Australian Customs Officer Salary Pay Scale by Rank (2025)

The Australian Customs Officer Salary Pay Scale by Rank is a major point of interest for job seekers, public servants, and individuals considering a career in Australia's border and customs enforcement agencies. Customs officers in Australia play a critical role in maintaining national security, facilitating legal trade, and protecting the nation from illegal imports and exports.

In 2025, the compensation package for customs officers reflects the responsibilities, risks, and technical knowledge required for the role. Salaries are structured by rank, years of experience, level of responsibility, and location. Officers may also receive a wide range of allowances and benefits that make the career both financially rewarding and stable.

This article offers a comprehensive breakdown of the Australian Customs Officer Salary Pay Scale by Rank, with detailed insights into job grades, pay progression, benefits, and allowances. It is designed to help readers understand how much customs officers earn in 2025, what impacts their salaries, and how to advance in this career.

Overview of the Australian Border Force and Customs Officer Roles

Customs officers in Australia are employed under the Australian Border Force (ABF), a critical arm of the Department of Home Affairs. Their primary duties include:

• Enforcing Australia’s customs and immigration laws

• Preventing illegal imports and exports (e.g., drugs, weapons, endangered species)

• Facilitating lawful trade and travel at sea ports, airports, and land borders

• Screening cargo, passengers, and mail

• Working alongside other agencies such as the Australian Federal Police and Immigration

Customs officers are often deployed in high-risk environments and may work shifts, including nights, weekends, and public holidays. Their pay structure reflects these working conditions through structured salary scales and generous allowances.

Australian Customs Officer Salary Pay Scale by Rank (2025)

Salaries for Australian Customs Officers are based on classifications under the APS (Australian Public Service) Enterprise Agreement, ranging from APS 2 to EL2 and beyond. The following is a detailed breakdown of the salary structure as of 2025.

Entry-Level Customs Officer Salary (APS 2 – APS 3)

APS 2: Trainee or Junior Customs Officer

• Base Salary Range: AUD $55,000 – $64,000 per year

• Typical Roles: Customs support, administrative tasks, assisting higher-ranking officers

• Allowances: Overtime, shift loading, training allowance

• Annual Increase: Possible with completion of initial training phase and performance

APS 3: Graduate/Field-Ready Customs Officer

• Base Salary Range: AUD $65,000 – $74,000 per year

• Responsibilities: Initial field duties, cargo inspection, document checking, frontline processing

• Special Notes: Officers at this level begin operational work under supervision

Mid-Level Customs Officer Salary (APS 4 – APS 6)

APS 4: Experienced Customs Officer

• Base Salary Range: AUD $76,000 – $84,000 per year

• Duties: Passenger and cargo assessments, use of detection technologies, investigation support

• Allowances: Risk allowance, location allowance (if remote), shift penalty pay

APS 5: Senior Customs Officer

• Base Salary Range: AUD $85,000 – $94,000 per year

• Duties: Supervising junior officers, reporting, handling more complex clearance tasks

• Opportunities: Officers may specialize in areas like counter-terrorism or drug interdiction

APS 6: Supervising/Field Manager Officer

• Base Salary Range: AUD $95,000 – $110,000 per year

• Scope: Manage operations in high-volume ports, oversee teams, make field decisions

• Promotion Criteria: Performance, years of service, and specialized certifications

Senior Customs Officer Salary (EL1 – EL2)

Executive Level 1 (EL1): Regional or Departmental Manager

• Base Salary Range: AUD $115,000 – $130,000 per year

• Responsibilities: Policy enforcement, regional leadership, cross-agency coordination

• Perks: Car allowance, official travel coverage, health benefits, and additional leave entitlements

Executive Level 2 (EL2): Senior Executive Manager

• Base Salary Range: AUD $135,000 – $160,000 per year

• Responsibilities: Strategic planning, national policy execution, departmental oversight

• Experience Required: 10+ years of service, managerial qualifications, high-level security clearance

Allowances and Bonuses for Australian Customs Officers

Customs officers in Australia receive a range of allowances that significantly boost their take-home pay. These include:

• Shift Work Allowance: Paid for night shifts, weekends, and public holidays

• Field Duty Allowance: Compensation for harsh or remote locations

• Danger Pay/Risk Allowance: For work in high-risk environments like anti-smuggling operations

• Uniform and Equipment Allowance: Covers costs of maintaining professional gear

• Overtime Pay: Overtime is common due to unpredictable operational hours

• Language Skills Allowance: For officers proficient in foreign languages relevant to trade routes

Allowances vary by location, rank, and assignment but can add 15–30% to base salaries.

Promotion Opportunities and Salary Progression

Career progression in the Australian Border Force follows a structured pathway. Officers are promoted based on:

• Performance appraisals and years of experience

• Completion of accredited internal training programs

• Specialisation in high-demand roles (e.g., canine handling, maritime surveillance)

• Willingness to relocate to remote or critical border locations

Each promotion typically results in a 10–20% increase in base salary, along with eligibility for higher allowances.

How Salaries Are Paid and Reviewed

All ABF employees are paid through the Department of Home Affairs payroll system. Salaries are credited monthly and accompanied by a detailed payslip showing:

• Base pay

• Shift penalties

• Allowances

• Deductions (superannuation, tax, etc.)

Annual reviews are conducted as part of enterprise bargaining agreements, ensuring regular pay increases tied to inflation and national pay policy updates.

Salary Comparison with Other Australian Security Agencies

While Customs Officers fall under the ABF, their salary structure is comparable to:

• Australian Federal Police (AFP) Officers

• Immigration Officers

• Australian Defence Force (for certain roles)

Customs officers’ unique operational demands often attract higher allowances, making total compensation competitive.

Cost of Living Considerations for Customs Officers

The Australian government considers cost-of-living factors in its allowance structure. Officers posted in high-cost cities (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne) or remote regions (e.g., Northern Territory ports) may receive:

• Remote locality allowances

• Rental assistance

• Relocation incentives

This helps balance the real value of salary across different living environments.

Summary Table: Australian Customs Officer Salary Pay Scale by Rank (2025)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does a customs officer earn in Australia in 2025?
A customs officer can earn between AUD $55,000 and $160,000 annually depending on their rank and years of experience.

2. Do customs officers in Australia receive overtime pay?
Yes. Overtime, night shifts, and holiday work are compensated with additional allowances.

3. What qualifications are needed to become a customs officer in Australia?
Minimum of Year 12 completion; higher roles may require university degrees or diplomas in criminology, law, or public administration.

4. Are customs officers considered public servants?
Yes. They are employed under the Australian Public Service (APS) and follow APS classification and benefits structure.

5. Can customs officers work in airports and seaports?
Yes. They are stationed at international airports, seaports, and mail centers across the country.

6. Is training provided for new customs officers?
All new recruits undergo structured training at ABF facilities, including operational procedures, legislation, and physical fitness.

7. Are promotions based on time served?
Partly. Promotions depend on time served, performance reviews, and completion of required training programs.

8. What’s the highest rank a customs officer can achieve?
Within the ABF, EL2 is typically the highest officer-level rank. Above this are executive SES positions (Senior Executive Service), which are policy or administrative roles.

9. Is superannuation included in the salary?
Superannuation is a separate employer contribution (typically around 15.4%) and not included in the base salary but listed on payslips.

10. Do officers receive pay increases annually?
Yes. Pay increases are typically negotiated as part of APS-wide enterprise agreements and tied to performance reviews.

Conclusion: Is a Career in the Australian Border Force Worth It?

The Australian Customs Officer Salary Pay Scale by Rank in 2025 reflects the critical role these officers play in national security and international trade. With structured progression, generous allowances, and stable government employment, a career as a customs officer is financially secure and professionally fulfilling.

Whether you’re starting as a trainee or aiming for executive-level management, the Australian Border Force offers a clear career path, competitive salary, and meaningful work. For anyone considering a public service career with impact, becoming a customs officer is a strong and rewarding option.