How Much Money Do Independent Customs Brokers Make?

Working as a customs broker requires knowledge of trade rules and regulations.

The income of an independent customs broker depends on a number of factors, including location, experience and responsibilities. The role of an independent customs broker is to act as a middleman between parties who want to conduct foreign trade. A customs brokers assist businesses and individuals with filling out the enormous amount of required paperwork and help her clients navigate through the strict regulations of shipping goods inside and outside of the United States.

Indpendent Customs Broker

The job of a customs broker is to advise clients on anything related to importing and exporting goods. This includes tariffs, quotas, trade regulations, insurance requirements and logistics. The responsibilities of a customs broker may involve assisting with cargo documentation and helping to ensure that the goods make it through customs throughout the entire process, from invoicing, shipping and delivery. Many customs brokers operate or work under the purview of a company. However, the entrepreneurial-minded strike out on their own. An independent customs broker may work as a transportation, logistics and marketing consultant.

Income

With a steady customer base, an independent custom broker can earn a good living. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies independent customs brokers as management consultants. According to the BLS, independent custom brokers earn an average hourly wage of $62.69. Customs brokers receive classification as business operation specialists with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to the latest BLS report, the mean annual wage for customs brokers was $67,710 in 2010.

Outlook

The BLS projects independent customs broker business to be the fastest-growing industry over the next decade. From 2008 to 2018, the BLS expects wage and salary for independent custom brokers to grow by 83 percent. This growth is due to the increasing complexity of business, globalization and technological gains.

Training

You must have a license to work as a customs broker. There are specialized schools and online course to help students prepare for taking the exam. Generally, a college degree is not necessary to receive a license so long as you are at least 21 years old, are of good moral character and are not an employee of the federal government. However, independent customs brokers with bachelor's and master's degrees in international commerce or related field of study have an opportunity to command a higher salary. Above all, experience and results are what counts. Working as an independent customs brokers requires that you remain current on the changing rules and trade regulations.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2010 -- Business Operations Specialists, All Other
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Career Guide to Industries, 2010-11 Edition -- Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services
• U.S. Office of Personnel Management: International Trade Specialist
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Becoming a Customs Broker