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International Trade Compliance Director Salary in Chicago, IL

How much does an International Trade Compliance Director make in Chicago, IL?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an International Trade Compliance Director in Chicago, IL is $181,195 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $87.

However, an International Trade Compliance Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $196,861
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $165,854 to $189,395
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $151,887
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence International Trade Compliance Director Salaries

An International Trade Compliance Director's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects International Trade Compliance Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an International Trade Compliance Director's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • International Trade Compliance Supervisor (10+ years): $117,494
  • International Trade Compliance Manager (10+ years): $137,485
  • International Trade Compliance Senior Manager (10+ years): $156,416
  • International Trade Compliance Director (10+ years): $181,195
  • VP of International Trade Compliance (10+ years): $218,413
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
International Trade Compliance Supervisor10+ years$117,494
International Trade Compliance Manager10+ years$137,485
International Trade Compliance Senior Manager10+ years$156,416
International Trade Compliance Director10+ years$181,195
VP of International Trade Compliance10+ years$218,413
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Top Paying Cities for International Trade Compliance Directors

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $221,155
  • San Francisco: $218,734
  • Oakland: $214,124

International Trade Compliance Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

International Trade Compliance Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $202,286. While startup companies pay approximate $171,285.

International Trade Compliance Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $171,285
Growth Stage 51~500 $181,112
Established 501~5000 $195,323
Enterprise 5000+ $202,286

International Trade Compliance Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For International Trade Compliance Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, International Trade Compliance Director positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view International Trade Compliance Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an International Trade Compliance Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$219,174$105.025%
Software & Networking$219,174$105.025%
Energy & Utilities$210,407$101.020%
Financial Services$201,640$97.015%
Aerospace & Defense$192,873$93.010%

International Trade Compliance Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an International Trade Compliance Director's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$165,854
Average $181,195/year
$189,395
$13,821
Average $15,100/month
$15,783
$3,190
Average $3,485/week
$3,642
$80
Average $87/hour
$91
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $189,395 $15,783 $3,642 $91
Average $181,195 $15,100 $3,485 $87
25th Percentile $165,854 $13,821 $3,190 $80

International Trade Compliance Director Salary Growth & Career Path

International Trade Compliance Director

Next Role

For an International Trade Compliance Director, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the VP of International Trade Compliance role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $218,413 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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