As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Import/Export Operations Specialist I in the United States is $60,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, an Import/Export Operations Specialist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Import/Export Operations Specialist I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $66,530 | $5,544 | $1,279 | $32 |
| Average | $60,900 | $5,075 | $1,171 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,410 | $4,618 | $1,066 | $27 |
An Import/Export Operations Specialist 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.
Experience is a primary driver of an Import/Export Operations Specialist 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Import/Export Operations Specialist I | 0-2 years | $60,893 |
| Import/Export Analyst II | 2-4 years | $67,368 |
| Import/Export Analyst III | 4-7 years | $87,756 |
| Import/Export Analyst IV | 7+ years | $102,988 |
| Import/Export Logistics Supervisor | 7+ years | $75,631 |
Import/Export Operations Specialist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $68,058. While startup companies pay approximate $57,570.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $57,570 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $60,886 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $65,719 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $68,058 |
Understanding how an Import/Export Operations Specialist 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $66,530 | $5,544 | $1,279 | $32 |
| Average | $60,900 | $5,075 | $1,171 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,410 | $4,618 | $1,066 | $27 |
Next Role
Advancement
For an Import/Export Operations Specialist I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Import/Export Analyst II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $67,400 - a projected growth of 11% over your current level.
Salaries for an Import/Export Operations Specialist I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,261 in 2023 to around $54,390 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Import/Export Operations Specialist I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $55,261 |
| 2024 | $54,786 |
| 2025 | $54,390 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Import/Export Operations Specialist I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
The estimated total pay range for an Import/Export Operations Specialist is approximately $28.14–$34.06 per hour, translating to an annual salary between $58,640 and $70,920. The average salary for this role is around $64,300 per year, reflecting both base salary and additional compensation.
Career Description: Import/Export Specialists are the linchpins of international trade, responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of goods across borders. They navigate complex customs regulations, logistics, and documentation, facilitating the exchange of products between countries. Salaries for this role range from $58,640 to $70,920, with a median of $64,300.
The estimated total pay range for an Ocean Import Agent at DHL Global Forwarding, Freight is approximately $58,640 to $70,920 annually. The average base salary for this position is around $64,300 per year, reflecting the responsibilities and expertise required in import/export operations.
An air import specialist is responsible for preparing, handling, and processing documentation such as house and master air waybills, commercial documents, and customs/regulatory documents. They accurately track and trace cargo and dispatch freight. The salary for this role typically ranges from $58,640 to $70,920, with a midpoint of $64,300.
DHL typically pays employees bi-weekly for salaried positions, such as Import/Export Operations Specialists, whose salaries range from $58,640 to $70,920, with a midpoint of $64,300. Hourly employees may receive weekly pay.
To become an Import/Export Operations Specialist, you need to be a U.S. citizen, pass a thorough background check and polygraph test, and successfully complete drug tests. A bachelor's degree is required, along with the ability to work both independently and in a team. The salary for this role ranges from $58,640 to $70,920, with a midpoint of $64,300.
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