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Computer Operator III Salary in the United States

How much does a Computer Operator III make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Computer Operator III in the United States is $68,067 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $85,876
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $60,428 to $77,389
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $53,473
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

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 III 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): $48,938
  • Computer Operator II (1-3 years): $61,357
  • Computer Operator III (3-5 years): $68,067
  • Computer Operations Shift Supervisor (5+ years): $91,655
  • Computer Operations Supervisor (5+ years): $109,435
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Computer Operator I0-1 years$48,938
Computer Operator II1-3 years$61,357
Computer Operator III3-5 years$68,067
Computer Operations Shift Supervisor5+ years$91,655
Computer Operations Supervisor5+ years$109,435
View as Graph

How Do Computer Operator IIIs 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 Operator IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $75,364.
  • California: $75,078.
  • Massachusetts: $74,077.

Top Paying Cities for Computer Operator III

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: $85,853
  • San Francisco: $84,913
  • Oakland: $83,123

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.
Skills Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting 6.58%
SOP 3.39%
Data Processing 2.77%
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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 $76,235
12%
Verbal Communication $75,554
11%
Team Operations $74,874
10%
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Computer Operator III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Computer Operator III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $76,197. While startup companies pay approximate $64,461.

Computer Operator III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $64,461
Growth Stage 51~500 $68,175
Established 501~5000 $73,582
Enterprise 5000+ $76,197

Computer Operator III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Computer Operator III 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, Computer Operator positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Media typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Computer Operator III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Computer Operator III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$88,487$43.030%
Financial Services$81,680$39.020%
Internet$81,680$39.020%
Pharmaceuticals$81,680$39.020%
Biotechnology$74,874$36.010%

How Education impacts an Computer Operator III's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Computer Operator III 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 Operator III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $65,047 and $69,589.

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%
View as Graph

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.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$60,428
Average $68,067/year
$77,389
$5,036
Average $5,672/month
$6,449
$1,162
Average $1,309/week
$1,488
$29
Average $33/hour
$37
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $77,389 $6,449 $1,488 $37
Average $68,067 $5,672 $1,309 $33
25th Percentile $60,428 $5,036 $1,162 $29

Computer Operator III Salary Growth & Career Path

Computer Operator III

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Advancement

For a Computer Operator III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Computer Operations Shift Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $91,655 - a projected growth of 35% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Computer Operator III

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

Common company salaries for Computer Operator III

Here are companies hiring for Computer Operator III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Computer Operator III

1. Where can a Computer Operator III earn the most?

A Computer Operator III'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 Operator III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Computer Operator III is $85,853.

2. What is the highest pay for Computer Operator III?

The highest pay for Computer Operator III is $85,876.

3. What is the lowest pay for Computer Operator III?

The lowest pay for Computer Operator III is $53,473.

4. 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.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Computer Operator III?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Computer Operator III roles, with salaries approximately 30% 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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