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Import/Export Clerk III Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Import/Export Clerk III in the United States is $55,842 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $68,084
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $51,113 to $62,250
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $46,807

Key Factors That Influence Import/Export Clerk III Salaries

An Import/Export Clerk 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 Clerk III Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Import/Export Clerk 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 Clerk I (0-1 years): $44,682
  • Import/Export Clerk II (1-3 years): $50,647
  • Import/Export Clerk III (3-5 years): $55,842
  • Import/Export Clerk IV (5-7 years): $63,267
  • Import/Export Supervisor (7+ years): $75,624
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Import/Export Clerk I0-1 years$44,682
Import/Export Clerk II1-3 years$50,647
Import/Export Clerk III3-5 years$55,842
Import/Export Clerk IV5-7 years$63,267
Import/Export Supervisor7+ years$75,624

How Do Import/Export Clerk IIIs 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 Clerk IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $61,828.
  • California: $61,594.
  • Massachusetts: $60,773.

Top Paying Cities for Import/Export Clerk III

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: $70,434
  • San Francisco: $69,662
  • Oakland: $68,194

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

Import/Export Clerk III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $62,512. While startup companies pay approximate $52,884.

Import/Export Clerk III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $52,884
Growth Stage 51~500 $55,931
Established 501~5000 $60,366
Enterprise 5000+ $62,512

Import/Export Clerk III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Import/Export Clerk III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Import/Export Clerk positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Construction typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Import/Export Clerk III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Import/Export Clerk III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$69,802$34.025%
Aerospace & Defense$64,218$31.015%
Financial Services$64,218$31.015%
Energy & Utilities$61,426$30.010%
Insurance$61,426$30.010%

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

Understanding how an Import/Export Clerk 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 August 01, 2026
$51,113
Average $55,842/year
$62,250
$4,259
Average $4,654/month
$5,188
$983
Average $1,074/week
$1,197
$25
Average $27/hour
$30
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $62,250 $5,188 $1,197 $30
Average $55,842 $4,654 $1,074 $27
25th Percentile $51,113 $4,259 $983 $25

Import/Export Clerk III Salary Growth & Career Path

For an Import/Export Clerk III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Import/Export Clerk IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $63,267 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Import/Export Clerk III

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

Common company salaries for Import/Export Clerk III

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

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FAQ about Import/Export Clerk III

1. Where can an Import/Export Clerk III earn the most?

An Import/Export Clerk III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Import/Export Clerk III is $70,434.

2. What is the highest pay for Import/Export Clerk III?

The highest pay for Import/Export Clerk III is $68,084.

3. What is the lowest pay for Import/Export Clerk III?

The lowest pay for Import/Export Clerk III is $46,807.

4. What are the responsibilities of Import/Export Clerk III?

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 independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Import/Export Clerk III?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Import/Export Clerk III roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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