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Import/Export Operations Specialist I Salary in the United States

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

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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $71,656
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $55,410 to $66,530
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $50,412

Key Factors That Influence Import/Export Operations Specialist I Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Import/Export Operations Specialist Salaries?

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:

  • 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
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Import/Export Operations Specialist I0-2 years$60,893
Import/Export Analyst II2-4 years$67,368
Import/Export Analyst III4-7 years$87,756
Import/Export Analyst IV7+ years$102,988
Import/Export Logistics Supervisor7+ years$75,631

How Do Import/Export Operations Specialist 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 Operations Specialist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $67,430.
  • California: $67,170.
  • Massachusetts: $66,270.

Top Paying Cities for Import/Export Operations Specialist 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: $76,810
  • San Francisco: $75,970
  • Oakland: $74,370

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

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.

Import/Export Operations Specialist I Salary by Company Size

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

Import/Export Operations Specialist I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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

The top paying industries for an Import/Export Operations Specialist I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$73,080$35.020%
Biotechnology$73,080$35.020%
Business Services$73,080$35.020%
Chemicals$73,080$35.020%
Construction$73,080$35.020%

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

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.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$55,410
Average $60,900/year
$66,530
$4,618
Average $5,075/month
$5,544
$1,066
Average $1,171/week
$1,279
$27
Average $29/hour
$32
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

Import/Export Operations Specialist I Salary Growth & Career Path

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.

Most common benefits for Import/Export Operations Specialist I

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

Common company salaries for Import/Export Operations Specialist I

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

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FAQ about Import/Export Operations Specialist I

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

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

2. How much does a DHL air import specialist earn?

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.

3. What is the role of import export job?

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.

4. How much does DHL pay ocean import agents?

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.

5. What is an air import specialist?

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.

6. Is DHL paid weekly or biweekly?

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.

7. How do I become an import specialist?

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.

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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