As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Freight Cost Analyst I in the United States is $61,920 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Freight Cost Analyst I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Freight Cost Analyst I'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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Freight Cost Analyst I'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Freight Cost Analyst I | 0-2 years | $61,915 |
| Freight Cost Analyst II | 2-4 years | $71,930 |
| Freight Cost Analyst III | 4-7 years | $92,831 |
| Freight Cost Analyst IV | 7+ years | $113,258 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Freight Cost Analyst Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 9.5% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.43% |
| SQL | 0.89% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Dedication
|
$74,304 |
20%
|
|
Installation
|
$69,970 |
13%
|
|
Coordination
|
$66,874 |
8%
|
|
Network Optimization
|
$66,254 |
7%
|
|
Insight
|
$66,254 |
7%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$66,254 |
7%
|
Freight Cost Analyst I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $69,257. While startup companies pay approximate $58,571.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $58,571 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $61,948 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $66,881 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $69,257 |
For Freight Cost Analyst I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Freight Cost Analyst positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Pharmaceuticals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Freight Cost Analyst I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $74,304 | $36.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $74,304 | $36.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $74,304 | $36.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $71,208 | $34.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $68,112 | $33.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Freight Cost Analyst Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Freight Cost Analyst I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $56,125 and $60,252).
Freight Cost Analyst I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 13.0% |
| High School | 13.0% |
| Associates | 21.7% |
| Bachelors | 56.5% |
| Masters | 8.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Freight Cost Analyst I'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 July 01, 2026For a Freight Cost Analyst I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Freight Cost Analyst II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $72,000 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.
Salaries for a Freight Cost Analyst I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $54,445 in 2023 to around $54,047 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Freight Cost Analyst I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $54,445 |
| 2024 | $54,467 |
| 2025 | $54,047 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Freight Cost Analyst I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
A freight agent can be a rewarding career choice, especially for motivated and skilled individuals. With a salary range from $54,850 to $69,920, there are ample opportunities for profit generation. The potential for earnings is significant, making it an attractive option for those looking to thrive in the logistics industry.
One of the key stress factors for Freight Cost Analysts is the constant pressure to deliver accurate insights within tight deadlines. The sheer volume of data to analyze can be overwhelming, leading to high stress levels. With salaries ranging from $54,850 to $69,920, the financial rewards may help mitigate some of this stress, but the demands of the role remain significant.
Top paying companies for Freight Cost Analysts include General Brokerage Services, offering salaries up to $138K, and Best Bay Logistics, with a range of $75K to $125K. Other notable companies are Excel Transport ($73K - $127K), UPS ($71K - $120K), and Mercer Transportation ($73K - $116K). The average salary for this role typically ranges from $54,850 to $69,920.
The salary for a Freight Cost Analyst typically ranges from $54,850 to $69,920, with a median salary of around $62,330. This reflects the compensation structure for this role, which may vary based on experience and location.
In the U.S., a Freight Cost Analyst typically earns between $54,850 and $69,920, with a median salary of around $62,330. This salary range reflects the specialized nature of the role within the data and analytics field, which can vary based on experience and location.
To become a Freight Cost Analyst, begin by obtaining a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. Gain practical experience through internships or entry-level roles in finance or logistics. The salary for this position typically ranges from $54,850 to $69,920, with a median salary of around $62,330.
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