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Business Operations Specialist I Salary in the United States

How much does a Business Operations Specialist I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Business Operations Specialist I in the United States is $66,950 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.

However, a Business Operations Specialist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $77,496
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $58,920 to $72,470
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $51,609

Key Factors That Influence Business Operations Specialist I Salaries

A Business Operations Specialist I'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Business Operations Specialist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Business Operations Specialist I'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:

  • Business Operations Specialist I (0-2 years): $66,950
  • Business Operations Analyst II (2-4 years): $105,465
  • Business Operations Analyst III (4-7 years): $117,223
  • Business Operations Analyst IV (7+ years): $133,141
  • Business Operations Analyst V (7-10 years): $154,426
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Business Operations Specialist I0-2 years$66,950
Business Operations Analyst II2-4 years$105,465
Business Operations Analyst III4-7 years$117,223
Business Operations Analyst IV7+ years$133,141
Business Operations Analyst V7-10 years$154,426

Top Paying Cities for Business Operations Specialist Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $84,450
  • San Francisco: $83,520
  • Oakland: $81,760

Business Operations Specialist I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Business Operations Specialist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $74,819. While startup companies pay approximate $63,290.

Business Operations Specialist I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $63,290
Growth Stage 51~500 $66,935
Established 501~5000 $72,248
Enterprise 5000+ $74,819

Business Operations Specialist I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Business Operations Specialist I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 38% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Business Operations Specialist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Business Operations Specialist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Business Operations Specialist I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$79,001$38.018%
Aerospace & Defense$76,992$37.015%
Financial Services$76,992$37.015%
Energy & Utilities$74,984$36.012%
Biotechnology$73,645$35.010%

Business Operations Specialist I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Business Operations Specialist I'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 September 01, 2026
$58,920
Average $66,950/year
$72,470
$4,910
Average $5,579/month
$6,039
$1,133
Average $1,288/week
$1,394
$28
Average $32/hour
$35
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $72,470 $6,039 $1,394 $35
Average $66,950 $5,579 $1,288 $32
25th Percentile $58,920 $4,910 $1,133 $28

Business Operations Specialist I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Business Operations Specialist I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Business Operations Specialist I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Business Operations Analyst II $105,500 58%
Healthcare Services Planning Director $158,400 137%
Digital Transformation Analyst II $94,700 41%
Business and Strategic Planning Analyst II $82,100 23%

Most common benefits for Business Operations Specialist I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Business Operations Specialist I

Here are companies hiring for Business Operations Specialist I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Business Operations Specialist I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Business Operations Specialist I?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Business Operations Specialist I roles, with salaries approximately 18% above the market median.

2. What is the highest paid operations manager?

The salary range for a Business Operations Specialist is between $60,550 and $78,710, with a median salary of $69,090. While specific data for Operations Managers isn't provided, industries like Aerospace & Defense and Energy typically offer higher salaries, often exceeding the upper range for Business Operations Specialists.

3. Is operations specialist a good job?

Being an Operations Specialist is a solid career path for those interested in the inner workings of businesses and organizations. With salaries ranging from $60,550 to $78,710, this role is critical to any company's success, making Operations Specialists valuable assets across various sectors. The competitive salary reflects the importance of their contributions.

4. What is the highest-paying specialist?

The highest-paying specialist in business operations is the Business Operations Specialist, with a salary range from $60,550 to $78,710, and a mid-salary of $69,090. This role requires strong analytical skills and experience in optimizing business processes.

5. What is the average salary for a specialist in the US?

The average salary for a Business Operations Specialist in the United States ranges from $60,550 to $78,710, with a midpoint of $69,090. This reflects a more competitive compensation compared to general specialist roles, which typically range from $43,159 to $58,339.

6. Can you make a lot of money in operations?

While top operations roles can offer high salaries, a Business Operations Specialist typically earns between $60,550 and $78,710 annually, with a median salary of $69,090. Advancing to positions like operations manager or director often requires further education and experience, which can lead to significantly higher earnings.

7. Is Operations Specialist entry level?

Yes, Business Operations Specialist positions can be considered entry-level, typically requiring at least an associate degree, though a bachelor's degree is preferred. Salaries for these roles range from $60,550 to $78,710, with a midpoint of $69,090, reflecting the importance of education and experience in this field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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