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Import/Export Operations Specialist III Salary in the United States

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

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an Import/Export Operations Specialist III in the United States is $87,770 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $104,907
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $79,620 to $96,740
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $72,200
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Import/Export Operations Specialist III Salaries

An Import/Export Operations Specialist III'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 III'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 Analyst I (0-2 years): $60,897
  • Import/Export Analyst II (2-4 years): $69,388
  • Import/Export Operations Specialist III (4-7 years): $87,762
  • Import/Export Analyst IV (7+ years): $102,980
  • Import/Export Logistics Supervisor (7+ years): $75,637
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Import/Export Analyst I0-2 years$60,897
Import/Export Analyst II2-4 years$69,388
Import/Export Operations Specialist III4-7 years$87,762
Import/Export Analyst IV7+ years$102,980
Import/Export Logistics Supervisor7+ years$75,637
View as Graph

How Do Import/Export Operations Specialist III 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $97,180.
  • California: $96,810.
  • Massachusetts: $95,520.

Top Paying Cities for Import/Export Operations Specialist IIIs

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: $110,700
  • San Francisco: $109,490
  • Oakland: $107,180

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

Import/Export Operations Specialist III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $97,986. While startup companies pay approximate $82,969.

Import/Export Operations Specialist III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $82,969
Growth Stage 51~500 $87,730
Established 501~5000 $94,613
Enterprise 5000+ $97,986

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

For Import/Export Operations Specialist III 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 Energy & Utilities and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Import/Export Operations Specialist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Import/Export Operations Specialist III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

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

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$105,324$51.020%
Biotechnology$100,935$49.015%
Financial Services$100,935$49.015%
Aerospace & Defense$96,547$46.010%
Insurance$96,547$46.010%

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

Understanding how an Import/Export Operations Specialist III'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
$79,620
Average $87,770/year
$96,740
$6,635
Average $7,314/month
$8,062
$1,531
Average $1,688/week
$1,860
$38
Average $42/hour
$47
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $96,740 $8,062 $1,860 $47
Average $87,770 $7,314 $1,688 $42
25th Percentile $79,620 $6,635 $1,531 $38

Import/Export Operations Specialist III Salary Growth & Career Path

Import/Export Operations Specialist III

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Advancement

For an Import/Export Operations Specialist III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Import/Export Analyst IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $103,000 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Import/Export Operations Specialist III

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

Common company salaries for Import/Export Operations Specialist III

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

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FAQ about Import/Export Operations Specialist III

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

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

2. What is the rank of CEVA Logistics?

CEVA Logistics ranks 8th among the largest third-party logistics providers (3PLs) in 2023, with a gross logistics revenue of $15,100 million. For an Import/Export Operations Specialist, the salary ranges from $86,140 to $102,440, with a midpoint of $94,000, reflecting the competitive compensation in the logistics industry.

3. What is the average salary for a specialist in the US?

The average salary for an Import/Export Operations Specialist in the US ranges from $86,140 to $102,440, with a mid-salary of $94,000. These figures reflect the typical earnings for this role, providing a clear picture of compensation in the industry.

4. Which export business is best?

The best export businesses in India include Handicrafts, Textiles, Organic Spices, Processed Foods, Leather Goods, Pharmaceuticals, Gems, and Automobile Parts. As an Import/Export Operations Specialist, you can expect a salary ranging from $86,140 to $102,440, with a midpoint of $94,000, reflecting the growing demand in these sectors.

5. What does an import operator do?

Import Operators are essential for international freight forwarders, responsible for tracking and tracing cargo while coordinating releases from overseas agents, airlines, and shipping lines to ensure seamless delivery to clients. The salary for this role typically ranges from $86,140 to $102,440, with a mid-point of $94,000.

6. 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 have a bachelor's degree. You should be able to work both independently and as part of a team. The salary for this role typically ranges from $86,140 to $102,440, with a mid-point around $94,000.

7. How much does an import export broker make?

An Import/Export Operations Specialist typically earns between $86,140 and $102,440 annually, with a median salary of around $94,000. This reflects a more competitive compensation compared to the figures for import/export brokers, which are significantly lower, indicating a better earning potential in this specialized role.

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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