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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Senior Computer Operator in Virginia is $68,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, a Senior Computer Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Senior Computer Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $77,990 | $6,499 | $1,500 | $37 |
| Average | $68,590 | $5,716 | $1,319 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,890 | $5,074 | $1,171 | $29 |
TekSynap - Fort Belvoir, VA
TekSynap - Richmond, VA
ClearanceJobs - Fort Belvoir, VA
CompTech Computer Technologies - Fort Belvoir, VA
A Senior Computer Operator'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Senior Computer Operator'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Operations and Monitoring Specialist I | 0-1 years | $49,281 |
| Computer Operations and Monitoring Specialist II | 1-3 years | $61,786 |
| Senior Computer Operator | 3-5 years | $68,543 |
| Computer Support Operations Shift Supervisor | 5+ years | $92,297 |
| Computer Support Operations Supervisor | 5+ years | $110,201 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Senior Computer Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Senior Computer Operator salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $76,783. While startup companies pay approximate $64,956.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $64,956 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $68,699 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $74,147 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $76,783 |
For Senior Computer Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Senior Computer Operator positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Media typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Senior Computer Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $89,167 | $43.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $82,308 | $40.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $82,308 | $40.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $82,308 | $40.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $75,449 | $36.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Senior Computer Operator'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $77,990 | $6,499 | $1,500 | $37 |
| Average | $68,590 | $5,716 | $1,319 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,890 | $5,074 | $1,171 | $29 |
For a Senior Computer Operator, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Computer Support Operations Shift Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $92,300 - a projected growth of 35% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Senior Computer Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Valiant Integrated Services
Virginia Beach, VA
Valiant Integrated Services | Virginia Beach, VA
Computer Operator II. Valiant is seeking a Full-Time skilled Computer Operator II to report directly to the Lead Operator(s) to join our team. Essential Du... more
6 Days Ago
CompTech Computer Technologies
Norfolk, VA
CompTech Computer Technologies | Norfolk, VA
Computer OperatorCompTech is a service-oriented program management and technical company working to build lasting relationships with small and large compan... more
8 Days Ago
BAE Systems USA
Wallops Island, VA
BAE Systems USA | Wallops Island, VA
Job Description Join BAE Systems' Intelligence and Security Solutions division and be part of an enthusiastic team who solves some of the world's most comp... more
8 Days Ago
Client First Technologies
Fairfax, VA
Client First Technologies | Fairfax, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Overview. Client First Technologies currently is seeking a Network and Computer Systems Administrator, Advan... more
6 Days Ago
Metaforá Consulting, Inc.
Colonial Heights, VA
Metaforá Consulting, Inc. | Colonial Heights, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Traffic Operations Center Computer Operator Job Description. Metaforá Consulting, Inc. is seeking an entry-level, full-ti... more
9 Days Ago
Client First Technologies
Fairfax, VA
Client First Technologies | Fairfax, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Overview. Client First Technologies currently is seeking a Computer Systems Analyst, Senior in support of ou... more
10 Days Ago
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