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Field Operator I Salary in the United States

How much does a Field Operator I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Field Operator I in the United States is $62,906 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $74,781
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $57,464 to $69,122
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $52,509
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Field Operator I Salaries

A Field Operator I'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 Field Operator I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Field Operator I'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:

  • Field Operator I (0-1 years): $62,906
  • Field Operator II (1-3 years): $70,424
  • Field Operator III (3-5 years): $86,662
  • Field Operator IV (5-7 years): $95,685
  • Field Operations Supervisor (7+ years): $113,006
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Field Operator I0-1 years$62,906
Field Operator II1-3 years$70,424
Field Operator III3-5 years$86,662
Field Operator IV5-7 years$95,685
Field Operations Supervisor7+ years$113,006
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How Do Field Operator Is 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 Field Operator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $69,650.
  • California: $69,385.
  • Massachusetts: $68,461.

Top Paying Cities for Field Operator I

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: $79,343
  • San Francisco: $78,475
  • Oakland: $76,821

What Skills Can Increase a Field Operator I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 8.43% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Schematic (Mentioned in 1.84% Job Postings): A schematic, or schematic diagram, is a representation of the elements of a system using abstract, graphic symbols rather than realistic pictures.
  • Customer Satisfaction (Mentioned in 1.13% Job Postings): Customer satisfaction (often abbreviated as CSAT, more correctly CSat) is a term frequently used in marketing. It is a measure of how products and services supplied by a company meet or surpass customer expectation. Customer satisfaction is defined as "the number of customers, or percentage of total customers, whose reported experience with a firm, its products, or its services (ratings) exceeds specified satisfaction goals." The Marketing Accountability Standards Board (MASB) endorses the definitions, purposes, and constructs of classes of measures that appear in Marketing Metrics as part of its ongoing Common Language in Marketing Project. In a survey of nearly 200 senior marketing managers, 71 percent responded that they found a customer satisfaction metric very useful in managing and monitoring their businesses. It is seen as a key performance indicator within business and is often part of a Balanced Scorecard. In a competitive marketplace where businesses compete for customers, customer satisfaction is seen as a key differentiator and increasingly has become a key element of business strategy.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 8.43%
Schematic 1.84%
Customer Satisfaction 1.13%
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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 Field Operator I's salary.

  • Customer Satisfaction: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Project Management: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Calibration: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Customer Satisfaction $67,938
8%
Project Management $67,309
7%
Calibration $66,051
5%
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Field Operator I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Field Operator I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $70,420. While startup companies pay approximate $59,573.

Field Operator I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $59,573
Growth Stage 51~500 $63,006
Established 501~5000 $68,003
Enterprise 5000+ $70,420

Field Operator I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Field Operator I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Field Operator positions in Software & Networking or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Field Operator I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Field Operator I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$88,068$42.040%
Internet$81,778$39.030%
Biotechnology$78,632$38.025%
Pharmaceuticals$78,632$38.025%
Energy & Utilities$72,342$35.015%

How Education impacts an Field Operator I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Field Operator I 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 Field Operator I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $62,232 and $66,083.

Field Operator I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Field Operator I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 7.4%
High School 44.4%
Associates 7.4%
Bachelors 40.7%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Field Operator I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Field Operator I'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
$57,464
Average $62,906/year
$69,122
$4,789
Average $5,242/month
$5,760
$1,105
Average $1,210/week
$1,329
$28
Average $30/hour
$33
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $69,122 $5,760 $1,329 $33
Average $62,906 $5,242 $1,210 $30
25th Percentile $57,464 $4,789 $1,105 $28

Field Operator I Salary Growth & Career Path

Field Operator I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Field Operator I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Field Service Technician II $57,872 -8%
Electro/Mechanical Technician II $62,331 -1%
Power Systems Rental Operations Manager $106,739 70%
Field Operator II $70,424 12%

Most common benefits for Field Operator I

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

Common company salaries for Field Operator I

Here are companies hiring for Field Operator I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Field Operator I

1. Where can a Field Operator I earn the most?

A Field Operator I'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 Field Operator I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Field Operator I is $79,343.

2. What is the highest pay for Field Operator I?

The highest pay for Field Operator I is $74,781.

3. What is the lowest pay for Field Operator I?

The lowest pay for Field Operator I is $52,509.

4. What are the responsibilities of Field Operator I?

Sets up and operates a variety of oil, gas, or mining machines and equipment on designated sites. Reads and interprets blueprints and diagrams to select, operate, and properly secure machinery. Maintains equipment and troubleshoots technical issues as necessary. Routinely monitors and tests equipment for quality and safety in accordance with established procedures, guidelines, and regulations. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Field Operator I?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Field Operator I roles, with salaries approximately 40% 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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