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Trainee Customs Entry Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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 13, 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 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.

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.

How hard is it to become a trainee customs entry officer?

Becoming a trainee customs entry officer typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, strong attention to detail, and good communication skills. Candidates often need to pass a background check and may benefit from knowledge of customs regulations or relevant certifications; training is usually provided on the job. The difficulty varies depending on the applicant's background and the specific hiring agency's requirements.
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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 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,530 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Customs and Border Protection Officer - Experienced with Security Clearance

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Van Buren, ME • On-site

$63K - $127K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 15 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

172nd of 845 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO) - New Hire Sign-On and Retention Incentives NEW RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION INCENTIVES! U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers those interested in a career in law enforcement an exceptional 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. You will be part of the Department of Homeland Security workforce, protecting American interests and securing our nation. If you are looking for a rewarding career with great pay, benefits, and job stability, now is the time to make your move. DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE INCENTIVES - SEE SALARY SECTION BELOW As a Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO) , 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 CBPO makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) profession. Typical assignments include: * Enforcing customs, immigration, and agriculture laws and regulations. * Facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. * Conducting inspections of individuals and conveyances. * Determining the admissibility of individuals for entry into the United States; and * Preventing the illegal entry of individuals and prohibited goods and the smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband. Duty Locations - Incentives available for some locations You will be asked to provide your preference for one of the following mission-critical locations: Anchorage, AK; Douglas, Lukeville, Nogales and San Luis, AZ; Calexico, Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, and Tecate, CA; Washington, D.C.; Key West, Miami, and Orlando FL; Honolulu, HI; Chicago, IL; Calais, Eastport, Houlton, Jackman, Madawaska, Van Buren, and Vanceboro, ME; Detroit, Port Huron, and Sault Ste Marie, MI; Grand Portage and International Falls, MN; Raymond, Roosville, Sweetgrass, and Wild Horse, MT; Columbus and Santa Teresa, NM; Alexandria Bay, Champlain, Massena, Trout River, and Buffalo, NY; Dunseith, Pembina, and Portal, ND; Brownsville, Dallas, Del Rio, El Paso, Hidalgo, Laredo, Presidio, Progreso, and Houston, TX; Beecher Falls, Derby Line, Highgate Springs, Norton, and Richford, VT; Blaine, Oroville, and Sumas, WA. The preference locations listed above are expected to have vacancies available in the future, however, if the duty locations do not have vacancies at the time of your final offer, you may be offered a duty location in another geographic location within the United States. Locations offered are based on operational and mission requirements and critical agency hiring needs for entry-level CBPOs as determined by the CBP Office of Field Operations (OFO). Salary - and Duty Location Recruitment Incentives - and Benefits **Recruitment Incentive** Newly appointed Customs and Border Protection Officers will be offered up to a $15,000 incentive per year, for a three-year service contract, in the following locations: * Arizona: Douglas, Lukeville, Nogales, San Luis * California: Calexico * Hawaii: Honolulu * Maine: Calais, Eastport, Houlton, Jackman, Madawaska, Van Buren, Vanceboro * Michigan: Detroit, Port Huron, Sault Sainte Marie * Minnesota: Grand Portage, International Falls * Montana: Raymond, Sweetgrass * New York: Alexandria Bay, Champlain, Massena, Trout River * North Dakota: Dunseith, Portal * Vermont: Beecher Falls, Derby Line, Highgate Springs, Norton, Richford * Washington: Blaine, Oroville **Recruitment Incentive** Newly appointed Customs and Border Protection Officers will be offered up to a $15,000 incentive per year, for a four-year service contract, in the following locations: * California: Otay Mesa, San Francisco, San Ysidro, Tecate * Florida: Key West * North Dakota: Pembina Annual Base Salary for newly appointed CBPOs varies as follows: * GS-9 $63,431- $127,464 per year Locality pay varies by duty location. Note: A fully trained CBPO is eligible for up to $45,000 in overtime pay in addition to the starting salary. Grade level eligibility and salaries vary depending upon background, including experience and education, and duty location of the opportunity. This is a career ladder position with a grade level progression of GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, and 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 each grade level. Promotions are at the discretion of the agency. Officers are eligible to select from an array of federal employment benefits that include health, dental and other insurance plans, a generous annual and sick leave program, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan akin to a traditional and ROTH 401(k) offering. Qualifications: You qualify for the GS-9 grade level in one of the following ways: experience, education, or a combination of both. Experience: A minimum of one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level that includes: * Detaining suspected violators of federal, state, or local laws and/or arresting violators using the proper law enforcement methods. * Enforcing the laws and regulations relating to importing, exporting, and/or international shipping to and from the United States. * Utilizing intelligence techniques and behavior analysis to identify potential threats and perform risk assessments for violations of laws and threats to national security. * Conducting interviews in a law enforcement capacity for the purposes of gaining information from suspected violators of laws to determine the appropriate course of action. The above experience will be applied in connection with the following: Ability to make rapid, accurate judgments and decisions with respect to the application of the regulations, instructions, and procedures for importing and exporting merchandise to and from the United States; or enforcement and administration of laws relating to the right of persons to enter, reside in or depart from the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Education Substitution: A master's (or higher) degree, or two or more years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.B. or J.D. from an accredited college or university; OR Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of specialized experience AND successfully completed graduate-level education. This will be calculated using your resume and official or unofficial transcripts submitted with your application. Other Requirements: Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position. Residency: You must have had primary U.S. residency (includes protectorates as declared under international law) for at least three (3) of the last five (5) 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 Customs and Border Protection Officer 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: You will be required to complete a paid pre-academy orientation for approximately two (2) weeks at your home port. You will then attend a 101-day training program - CBP Field Operations Academy - conducted at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) located in Glynco, GA. This training consists of basic law enforcement skills, immigration laws, firearms training, examination of cargo/bags/merchandise, physical fitness, etc. Candidates assigned to the southern border, Miami, or Puerto Rico duty locations must attend and pass an online Spanish training program, which will be completed at their home port. Successful completion of the Academy is required for this position. How to Apply: Click the Apply button on this site. You will be linked to the CBP Talent Network page. For Position of Interest , select Customs and Border Protection Officer. You'll then receive a link(s) to the CBPO JOA(s) on USAJOBS 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 CBPO Entrance Exam. As a subscriber to the CBP Talent Network, you'll receive monthly emails with information about webinars, career expos, and future opportunities with OFO and 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