08/20/2026
41% of Trade Compliance Groups are growing. 64% believe they are understaffed. 26% of all trade compliance professionals changed jobs in the last 18 months. That data is compelling.
The 2026 Trade Compliance Salary Survey is now available, built on responses from more than 1,400 trade compliance professionals across the globe.
The story in this year's data is a talent shortage that shows no sign of easing. 41% of organizations are adding trade compliance headcount, nearly two-thirds say their teams are already understaffed, and when companies do go to hire, the most frequently cited obstacle isn't budget or location — it's a lack of qualified candidates (35%). Meanwhile, more than a quarter of the profession changed employers in the past 18 months, and recent hires are seeing base salaries 15+% above last year.
For anyone building a career in this field, the conclusion is a good one: job security in Trade Compliance has never been better, and we expect that to hold for several years to come.
Thank you to everyone who participated. Your responses are what allow us to help the market understand compensation in Trade Compliance with real clarity. It is always a pleasure.
Whether you need full-time hires, contract support, or would like to review our Management Consulting options in Trade Compliance, our team is ready to help.
Cheers to another survey and another year.
Garrett Stephenson
CEO, Gateway Recruiting
[email protected]
View the 2026 Results:
Discover the latest insights on salary trends and industry benchmarks with our comprehensive Trade Compliance Salary Survey Results.
