How Much Is the Average Pay for a Customs Broker

How Much Is the Average Pay for a Customs Broker? Many customs brokers enjoy high pay. George Doyle/Stockbyte/Getty Images. Related Articles. 1 How Much Money Do Independent Customs Brokers Make? 2 Can Bad Credit Stop Me from Being a Certified Custom Broker? 3 Duties & Responsibilities of a Licensed Custom Broker 4 Become a U.S. Customs Broker. Customs brokers are licensed business professionals who assist importers with filing proper documents and meeting legal requirements for shipments entering the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection issues customs broker licenses to eligible applicants who pass a written examination and prove they have good moral character. Because the position carries heavy responsibility and requires knowledge of complex import laws and regulations, customs brokers typically earn high pay. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the 2012 median annual salary for customs brokers was $65,120, and the average hourly wage was $31.31. An entry-level position for a customs broker, such as an import specialist, may only pay around $30,000 a year. Entry-level positions usually don't require a college degree or extensive work experience. Experienced customs brokers holding management roles in logistics or purchasing may average as much as $94,145 a year. Employers are more likely to offer upper-level positions to customs brokers with college degrees. Regional Comparisons. Employers pay higher wages to customs brokers working in geographical areas that have a greater demand for import knowledge and a higher cost of living. Average customs broker salaries range from $70,590 to $92,710 in states with large metropolitan areas and heavy international trade activity, such as California, Texas, New York and Virginia. Customs brokers in largely rural states like Montana, Iowa or Kentucky can expect lower salaries ranging from $34,550 to $61,240.