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Import/Export Director Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Import/Export Director in the United States is $176,509 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $85.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $218,292
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $163,213 to $198,380
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $151,108
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Import/Export Director Salaries

An Import/Export Director'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 Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Import/Export Director'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 Supervisor (7+ years): $75,631
  • Import/Export Senior Supervisor (7+ years): $90,086
  • Import/Export Manager (7+ years): $115,844
  • Import/Export Senior Manager (7+ years): $138,861
  • Import/Export Director (7+ years): $176,509
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Import/Export Supervisor7+ years$75,631
Import/Export Senior Supervisor7+ years$90,086
Import/Export Manager7+ years$115,844
Import/Export Senior Manager7+ years$138,861
Import/Export Director7+ years$176,509
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How Do Import/Export Director 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 Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $195,431.
  • California: $194,689.
  • Massachusetts: $192,095.

Top Paying Cities for Import/Export Directors

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: $222,631
  • San Francisco: $220,193
  • Oakland: $215,553

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

Import/Export Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $197,256. While startup companies pay approximate $166,859.

Import/Export Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $166,859
Growth Stage 51~500 $176,470
Established 501~5000 $190,476
Enterprise 5000+ $197,256

Import/Export Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Import/Export Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Import/Export Director positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Import/Export Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Import/Export Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$211,811$102.020%
Software & Networking$211,811$102.020%
Biotechnology$202,985$98.015%
Energy & Utilities$202,985$98.015%
Aerospace & Defense$194,160$93.010%

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

Understanding how an Import/Export Director'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
$163,213
Average $176,509/year
$198,380
$13,601
Average $14,709/month
$16,532
$3,139
Average $3,394/week
$3,815
$78
Average $85/hour
$95
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $198,380 $16,532 $3,815 $95
Average $176,509 $14,709 $3,394 $85
25th Percentile $163,213 $13,601 $3,139 $78

Most common benefits for Import/Export Director

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

Common company salaries for Import/Export Director

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

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FAQ about Import/Export Director

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

An Import/Export Director'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 Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Import/Export Director is $222,631.

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

The highest pay for Import/Export Director is $218,292.

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

The lowest pay for Import/Export Director is $151,108.

4. What are the responsibilities of Import/Export Director?

Directs and leads the import/export process. Develops and implements systems and policies to administer documentation processes required to import and export merchandise and materials. Possesses in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of customs rules and regulations. Resolves issues and expedites solutions with clients, customs officials, and shippers. Ensures compliance with federal, state, local, or country-specific regulations. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to senior management. Manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.

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

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Import/Export Director roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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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