As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Trade Compliance Counsel in the United States is $119,605 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.
However, a Trade Compliance Counsel's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Trade Compliance Counsel'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Trade Compliance Counsel'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Organizat... Level Trade Compliance Counsel | $142,426 |
| Organizat... Level Trade Compliance Counsel | $102,973 |
| Trade Com... Level Trade Compliance Counsel | $120,358 |
| Organizat... Level Trade Compliance Counsel | $162,731 |
| Organizat... Level Trade Compliance Counsel | $198,806 |
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 Trade Compliance Counsels. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 7.12% |
| Lean Six Sigma | 1.67% |
| Supply Chain | 1.06% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Alignment
|
$121,997 |
2%
|
|
Organizational Development
|
$121,997 |
2%
|
|
Supply Chain
|
$121,997 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$121,997 |
2%
|
|
Change Management
|
$121,997 |
2%
|
|
Customer Focus
|
$121,997 |
2%
|
For Trade Compliance Counsel roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 125% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Trade Compliance Counsel positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Trade Compliance Counsel as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $179,408 | $86.0 | 50% |
| Software & Networking | $167,447 | $81.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $155,486 | $75.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $149,506 | $72.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $143,526 | $69.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Trade Compliance Counsels enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Trade Compliance Counsel with a Associate's Degree is between $131,239 and $141,063).
Trade Compliance Counsel Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.4% |
| High School | 1.4% |
| Associates | 2.5% |
| Bachelors | 20.2% |
| Masters | 66.8% |
| Doctorate | 9.0% |
Understanding how a Trade Compliance Counsel'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, 2026Salaries for a Trade Compliance Counsel can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $108,583 in 2023 to around $106,827 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Trade Compliance Counsel salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $108,583 |
| 2024 | $108,335 |
| 2025 | $106,827 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Trade Compliance Counsel roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
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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