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Import/Export Operations Specialist IV Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Import/Export Operations Specialist IV in the United States is $102,990 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $117,720
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $97,490 to $110,700
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $92,483
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 IV Salaries

An Import/Export Operations Specialist IV'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 IV'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 II (2-4 years): $67,368
  • Import/Export Analyst III (4-7 years): $87,756
  • Import/Export Operations Specialist IV (7+ years): $102,988
  • Import/Export Logistics Supervisor (7+ years): $75,631
  • Import/Export Logistics Senior Supervisor (7+ years): $90,086
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Import/Export Analyst II2-4 years$67,368
Import/Export Analyst III4-7 years$87,756
Import/Export Operations Specialist IV7+ years$102,988
Import/Export Logistics Supervisor7+ years$75,631
Import/Export Logistics Senior Supervisor7+ years$90,086
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How Do Import/Export Operations Specialist IV 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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $114,030.
  • California: $113,600.
  • Massachusetts: $112,090.

Top Paying Cities for Import/Export Operations Specialist IVs

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: $129,900
  • San Francisco: $128,480
  • Oakland: $125,770

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

Import/Export Operations Specialist IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $115,096. While startup companies pay approximate $97,359.

Import/Export Operations Specialist IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $97,359
Growth Stage 51~500 $102,967
Established 501~5000 $111,140
Enterprise 5000+ $115,096

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

For Import/Export Operations Specialist IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Import/Export Operations Specialist positions in Retail & Wholesale or Financial Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Import/Export Operations Specialist IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

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

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$128,738$62.025%
Energy & Utilities$123,588$59.020%
Aerospace & Defense$118,438$57.015%
Business Services$113,289$54.010%
Software & Networking$113,289$54.010%

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

Understanding how an Import/Export Operations Specialist IV'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
$97,490
Average $102,990/year
$110,700
$8,124
Average $8,583/month
$9,225
$1,875
Average $1,981/week
$2,129
$47
Average $50/hour
$53
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $110,700 $9,225 $2,129 $53
Average $102,990 $8,583 $1,981 $50
25th Percentile $97,490 $8,124 $1,875 $47

Import/Export Operations Specialist IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Import/Export Operations Specialist IV

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Advancement

For an Import/Export Operations Specialist IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Import/Export Logistics Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $75,700 - a projected growth of -26% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Import/Export Operations Specialist IV

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

Common company salaries for Import/Export Operations Specialist IV

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

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FAQ about Import/Export Operations Specialist IV

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

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Import/Export Operations Specialist IV roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. What are the skills required for import export?

To excel as an Import/Export Operations Specialist, key skills include a strong grasp of finance and budgeting, proficiency in technology, and a thorough understanding of international trade compliance requirements. With a salary range from $103,430 to $124,830, these skills are essential for navigating the complexities of global trade effectively.

3. How do I become an EDI specialist?

To become an EDI specialist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, programming, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred by some employers, as this role involves managing significant data. The salary for an Import/Export Operations Specialist ranges from $103,430 to $124,830, with a mid-salary of $113,710.

4. 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 $103,430 to $124,830, with a mid-salary of $113,710. These figures reflect the competitive compensation for this role, highlighting the importance of expertise in international trade and logistics.

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 ranges from $103,430 to $124,830, with a mid-point of $113,710, reflecting the expertise required in this field.

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 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 $103,430 to $124,830, with a mid-point of $113,710.

7. 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. The salary for this role ranges from $103,430 to $124,830, with a midpoint of $113,710.

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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