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Hourly Wage for Computer Operator III Salary in the United States

What is the highest and lowest hourly pay for Computer Operator III?

As of February 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Computer Operator III in the United States is $33, which translates to an annual salary of about $68,009.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $41 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $29 to $37 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $26 per hour
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Paid Annually Paid Monthly Paid Semimonthly Paid Biweekly Paid Weekly Paid Hourly
View as table View as graph 25% $29 10% $26 90% $41 75% $37 $33 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Computer Operator III Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $77,347 $6,446 $1,487 $37
Average $68,009 $5,667 $1,308 $33
25th Percentile $60,371 $5,031 $1,161 $29
Check out Computer Operator III Job Openings in the United States
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Key Factors That Influence Computer Operator III Salaries

A Computer Operator III'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 Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Computer Operator III'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:

  • Computer Operator I (0-1 years): $48,929
  • Computer Operator II (1-3 years): $61,291
  • Computer Operator III (3-5 years): $68,009
  • Computer Operations Shift Supervisor (5+ years): $91,543
  • Computer Operations Supervisor (5+ years): $109,361
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Computer Operator I0-1 years$48,929
Computer Operator II1-3 years$61,291
Computer Operator III3-5 years$68,009
Computer Operations Shift Supervisor5+ years$91,543
Computer Operations Supervisor5+ years$109,361
$48,929 Computer ...
$61,291 Computer ...
$68,009 Computer ...
$91,543 Computer ...
$109,361 Computer ...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Computer Operator IIIs

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: $85,780
  • San Francisco: $84,936
  • Oakland: $83,053

What Skills Can Increase a Computer Operator III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Troubleshooting (Mentioned in 6.58% Job Postings): Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine or a system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again. Troubleshooting is needed to identify the symptoms. Determining the most likely cause is a process of elimination—eliminating potential causes of a problem. Finally, troubleshooting requires confirmation that the solution restores the product or process to its working state. In general, troubleshooting is the identification or diagnosis of "trouble" in the management flow of a system caused by a failure of some kind. The problem is initially described as symptoms of malfunction, and troubleshooting is the process of determining and remedying the causes of these symptoms. A system can be described in terms of its expected, desired or intended behavior (usually, for artificial systems, its purpose). Events or inputs to the system are expected to generate specific results or outputs. (For example, selecting the "print" option from various computer applications is intended to result in a hardcopy emerging from some specific device). Any unexpected or undesirable behavior is a symptom. Troubleshooting is the process of isolating the specific cause or causes of the symptom. Frequently the symptom is a failure of the product or process to produce any results. (Nothing was printed, for example). Corrective action can then be taken to prevent further failures of a similar kind.
  • SOP (Mentioned in 3.39% Job Postings): SOP is A standard operating procedure is a set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organization to help workers carry out routine operations.
  • Data Processing (Mentioned in 2.77% Job Postings): Data processing is the collection and manipulation of data to produce meaningful information. Data processing is a form of information processing, which is the modification of information in any manner detectable by an observer.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting 6.58%
SOP 3.39%
Data Processing 2.77%
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 Operator III's salary.
  • Telecommunications: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Verbal Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Team Operations: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Telecommunications
 $76,170
12%
Verbal Communication
 $75,490
11%
Team Operations
 $74,810
10%
Flexibility
 $73,450
8%
Commitment
 $73,450
8%
Triage
 $73,450
8%
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How Education impacts a Computer Operator III's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Computer Operator IIIs enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Computer Operator III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $64,325 and $68,942).

Computer Operator III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Computer Operator III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.9%
High School 32.7%
Associates 32.2%
Bachelors 28.9%
Masters 5.2%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Computer Operator III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Computer Operator III'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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on February 01, 2026
$60,371
Average $68,009/year
$77,347
$5,031
Average $5,667/month
$6,446
$1,161
Average $1,308/week
$1,487
$29
Average $33/hour
$37
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $77,347 $6,446 $1,487 $37
Average $68,009 $5,667 $1,308 $33
25th Percentile $60,371 $5,031 $1,161 $29

Salaries of jobs related to Computer Operator III

Most common benefits for Computer Operator III

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FAQ about Computer Operator III

1. What are the responsibilities of Computer Operator III?

Operates and monitors computer equipment. Uses established procedures to perform routine tasks to maintain required performance standards of computer equipment and its peripherals. Observes peripheral equipment and error messages displayed on the monitor of the terminal to identify faulty output or machine stoppage. May require an associate degree. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.

2. What are the skills of Computer Operator III

Specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.

1.)

Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine or a system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again. Troubleshooting is needed to identify the symptoms. Determining the most likely cause is a process of elimination—eliminating potential causes of a problem. Finally, troubleshooting requires confirmation that the solution restores the product or process to its working state. In general, troubleshooting is the identification or diagnosis of "trouble" in the management flow of a system caused by a failure of some kind. The problem is initially described as symptoms of malfunction, and troubleshooting is the process of determining and remedying the causes of these symptoms. A system can be described in terms of its expected, desired or intended behavior (usually, for artificial systems, its purpose). Events or inputs to the system are expected to generate specific results or outputs. (For example, selecting the "print" option from various computer applications is intended to result in a hardcopy emerging from some specific device). Any unexpected or undesirable behavior is a symptom. Troubleshooting is the process of isolating the specific cause or causes of the symptom. Frequently the symptom is a failure of the product or process to produce any results. (Nothing was printed, for example). Corrective action can then be taken to prevent further failures of a similar kind.

2.)

SOP: SOP is A standard operating procedure is a set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organization to help workers carry out routine operations.

3.)

Data Processing: Data processing is the collection and manipulation of data to produce meaningful information. Data processing is a form of information processing, which is the modification of information in any manner detectable by an observer.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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