A Customs Broker is a licensed professional who assists clients in clearing shipments through customs barriers. They ensure compliance with all laws and regulations governing the import and export of goods.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Moderate-term
Projected Growth: 4.6% (above average)
Annual job openings: 33 300
Direct AI exposure: 32% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 89% of tasks
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Customs, Ship and Other Brokers. According to the wage tables, average income is $56K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $43K per year | $46K per year | $56K per year | $69K per year | $76K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $8.59K below the national average. | ||||
Customs Brokers typically work in offices, but may also visit ports, warehouses, or government agencies. They often interact with clients, customs officials, and shipping companies.
Customs Brokers play a critical role in international trade by facilitating the import and export of goods across borders. Their expertise in tariff and customs regulations helps clients avoid costly delays, fines, or legal issues. They must stay current with changing laws and trade agreements, which requires continuous learning and adaptation.
They work with a variety of documentation and must be detail-oriented to ensure accuracy. Strong communication skills are essential, as they frequently interact with government officials, clients, and international shipping entities.
The job can be fast-paced and deadline-driven, especially when handling perishable goods or time-sensitive shipments. Customs Brokers need to be problem-solvers, capable of finding quick and effective solutions to clear goods through customs efficiently.
This role generally requires a bachelor's degree (4 years) in business, logistics, or a related field, followed by passing a licensing exam administered by customs authorities.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.