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Data Operations Director Salary in the United States

How much does a Data Operations Director make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Data Operations Director in the United States is $210,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $101.

However, a Data Operations Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $243,533
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $190,700 to $227,600
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $173,037
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Data Operations Director Salaries

A Data Operations Director'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 Data Operations Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Data Operations Director'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:

  • Enterprise Data Management Manager (7+ years): $137,710
  • Enterprise Data Management Senior Manager (7+ years): $172,677
  • Data Operations Director (7+ years): $210,018
  • VP of Enterprise Data Management (7+ years): $261,646
  • Chief Data Officer (CDO) (7+ years): $325,403
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Enterprise Data Management Manager7+ years$137,710
Enterprise Data Management Senior Manager7+ years$172,677
Data Operations Director7+ years$210,018
VP of Enterprise Data Management7+ years$261,646
Chief Data Officer (CDO)7+ years$325,403
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How Do Data Operations Director Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Data Operations Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $232,600.
  • California: $231,700.
  • Massachusetts: $228,600.

Top Paying Cities for Data Operations Directors

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: $264,900
  • San Francisco: $262,000
  • Oakland: $256,500

Data Operations Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Data Operations Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $234,796. While startup companies pay approximate $198,613.

Data Operations Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $198,613
Growth Stage 51~500 $210,053
Established 501~5000 $226,725
Enterprise 5000+ $234,796

Data Operations Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Data Operations Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Data Operations Director positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Data Operations Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Data Operations Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$241,615$116.015%
Pharmaceuticals$241,615$116.015%
Aerospace & Defense$231,110$111.010%
Construction$231,110$111.010%
Insurance$231,110$111.010%

Data Operations Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Data Operations Director'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
$190,700
Average $210,100/year
$227,600
$15,892
Average $17,508/month
$18,967
$3,667
Average $4,040/week
$4,377
$92
Average $101/hour
$109
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $227,600 $18,967 $4,377 $109
Average $210,100 $17,508 $4,040 $101
25th Percentile $190,700 $15,892 $3,667 $92

Data Operations Director Salary Growth & Career Path

Data Operations Director

Next Role

Advancement

For a Data Operations Director, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the VP of Enterprise Data Management role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $261,700 - a projected growth of 25% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Data Operations Director

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

Common company salaries for Data Operations Director

Here are companies hiring for Data Operations Director and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Data Operations Director

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Data Operations Director?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Data Operations Director roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.

2. Who is a data operations manager?

The Data Operations and Analysis Manager is essential for maintaining data accuracy, security, and accessibility, facilitating informed decision-making across departments. They utilize data analytics to deliver insights that enhance operational efficiency and support strategic initiatives. The salary for this role ranges from $188,400 to $241,200, with a midpoint of $213,500.

3. Is director of operations higher than COO?

Within a corporate hierarchy, the director of operations reports to the chief operations officer (COO). The role typically requires around nine years of experience. Operations directors can be found in various sectors and earn between $188,400 and $241,200, with a median salary of $213,500.

4. What rank is director of operations?

A Director of Operations is a high-ranking role that collaborates with various department managers, such as marketing, sales, and product managers. This position typically reports to the COO or CEO. The salary for this role ranges from $188,400 to $241,200, with a mid-point of $213,500, reflecting its significant responsibilities and impact on the organization.

5. What does a VP of data do?

A VP of Data develops and implements data strategies to drive business growth and operational efficiency. They present data-driven insights to senior management for strategic decision-making and lead a team of data analysts and engineers. The salary for this role typically ranges from $188,400 to $241,200, with a midpoint of $213,500.

6. Is director of operations stressful?

Operations Directors often work in high-pressure environments, which can lead to stress affecting mental and physical health. With salaries ranging from $188,400 to $241,200, it's crucial for them to maintain a balanced approach to work and life to prevent chronic stress, fatigue, and related health issues that can impair judgment and productivity.

7. What is the highest salary of director of operations?

The highest salary for a Data Operations Director is $241,200 per year. Salary estimates indicate a range from a minimum of $188,400 to a midpoint of $213,500, reflecting the varying compensation levels within the industry.

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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