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Computer Operations Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Computer Operations Manager make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Computer Operations Manager in the United States is $142,215 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $68.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $170,385
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $123,180 to $156,960
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $105,850
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Computer Operations Manager Salaries

A Computer Operations Manager'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Computer Operations Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Computer Operations Manager'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:

  • Groupware Specialist (7+ years): $114,712
  • Computer Operations Shift Supervisor (7+ years): $91,655
  • Computer Operations Supervisor (7+ years): $109,435
  • Computer Operations Manager (7+ years): $142,215
  • Computer Operations Director (7+ years): $205,926
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Groupware Specialist7+ years$114,712
Computer Operations Shift Supervisor7+ years$91,655
Computer Operations Supervisor7+ years$109,435
Computer Operations Manager7+ years$142,215
Computer Operations Director7+ years$205,926
View as Graph

How Do Computer Operations Managers 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 Computer Operations Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $157,460.
  • California: $156,863.
  • Massachusetts: $154,773.

Top Paying Cities for Computer Operations Manager

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: $179,376
  • San Francisco: $177,412
  • Oakland: $173,673

What Skills Can Increase a Computer Operations Manager's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 20% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 20% Job Postings): Computer science is the study of computation, automation, and information. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, information theory, and automation) to practical disciplines.
  • Data Center Operations (Mentioned in 20% Job Postings): Data center operations comprise the systems and workflows within a data center that keep the data center running.
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 20%
Computer Science 20%
Data Center Operations 20%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Computer Operations Manager's salary.

  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Planning: Can increase your salary by up to 1%.
  • Computer Science: Can increase your salary by up to 1%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Leadership $147,904
4%
Planning $143,637
1%
Computer Science $143,637
1%
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Computer Operations Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Computer Operations Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $159,201. While startup companies pay approximate $134,681.

Computer Operations Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $134,681
Growth Stage 51~500 $142,441
Established 501~5000 $153,737
Enterprise 5000+ $159,201

Computer Operations Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Computer Operations Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Computer Operations Manager positions in Transportation or Media typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Computer Operations Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Computer Operations Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$170,658$82.020%
Pharmaceuticals$170,658$82.020%
Energy & Utilities$163,547$79.015%
Chemicals$156,436$75.010%
Financial Services$156,436$75.010%

How Education impacts an Computer Operations Manager's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Computer Operations Manager enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Computer Operations Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $137,061 and $147,450.

Computer Operations Manager Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Computer Operations Manager
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.8%
High School 19.7%
Associates 16.3%
Bachelors 46.5%
Masters 15.0%
Doctorate 0.8%
View as Graph

Computer Operations Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Computer Operations Manager'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
$123,180
Average $142,215/year
$156,960
$10,265
Average $11,851/month
$13,080
$2,369
Average $2,735/week
$3,018
$59
Average $68/hour
$75
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $156,960 $13,080 $3,018 $75
Average $142,215 $11,851 $2,735 $68
25th Percentile $123,180 $10,265 $2,369 $59

Computer Operations Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Computer Operations Manager

Next Role

For a Computer Operations Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Computer Operations Director role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $205,926 - a projected growth of 45% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Computer Operations Manager

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

Common company salaries for Computer Operations Manager

Here are companies hiring for Computer Operations Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Computer Operations Manager

1. Where can a Computer Operations Manager earn the most?

A Computer Operations Manager's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Computer Operations Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Computer Operations Manager is $179,376.

2. What is the highest pay for Computer Operations Manager?

The highest pay for Computer Operations Manager is $170,385.

3. What is the lowest pay for Computer Operations Manager?

The lowest pay for Computer Operations Manager is $105,850.

4. What are the responsibilities of Computer Operations Manager?

Responsible for the efficient and effective management of an organization's computer operations. Implements department policies and procedures to effectively operate and maintain computer systems and peripherals. Manages the operation of information system equipment including scheduling workflow, maintenance, and capacity plans. Continuously monitors the efficacy of computer operations, backup processes, system monitors, and server availability to ensure operation goals are met. Researches and evaluates potential equipment upgrades to improve the capabilities of computer operations. Ensures computer operations activities meet pre-established production targets and maintain operating budgets. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Computer Operations Manager?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Computer Operations Manager roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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