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Import /Export Agent I Salary in the United States

How much does an Import /Export Agent I make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an Import /Export Agent I in the United States is $44,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

However, an Import /Export Agent I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $53,488
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $41,400 to $49,300
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $38,396
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Import /Export Agent I Salaries

An Import /Export Agent 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Import /Export Agent Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Import /Export Agent 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:

  • Import /Export Agent I (0-1 years): $44,681
  • Import /Export Coordinator II (1-3 years): $50,650
  • Import /Export Agent III (3-5 years): $55,854
  • Import /Export Agent IV (5-7 years): $63,282
  • Import/Export Logistics Supervisor (7+ years): $75,637
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Import /Export Agent I0-1 years$44,681
Import /Export Coordinator II1-3 years$50,650
Import /Export Agent III3-5 years$55,854
Import /Export Agent IV5-7 years$63,282
Import/Export Logistics Supervisor7+ years$75,637
View as Graph

How Do Import /Export Agent I Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Import /Export Agent Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $49,500.
  • California: $49,300.
  • Massachusetts: $48,700.

Top Paying Cities for Import /Export Agent Is

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: $56,400
  • San Francisco: $55,800
  • Oakland: $54,600

Import /Export Agent I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Import /Export Agent I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $49,903. While startup companies pay approximate $42,255.

Import /Export Agent I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $42,255
Growth Stage 51~500 $44,679
Established 501~5000 $48,185
Enterprise 5000+ $49,903

Import /Export Agent I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Import /Export Agent I 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 Aerospace & Defense and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Import /Export Agent positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Import /Export Agent I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Import /Export Agent I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$53,640$26.020%
Internet$53,640$26.020%
Software & Networking$53,640$26.020%
Business Services$49,170$24.010%
Financial Services$49,170$24.010%

Import /Export Agent I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Import /Export Agent 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 October 01, 2026
$41,400
Average $44,700/year
$49,300
$3,450
Average $3,725/month
$4,108
$796
Average $860/week
$948
$20
Average $21/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $49,300 $4,108 $948 $24
Average $44,700 $3,725 $860 $21
25th Percentile $41,400 $3,450 $796 $20

Import /Export Agent I Salary Growth & Career Path

Import /Export Agent I

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Advancement

For an Import /Export Agent I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Import /Export Coordinator II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $50,700 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Import /Export Agent I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Import /Export Agent I

Here are companies hiring for Import /Export Agent I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Import /Export Agent I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Import /Export Agent I?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Import /Export Agent I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. How does an import agent work?

An import or export agent serves as a mediator in the buying and selling of products between domestic and international companies. Their responsibilities can vary based on the industry and the specific company. In terms of compensation, import/export agents typically earn between $43,800 and $52,800, with a median salary of around $47,900.

3. What was America's largest export?

The most recent exports from the United States are led by Refined Petroleum ($138B), Crude Petroleum ($118B), Petroleum Gas ($116B), Cars ($57.5B), and Integrated Circuits ($49.8B). The common destinations include Canada ($308B), Mexico ($294B), China ($151B), Japan ($79.5B), and the United Kingdom ($75.4B). Import/Export Agents typically earn between $43,800 and $52,800 annually.

4. How much does an export agent charge?

An export agent typically earns a salary ranging from $43,800 to $52,800, with a median salary of $47,900. Commission rates for agents can vary by product category, with fast-moving consumer goods at 2-20%, clothing and apparel at 10-25%, and electronics at 3-10%.

5. How much are customs agents fees?

Customs agents' fees vary based on the number of declarations. For 1-10 declarations, the fee is £63 per declaration, while for 11-20 it's £57, 21-30 it's £53, and for 31 or more, it's £45 per declaration. Import/Export Agents typically earn between £43,800 and £52,800 annually, with a mid-salary of £47,900.

6. How much does it cost to start an import export business?

Starting an import-export business involves various costs, which can range significantly. While basic home-based operations may start around $5,000, more comprehensive setups, including warehouse space and initial inventory, can exceed $100,000. Additionally, consider the potential earnings; Import/Export Agents typically earn between $43,800 and $52,800 annually, depending on experience and market conditions.

7. Do I need a license to export?

Most items exported to a foreign buyer typically do not require an export license or permit. However, all items are subject to export control laws and regulations. Import/Export Agents can expect salaries ranging from $43,800 to $52,800, with a median salary of $47,900. Always ensure compliance with relevant regulations when exporting.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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