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Distribution Operations Director Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Distribution Operations Director in the United States is $183,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $88.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $223,801
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $164,400 to $204,500
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $147,193
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View as table View as graph 25% $164,400 10% $147,193 90% $223,801 75% $204,500 $183,300 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Distribution Operations Director Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $204,500 $17,042 $3,933 $98
Average $183,300 $15,275 $3,525 $88
25th Percentile $164,400 $13,700 $3,162 $79
Check out Distribution Operations Director Job Openings in the United States
Director of Operations

DLL Landscaping & Tree Service - Columbus, OH

Director of Operations

EASTON. - Columbus, OH

Director of Operations

Allied Universal - Columbus, OH

Director of Operations

Atwell, LLC - Columbus, OH

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Key Factors That Influence Distribution Operations Director Salaries

A Distribution 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 Distribution Operations Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Distribution 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:

  • Distribution Operations Manager (0-5 years): $89,193
  • Distribution Operations Senior Manager (5+ years): $129,610
  • Distribution Operations Director (5+ years): $183,213
  • Head of Distribution (5+ years): $211,116
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Distribution Operations Manager0-5 years$89,193
Distribution Operations Senior Manager5+ years$129,610
Distribution Operations Director5+ years$183,213
Head of Distribution5+ years$211,116
$89,193 Distribut...
$129,610 Distribut...
$183,213 Distribut...
$211,116 Head of D...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Distribution 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 Distribution Operations Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $202,900.
  • California: $202,100.
  • Massachusetts: $199,400.

Top Paying Cities for Distribution 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: $231,100
  • San Francisco: $228,600
  • Oakland: $223,800

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

Distribution Operations Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $205,194. While startup companies pay approximate $173,589.

Distribution Operations Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$173,589
Growth Stage51~500$183,591
Established501~5000$198,151
Enterprise5000+$205,194

Distribution Operations Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Distribution Operations Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 27% above the average. In contrast, Distribution Operations Director positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Media typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Distribution Operations Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Distribution Operations Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$232,058$112.027%
Pharmaceuticals$222,893$107.022%
Transportation$217,394$105.019%
Aerospace & Defense$213,728$103.017%
Hospitality & Leisure$204,563$98.012%

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

Understanding how a Distribution 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 August 01, 2026

Distribution Operations Director Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Distribution Operations Director, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Head of Distribution role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $211,120 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.

Salary Trends for Distribution Operations Director

Salaries for a Distribution Operations Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $156,276 in 2023 to around $151,434 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Distribution Operations Director salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Distribution Operations Director Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$156,276
2024
$152,518
2025
$151,434
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $156,276
2024 $152,518
2025 $151,434
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Distribution Operations Director

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Distribution Operations Director

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

Find Your Next Distribution Operations Director Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Distribution Operations Director job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
  • DINE RIGHT EAT WELL CONSULTING LLC

    Columbus, OH

    DINE RIGHT EAT WELL CONSULTING LLC | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Operations Director. Reports to. Executive. Director/Administrator. Dulla Care Home Healthcare is creating the most advan... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Chick-fil-A Grandview Yard

    Columbus, OH

    Chick-fil-A Grandview Yard | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. The role of Director of Operations, PM role is one that embodies character, chemistry, competency, capacity, and the entr... more

    3 Days Ago

  • AndHealth

    Columbus, OH

    AndHealth | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Director, Strategic Operations. Full Time. Columbus, OH. AndHealth is on a mission to radically improve access and outcom... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Director, Head of Sales Operations. About the Company. Innovative healthcare SaaS platform for patient intake & electronic health records. Industry. Hospit... more

    4 Days Ago

  • CareCore Health

    Columbus, OH

    CareCore Health | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Are you a strategic, people-driven leader with a passion for senior care. Do you hold an active Ohio LNHA License. CareCo... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Strategic Dining Services

    Columbus, OH

    Strategic Dining Services | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Position Title. Regional Director of Operation (Ohio). . Pay. 17. . Reports To. Salary. 120,000.00 - 130,000.00. Other F more

    4 Days Ago

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FAQ about Distribution Operations Director

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

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Distribution Operations Director roles, with salaries approximately 27% above the market median.

2. How many hours does a director of operations work?

On average, Operations Directors often work between 45 to 60 hours per week. Their role demands flexibility, as they may need to address unforeseen operational challenges and ensure continuous process improvements. The salary for this position typically ranges from $182,200 to $239,600, with a midpoint of $211,000, reflecting the responsibilities and time commitment involved.

3. What is higher than a director of operations?

Yes, the COO is higher than a Director of Operations. Directors typically manage specific departments, while the COO oversees all operations, with Directors reporting to them. In terms of salary, a Distribution Operations Director earns between $182,200 and $239,600, while a COO generally earns significantly more, reflecting their broader responsibilities.

4. How much does a Director Of Operations make in the US?

The salary for a Distribution Operations Director in the US ranges from $182,200 to $239,600, with a mid-salary of $211,000. This reflects the competitive nature of the role, emphasizing the importance of experience and expertise in distribution operations. Additional cash compensation may vary based on the organization and performance.

5. What is the average bonus for a director of operations?

The average salary for a Distribution Operations Director ranges from $182,200 to $239,600, with a mid-salary of $211,000. While specific bonus data for this role isn't provided, bonuses typically represent a small percentage of the salary, often around 0.06%.

6. What is the highest paid operations manager?

The highest paid Operations Manager role is that of a Distribution Operations Director, with a salary range from $182,200 to $239,600. The median salary for this position is approximately $211,000, reflecting the significant compensation in this field compared to other industries.

7. What does a supervisor distribution operations do?

A Distribution Operations Director is responsible for leading the distribution team to ensure that safety, quality, packaging, receipt, and shipment standards are met, along with achieving operational goals. The salary for this role ranges from $182,200 to $239,600, with a midpoint of $211,000, reflecting the importance and complexity of the position.

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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