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Trainee Customs Entry Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Customs Entry Writer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Partner Government Agencies (PGAs). The role requires ... Coordinate with carriers, forwarders, CBP officers, and PGAs to resolve holds, exams, and ...

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Partner Government Agencies (PGAs). The role requires ... Coordinate with carriers, forwarders, CBP officers, and PGAs to resolve holds, exams, and ...

Customs Entry Writer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Partner Government Agencies (PGAs). The role requires ... Coordinate with carriers, forwarders, CBP officers, and PGAs to resolve holds, exams, and ...

Ensure accurate and timely data entry into our operating system. * Transpose customs declaration ... Contribute to maintain strong relationships with customs officers. * Ensure compliance at all times ...

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Trainee Customs Entry Officer information

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$25.5K

$43.5K

$63.5K

How much do trainee customs entry officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee customs entry officer in the United States is $43,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trainee customs entry officer?

Trainee customs entry officers are entry-level professionals who assist in the processing and clearance of imported and exported goods through customs. They work under supervision to ensure that shipments comply with all government regulations, complete necessary documentation, and calculate duties and taxes. These officers often learn about tariff codes, trade agreements, and customs laws as part of their training. Their role is vital in maintaining the smooth and legal flow of goods across borders.

What are some common challenges faced by trainee customs entry officers during their first year?

During their first year, Trainee Customs Entry Officers often encounter challenges such as learning complex customs regulations, mastering various software systems used for declarations, and keeping up with frequent changes in trade laws. Adapting to tight deadlines and high volumes of paperwork can also be demanding, especially during peak shipping seasons. However, most organizations provide structured training and mentorship to help new officers build confidence and develop their skills efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee customs entry officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Customs Entry Officer, you need a good understanding of import/export regulations, strong attention to detail, and at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with customs clearance software, data entry systems, and sometimes specialized training or certification in customs procedures is beneficial. Excellent communication skills, integrity, and the ability to work under pressure help you manage complex documentation and interact with clients and authorities. These skills are vital to ensure compliance with laws, avoid costly errors, and facilitate smooth and legal movement of goods across borders.

What is the difference between Trainee Customs Entry Officer vs Customs Entry Officer?

AspectTrainee Customs Entry OfficerCustoms Entry Officer
QualificationsBasic high school diploma, on-the-job trainingRelevant certifications, experience in customs procedures
Work EnvironmentTraining setting, supervised tasksFull responsibilities in customs clearance
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with documentation, learning proceduresProcessing customs entries, ensuring compliance

The main difference is that a Trainee Customs Entry Officer is in training and gaining experience, while a Customs Entry Officer is fully responsible for processing customs documentation and compliance. The trainee role focuses on learning and support, whereas the officer role involves independent decision-making and operational duties.

Is it hard to get hired as a trainee customs entry officer?

Getting hired as a trainee customs entry officer can be competitive, as it often requires relevant education, such as a high school diploma or equivalent, and sometimes prior knowledge of customs procedures or related fields. Candidates typically undergo a selection process that includes assessments, background checks, and training programs, but the difficulty varies depending on the organization and location.
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What cities are hiring for Trainee Customs Entry Officer jobs?

Cities with the most Trainee Customs Entry Officer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Customs Entry Officer jobs?

The most popular types of Customs Entry Officer jobs are:

What states have the most Trainee Customs Entry Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Trainee Customs Entry Officer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Trainee Customs Entry Officer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Trainee Customs Entry Officer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Trainee Customs Entry Officer job openings in the United States 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 $43,530 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

SUPERVISORY CUSTOMS ENTRY OFFICER

Customs and Border Protection

Memphis, TN • On-site, Remote

$106K - $138K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


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

173rd of 849 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary
Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Los Angeles Field Office, Electronics Center of Excellence and Expertise (ELEC-CEE) located in Memphis, TN.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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Joining the Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations will allow you to use your expertise to detect and prevent terrorists and instruments of terror from entering the U.S. This position starts at a salary of $106,437.00 (GS-13, Step 1) to $138,370.00 (GS-13, Step 10) with promotion potential to $138,370.00 (GS-13 Step 10).
Typical duties Include:
  • Providing expert technical advice to subordinates and higher-level CBP officials on the entry process.
  • Assigning work to subordinates based on priorities, selective consideration of the difficulty and requirements of assignments, and the capabilities of employees.
  • Monitoring and evaluating employees' work products; establishing or recommending performance standards and evaluations.
  • Monitoring and evaluating the delivery of services to customers and the methods and techniques used to provide them.
  • Developing and implementing plans to improve the delivery of services, individually and with other Entry Supervisors, and through process improvement teams.

CBP employees demonstrate the highest level of commitment to protect and serve the United States of America and to exemplify the CBP Core Values of Vigilance, Service to Country and Integrity. Learn more about CBP's mission, core values and careers at https://www.cbp.gov/about
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
  • Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below)
  • All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English
  • You may be required to pass a background investigation
  • CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures.
  • As an employee of CBP, you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards. Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity, to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties. Please review further details via the following link.
  • DHS uses E-Verify, an internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities.
  • Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under the bargaining unit.

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:
  • Examining and validating entry and related documents to ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Enforcing measures such as additional duties, tariffs, or quotas to address unfair trade practices.
  • Advising internal and external stakeholders on complex trade issues, violations, and enforcement procedures.
  • Conducting outreach initiatives, training sessions, and educational programs to enhance comprehension of CBP requirements and procedures.
  • Guiding and assisting lower-graded Entry Specialists on work assignments, projects, or program issues.

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.
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 08/21/2026.

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
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

Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.
Education
Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.
Additional information
Supervisory Probationary Period: You may be required to serve an 18 month probationary period upon appointment.
Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under the bargaining unit.
Drug Test: Drug testing is required for this position.
Training: This position has a training requirement. You may be required to attend 2½ weeks of paid training at the CBP Trade and Cargo Training Academy, Charleston, SC. You may be required to successfully complete the training requirement as a condition of employment. Failure to successfully complete the required course(s) of training in accordance with CBP standards and policies will result in placement into either a former or different position, demotion, or separation as determined by management and appropriate procedures. Note: This training may be waived if previously completed.
Leadership Training: All newly appointed first-time CBP Supervisors are required to complete mandatory training. The training will be scheduled by the Office of Training and Development within the first 90 days of appointment. The duration of the training will include SLT three (3) weeks of in residence training in Harpers Ferry, WV. Note: This training may be waived if previously completed.
Please view the video "Protecting America 24/7" to learn more about CBP's Office of Field Operations.
The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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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