefits, now is the time to make your move. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is hiring immediately for these full-time, career Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) opportunities.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary for newly appointed law enforcement Border Patrol Agents varies from:

Base Salary: GL-9/GS-11 $63,148 - $120,145 per year

Locality Pay: Varies by duty location.

Overtime Pay: Up to 25%

Duty location impacts pay rates; locality pay for federal law enforcement is higher in some locations than others. A fully trained BPA may be eligible for up to an additional 25% of base pay per the BPA Pay Reform Act of 2014. This is a career ladder position with a grade level progression from GL-9 to GS-11 to GS-12. You will be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level (without re-applying) once you successfully complete 52 weeks in the lower grade level.

All Border Patrol Agents may select from an array of federal employment benefits that include health and insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan that is similar to traditional and ROTH 401(k) offerings.

*Recruitment Incentive* Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents (as defined in 5 CFR 575.102) will be offered up to a $20,000 incentive. The first $10,000 will be paid upon successful completion of the Border Patrol Academy, with the remaining $10,000 awarded for accepting a prioritized location. Prioritized locations include Sierra Blanca, TX; Presidio, TX; Sanderson, TX; Comstock, TX; Lordsburg, NM; Freer, TX; Hebbronville, TX; Ajo, AZ.

*Retention Incentive* Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents may also qualify for up to $40,000 in additional incentives distributed over their first four years.

Duties and Responsibilities:

As a BPA, you will be part of our 60,000+ workforce that strives to protect the American people by safeguarding our borders, deterring illicit activity, and enhancing the nation’s economic prosperity. Being a BPA makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession.

Typical assignments include:

  • Detecting and questioning people suspected of violating immigration and customs laws and inspecting documents and possessions to determine citizenship or violations.
  • Preventing and apprehending aliens and smugglers of aliens at or near the borders by maintaining surveillance from covert positions to include using infrared scopes during night operations.
  • Interpreting and following tracks, marks, and other physical evidence of illegal entry of persons or contraband.
  • Performing farm checks, building checks, traffic checks, city patrols, and transportation checks.
  • Patrolling the international boundary and coastal waterways using a variety of government assets such as vehicles, horses, vessels, watercraft, off-road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles for the accomplishment of the USBP Mission.

Qualifications:

GL-9: You qualify for the GL-9 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

  • Performing physical searches of detained individuals, their vehicles, and their immediate surroundings for weapons, contraband, currency, and other evidence.
  • Apprehending, physically restraining, or working with law enforcement officials to identify or apprehend violators of state, federal, or immigration laws.
  • Proficient in the use of firearms, preparing investigative reports, serving court orders (e.g., warrants, subpoenas, etc.), and gathering evidence for criminal cases prosecuted through the court system.

If you have previous or current law enforcement or military law enforcement experience, you may qualify at the GS-11 grade level.

GS-11: You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, with the authority granted by the state or government to enforce laws, make arrests, and investigate crimes, performing primary duties in an official law enforcement capacity such as:

  • Utilizing intelligence information to track illegal operations, criminal activity, threats to our nation, and/or contraband while serving as a state, federal, or military law enforcement official.
  • Leading investigations of fraud, contraband, criminal activity, threats to our nation, and/or illegal operations to determine sources and patterns while serving as a state, federal, or military law enforcement official.
  • Apprehending violators of state, federal, or immigration laws by utilizing various forms of complex technology that include surveillance, detection, situation awareness systems, and/or communications equipment.

The above experience will be applied in connection with the following: Make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms; deal effectively with people in a courteous manner in connection with law enforcement matters; analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions; or develop and maintain contact with a network of informants.

There are no education substitutions for the GL-9 or GS-11 grade-level Border Patrol Agent opportunities.

Other Requirements:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.

Residency: You must have had primary U.S. residency (including protectorates as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years.

Age Restriction: In accordance with Public Law 100-238, this position is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions. Candidates must be referred for selection to the Border Patrol Agent position before reaching their 40th birthday in accordance with Department of Homeland Security Directive 251-03. The age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement (non-military) position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d).

Veterans’ Preference: You may also be eligible for an excepted service Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment (VRA). The age restriction does not apply if you are Veterans' Preference eligible.

Formal Training: After you are hired, you will be detailed to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, for approximately six (6) months of intensive instruction in immigration and nationality laws, law enforcement, and USBP-specific operations, driver training, physical techniques, firearms, and other courses. Border Patrol work requires the ability to speak and read Spanish, as well as English. Border Patrol Agents will be provided training to become proficient in the Spanish language at the Academy.

How to Apply:

Click the Apply button on this site. You will be linked to the CBP Talent Network registration page. For Position of Interest, select Border Patrol Agent, and then complete the pre-screening questions.

You’ll then receive a link(s) to the BPA Job Opening Announcements (JOAs) on USAJOBS, the federal government’s official employment site, to complete your application. Be certain to review ALL details of the job opportunity announcement and follow all instructions in the application process, including items (resume, transcripts, etc.) to submit. You will be evaluated based on your resume, supporting documents, and the BPA Entrance Exam.

If you have questions about the application process, contact a recruiter through the U.S. Border Patrol page: careers.cbp.gov/s/usbp.

NOTE: As a subscriber to the CBP Talent Network, you’ll receive monthly emails with information about webinars, career expos, and future opportunities with CBP.


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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