The United States continues to grow into a global marketplace year over year with Hawaii representing about .10% of the country’s total exports. Government agencies in Hawaii such as The Hawaii Pacific Export Council and The Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, along with nonprofits like Ad Up Hawaii, are helping to build strong business relationships by working with foreign governments and other international organizations.
The focus of nonprofit relationships often deals with diplomatic relations, foreign aide, disaster assistance, and the exchange of ideas and knowledge. These efforts help build a bridge for Hawaiian businesses to establish relationships with suppliers, and allow these businesses to expand their market reach. In Hawaii, growing beyond its isolated population center is vital to its economic health.
Of all the products Hawaii exports, two industries overshadow the rest, commanding 40% of their total export market: helicopter and plane parts, and oil. International business reflects a solid percentage of Hawaii’s job market. Hawaiian subsidiaries of United States companies in-source 32,100 jobs, many of which are high-paying jobs for international business and international relations professionals. This represents 6.6 percent of Hawaii’s workforce in the private sector, according to the Organization for International Investment.
Salaries for International Business Professionals in Hawaii
The category of tourism, which spreads itself across several industries, like service, transportation and retail trade, is Hawaii’s primary source of revenue and impacts their international business not only in exports but in foreign dollars spent on leisure and business trips. This makes Hawaii a prime location for international business related careers in the tourism sector.
The following are just a few examples of careers in international business that may be found in the tourism industry, with median salaries indicated for each (Figures represent an average of salaries found in job vacancy announcements from 2015 for positions in Hawaii):
- International Sales Manager: $79,000
- Business Development Manager: $72,413
- Account Manager: $50,252
- Translator: $45,206
- Investment Advisor: $54,096
- International Trade and Customs Manager: $83,507
International careers and salaries across all of Hawaii’s industries will differ depending on the employer, position, and qualifications of the candidate. As an example, the average U.S. wage for a Distribution Operation Supervisor is $48,801. For a similar position with Matson Shipping, the salary range is $37,351 – $73,075 (From a survey of job postings in June 2015).
The table below shows a full analysis of salary data for international business professionals working in Hawaii (US Department of Labor, 2014):
Salaries for International Relations Specialists in Hawaii
Good relationships are the foundation to any business endeavor. When it comes to international trade in Hawaii, government and non-profit organizations play a key role in developing inroads for businesses. They do this by working with foreign countries on diplomatic issues, education, housing assistance, and other goodwill gestures that strengthen the ties between nations.
Examples of salaries and job titles that may be available with nonprofit groups and government agencies in Hawaii involved in international outreach include (From a survey of job postings in June 2015):
- Hawaii Pathways Project Coordinator: $62,424
- Information Technology Specialist IV: $47,400
A detailed analysis of salary data for international relations specialists in Hawaii as provided by the US Department of Labor can be see below (2014):