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Import/Export Manager Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Import/Export Manager in the United States is $115,836 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $138,398
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $106,077 to $127,646
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $97,192
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Import/Export Manager Salaries

An Import/Export Manager'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Import/Export Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Import/Export Manager'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): $75,624
  • Import/Export Senior Supervisor (7+ years): $90,082
  • Import/Export Manager (7+ years): $115,836
  • Import/Export Senior Manager (7+ years): $138,859
  • Import/Export Director (7+ years): $176,498
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Import/Export Supervisor7+ years$75,624
Import/Export Senior Supervisor7+ years$90,082
Import/Export Manager7+ years$115,836
Import/Export Senior Manager7+ years$138,859
Import/Export Director7+ years$176,498
View as Graph

How Do Import/Export Managers 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 Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $128,254.
  • California: $127,767.
  • Massachusetts: $126,064.

Top Paying Cities for Import/Export Manager

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: $146,104
  • San Francisco: $144,504
  • Oakland: $141,459

What Skills Can Increase an Import/Export Manager's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 12.17% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Microsoft Office (Mentioned in 1.35% Job Postings): Microsoft Office is a suite of desktop productivity applications that is designed by Microsoft for business use. You can create documents containing text and images, work with data in spreadsheets and databases, create presentations and posters.
  • Event Management (Mentioned in 0.94% Job Postings): Setting up, designing, and hosting social and business events to boost the business's reputation and client base.
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 12.17%
Microsoft Office 1.35%
Event Management 0.94%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Import/Export Manager's salary.

  • Guest Service: Can increase your salary by up to 34%.
  • Catering: Can increase your salary by up to 21%.
  • Business Development: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Guest Service $155,220
34%
Catering $140,162
21%
Business Development $136,686
18%
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Import/Export Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Import/Export Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $129,672. While startup companies pay approximate $109,699.

Import/Export Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $109,699
Growth Stage 51~500 $116,020
Established 501~5000 $125,221
Enterprise 5000+ $129,672

Import/Export Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Import/Export Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 62% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 28% above the average. In contrast, Import/Export Manager positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Import/Export Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Import/Export Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$148,270$71.028%
Financial Services$136,686$66.018%
Internet$133,211$64.015%
Energy & Utilities$127,420$61.010%
Aerospace & Defense$123,945$60.07%

How Education impacts an Import/Export Manager's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Import/Export Manager enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Import/Export Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $120,739 and $127,242.

Import/Export Manager Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Import/Export Manager
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.8%
High School 20.4%
Associates 12.2%
Bachelors 47.7%
Masters 16.7%
Doctorate 2.1%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how an Import/Export Manager'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
$106,077
Average $115,836/year
$127,646
$8,840
Average $9,653/month
$10,637
$2,040
Average $2,228/week
$2,455
$51
Average $56/hour
$61
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $127,646 $10,637 $2,455 $61
Average $115,836 $9,653 $2,228 $56
25th Percentile $106,077 $8,840 $2,040 $51

Import/Export Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Import/Export Manager

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Advancement

For an Import/Export Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Import/Export Senior Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $138,859 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Import/Export Manager

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

Common company salaries for Import/Export Manager

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

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FAQ about Import/Export Manager

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

An Import/Export Manager'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 Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Import/Export Manager is $146,104.

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

The highest pay for Import/Export Manager is $138,398.

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

The lowest pay for Import/Export Manager is $97,192.

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

Manages the import/export process. Implements systems and policies to administer documentation processes required to import and export merchandise and materials. Reviews all required documentation and calculations of duties, tariffs, price conversions, weight, and volume of products. 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 a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

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

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Import/Export Manager roles, with salaries approximately 28% 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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