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Trainee Customs Entry Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DP World

Customs Entry Writer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$42K - $56K/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 ...

DP World

Customs Entry Writer

Atlanta, GA · Hybrid

$42K - $56K/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 ...

DP World

Customs Entry Writer

Atlanta, GA · Hybrid

$42K - $56K/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 ...

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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 Jul 5, 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.

Is it hard to become a customs officer?

Becoming a trainee Customs Entry Officer typically requires passing written exams, background checks, and physical assessments. Candidates often need relevant education, such as a high school diploma or higher, and may need to complete specialized training or certifications before starting the role.

How long is customs officer training?

Training for a trainee customs entry officer typically lasts several weeks to a few months, depending on the agency and specific role. It includes classroom instruction on customs laws, procedures, and security protocols, as well as on-the-job training. Certification or licensing may be required upon completion.

What are trainee customs entry officers?

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 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.

Can I join CBP without a degree?

To become a Trainee Customs Entry Officer, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required; a college degree is not mandatory. However, relevant skills such as attention to detail, knowledge of customs regulations, and passing background checks are essential. Some positions may prefer or require post-secondary education or specialized training.

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 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 is the $20,000 bonus for border patrol?

The $20,000 bonus for border patrol positions, including roles like Trainee Customs Entry Officer, is typically offered as an incentive to attract qualified candidates. It may be part of recruitment efforts to fill staffing shortages and is usually paid after completing training or a specified period of service.
More about Trainee Customs Entry Officer jobs
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:
Trainee Customs Entry Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Customs Entry Officer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 87% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,530 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
SUPERVISORY CUSTOMS ENTRY OFFICER

SUPERVISORY CUSTOMS ENTRY OFFICER

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Blaine, WA • On-site

$106K/yr

Other

Posted 7 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

116th of 668 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, Centers for Excellence and Expertise. The selection will be made and oversight of this position will be maintained by the Field Office, but the physical location of this position will remain in the duty location chosen. Please see Duties section for list of departments..
.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 07/06/2026.
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.
Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees say

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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

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