How To Become An Import Export Manager: What It Is and Career Path

What is an import export manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Jaunelle Celaire

The average import export manager salary is $70,807. The most common degree is a bachelor's degree degree with an business major. It usually takes 4-6 years of experience to become an import export manager. Import export managers with a Certified Exporter (CE) certification earn more money. Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 6% and produce 189,200 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to an import export manager?

Jaunelle Celaire

Chair, Professor of Voice, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Leadership - the world needs more of these; the ability to lead, craft and grow. Digital literacy - this world is definitely turning digital and virtual is the new trend. Emotional intelligence - there is a vast number of personalities in our world today; individuals grow and it is our job to stay emotionally connected, so we can operate more effectively.

ScoreImport Export ManagerUS Average

Salary

5.5

Avg. Salary $70,807

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.2

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.42%

Asian 6.13%

Black or African American 10.71%

Hispanic or Latino 18.65%

Unknown 4.31%

White 59.79%

Gender

female 43.53%

male 56.47%

Age - 45

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45

Stress level

6.2

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.9

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.9

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an import export manager

Explore import export manager education requirements

Most common import export manager degrees

Bachelor's

64.0 %

Master's

14.8 %

Associate

11.5 %

Start to develop specific import export manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Import Export	15.53%
Customer Service	14.06%
Logistics	12.15%
Export Compliance	4.68%
Forwarders	4.19%

Complete relevant import export manager training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New import export managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an import export manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real import export manager resumes.

Research import export manager duties and responsibilities

Manage importation of LCL and FCL shipments via air, ocean and express services.
Manage OEM exports throughout Europe for a veterinary equipment manufacturer.
Correspond and establish operational procedures with freight forwarders, U.S.
Review and approve import documentation for adherence to payment terms and CBP rules and regulations.

Apply for import export manager jobs

Now it's time to start searching for an import export manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams