As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Import/Export Clerk I in the United States is $44,684 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, an Import/Export Clerk I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Import/Export Clerk 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 Clerk 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 Clerk I | 0-1 years | $44,684 |
| Import/Export Clerk II | 1-3 years | $50,642 |
| Import/Export Clerk III | 3-5 years | $55,824 |
| Import/Export Clerk IV | 5-7 years | $63,245 |
| Import/Export Supervisor | 7+ years | $75,605 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Clerk Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Understanding how an Import/Export Clerk 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 May 01, 2026For an Import/Export Clerk I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Import/Export Clerk II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $50,642 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.
Salaries for an Import/Export Clerk I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $41,429 in 2023 to around $41,322 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Import/Export Clerk I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $41,429 |
| 2024 | $41,686 |
| 2025 | $41,322 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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An Import/Export Clerk I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Import/Export Clerk I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Import/Export Clerk I is $56,360.
The highest pay for Import/Export Clerk I is $53,321.
The lowest pay for Import/Export Clerk I is $38,248.
Supports import and export operations, including shipment logistics, documentation, and customer service. Conducts audits to verify accuracy. Coordinates and communicates with customers, agents, vendors, and shippers to maintain process flows and resolve issues. Enters shipping and cargo details into the system following established procedures. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
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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