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Job outlook for international trade specialists in the United States
Are international trade specialist jobs in demand?
International trade specialist job and salary trends over time
International trade specialist jobs over time
International trade specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,739 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 4,882 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 4,847 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,819 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,662 | 0.00% |
Average international trade specialist salary over time
International trade specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $63,227 | $30.40 | +4.0% |
| 2024 | $60,820 | $29.24 | +2.4% |
| 2023 | $59,395 | $28.56 | +0.7% |
| 2022 | $58,957 | $28.34 | +1.4% |
| 2021 | $58,140 | $27.95 | +1.3% |
International trade specialist jobs by state
Most common states for international trade specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 293 | 42% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 96 | 13% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 112 | 12% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 86 | 12% |
| 5 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 61 | 11% |
| 6 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 770 | 9% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 605 | 9% |
| 8 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 295 | 9% |
| 9 | Vermont | 623,657 | 54 | 9% |
| 10 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 557 | 8% |
| 11 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 512 | 8% |
| 12 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 456 | 8% |
| 13 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 238 | 8% |
| 14 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 162 | 8% |
| 15 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 118 | 8% |
| 16 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 104 | 8% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 84 | 8% |
| 18 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 720 | 7% |
| 19 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 505 | 7% |
| 20 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 363 | 7% |
Most common cities for international trade specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burlington | 1 | 4% | $78,899 |
| 2 | Frankfort | 1 | 4% | $57,020 |
| 3 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $74,318 |
| 4 | Dover | 1 | 3% | $71,415 |
| 5 | Saint Paul | 5 | 2% | $69,239 |
| 6 | Janesville | 1 | 2% | $61,406 |
| 7 | Washington | 4 | 1% | $86,028 |
| 8 | Hartford | 1 | 1% | $66,048 |
| 9 | San Diego | 2 | 0% | $68,039 |
| 10 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $62,730 |
| 11 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $74,694 |
| 12 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $67,862 |
| 13 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $79,094 |
| 14 | Colorado Springs | 1 | 0% | $65,924 |
| 15 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $65,842 |
| 16 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $59,779 |
| 17 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $66,983 |
International Trade Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of international trade specialist experts
University of Richmond
University of Central Arkansas
Alverno College
Duquesne University
New Mexico State University
Concordia University Irvine
Southern Oregon University
Concordia University Irvine
What soft skills should all International Trade Specialists possess?
Keith Webb: Oral and written communication skills are critical. Also, the ability to work within a team orientation, flexibility, and adaptability, to name a few.
Anthony McMullen
Associate Professor of Business Law and Director of Forensics, vUniversity of Central Arkansas
Accounting Department
What skills will help International Trade Specialists earn the most?
Anthony McMullen: Acquiring a specialty is great, but specialization should not come at the expense of a broad and diverse knowledge base. Within specialized fields, many people will have the training/education to do the job, but what makes a particular person special? What will give that person the chance to branch out or to think about other avenues to accomplish the task? That will help workers maximize opportunities.
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Business and Management, MBA Faculty Director, Associate - School Sisters of St. FrancisAlverno College
Business and Management Department
What skills stand out on International Trade Specialist resumes?
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.: The skills or competencies that stand out are those that add value to an organization. They complement the skills of those already working there and advance the organization's products, services, or culture. Transferrable or timeless skills transcend industries and stand out on resumes. They include leadership, teamwork, project management, and collaboration. Of course, individuals who list these skills on their resumes should effectively demonstrate that they have developed and are proficient in these areas. Business specialists should be ready to provide examples in writing/print or audio-video media, such as links to their work.
What soft skills should all International Trade Specialists possess?
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.: Today's business environment is complex and continues to evolve. Creativity, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and the ability to manage or lead in turbulent times are essential twenty-first-century skills. Critical and strategic thinking, organizing, and planning are also salient skills. Business specialists with these skills make important contributions to their organizations. They often lead when no one else can or wants to. Communicating and being visible throughout one's division, department, or organization are important to the well-being and prosperity of the organization and the individuals who work there. Business specialists can develop and practice these leadership skills on-site or remotely. Internal and external relationship-building leads to trustworthy and mutually beneficial relationships and/or partnerships.
What skills will help International Trade Specialists earn the most?
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.: My experience has been that it depends on the position, organization, and industry, among other variables. Digital and information literacy are key to researching, analyzing, and evaluating credible information, in this case, skills that are in demand and could lead to well-paying jobs. I would emphasize, however, that there are intrinsic benefits that sometimes eclipse salary as the primary consideration. It depends on the individual and how they want to improve their quality of life, earn incentives, or be compensated. For many, contributing to an organization that promotes humane and positive interactions, allows for flexible work arrangements, and aligns with one's personal values is paramount. I encourage business specialists to stay vigilant and knowledgeable about developing industry or marketplace trends. Embrace continuous learning, upskilling, and workplace training to remain relevant in the post-pandemic world.
What type of skills will young International Trade Specialists need?
Richard Longo: Key will be how to use performance metrics to determine and assess productivity. Outbound marketing will be another required requisite for effective management. How e-commerce and AI will force most businesses, both big and small, to think globally.
How do you envision technology impacting International Trade Specialists in the next 5 years?
Richard Longo: Artificial Intelligence (AI) will, by far, have the most significant impact. As this grows and develops, businesses will need to have the requisite skills and mindset to pivot away from traditional working ways. Skills will be needed to train and educate the work to be better equipped to move from human-focused work culture to a more robotic one.
Argie Hernandez
Division AdvisorNew Mexico State University
Business & Public Services
What type of skills will young International Trade Specialists need?
Argie Hernandez: -Problem Solving
-Computer skills
-Writing and Communication
-Critical Thinking
-Team Player (very important)
How do you envision technology impacting International Trade Specialists in the next 5 years?
Dr. Drew Wolf: The impact of technology is one of the reasons leadership is significant to a resume. As more business is conducted away from the office and via virtual meetings, companies look for candidates independent of constant supervision; an applicant who shows initiative and the ability to prioritize and get things done is a valuable employee in today's technology-fueled business world.
Katie Pittman Ph.D.
Division Director, Associate ProfessorSouthern Oregon University
School of Business
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for International Trade Specialists in the next 5 years?
Katie Pittman Ph.D.: Increase, given some of the reasons above.
Kim Chatani
Assistant ProfessorConcordia University Irvine
School of Business & Economics
What general advice would you give to an International Trade Specialist?
Kim Chatani: The career path for graduating students is full of unpredictability, as we have seen during this COVID 19 pandemic. In addition to academic excellence, graduates will face challenges that will test their core principles and beliefs. My advice is to view each challenge you meet with a long-term perspective while addressing the immediate concerns in a balanced way. Your career will span decades, and what you may face during the first several years will only be a fraction of your professional career. View how your immediate decision may impact you in the long-term.
How would you rate the starting salaries for International Trade Specialists, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Kim Chatani: Starting salaries will continue to increase but will be more dictated by supply and demand for the skill sets that graduates will provide. The current COVID 19 pandemic has put traditional thinking on its head. Employers will be evaluating employee skills in a multi-dimensional plane, competency, mobility, and transferability.