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Network Operations Director Salary in the United States

How much does a Network Operations Director make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Network Operations Director in the United States is $187,216 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $90.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $228,841
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $172,430 to $209,004
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $158,968
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Network Operations Director Salaries

A Network Operations Director'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.

How Experience Level Affects Network Operations Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Network Operations Director'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:

  • Network Operations Supervisor (10+ years): $117,422
  • Network Operations Manager (10+ years): $134,449
  • Network Operations Senior Manager (10+ years): $158,645
  • Network Operations Director (10+ years): $187,216
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Network Operations Supervisor10+ years$117,422
Network Operations Manager10+ years$134,449
Network Operations Senior Manager10+ years$158,645
Network Operations Director10+ years$187,216
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How Do Network Operations Director 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 Network Operations Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $207,286.
  • California: $206,499.
  • Massachusetts: $203,747.

Top Paying Cities for Network Operations Directors

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: $236,136
  • San Francisco: $233,550
  • Oakland: $228,628

Network Operations Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Network Operations Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $209,222. While startup companies pay approximate $176,980.

Network Operations Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $176,980
Growth Stage 51~500 $187,174
Established 501~5000 $202,030
Enterprise 5000+ $209,222

Network Operations Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Network Operations Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 69% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Network Operations Director positions in MFG Nondurable or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Network Operations Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Network Operations Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$262,102$126.040%
Internet$234,020$113.025%
Pharmaceuticals$228,404$110.022%
Financial Services$224,659$108.020%
Insurance$215,298$104.015%

Network Operations Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Network Operations Director'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 September 01, 2026
$172,430
Average $187,216/year
$209,004
$14,369
Average $15,601/month
$17,417
$3,316
Average $3,600/week
$4,019
$83
Average $90/hour
$100
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $209,004 $17,417 $4,019 $100
Average $187,216 $15,601 $3,600 $90
25th Percentile $172,430 $14,369 $3,316 $83

Most common benefits for Network Operations Director

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

Common company salaries for Network Operations Director

Here are companies hiring for Network Operations Director and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Network Operations Director

1. Where can a Network Operations Director earn the most?

A Network Operations Director'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 Network Operations Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Network Operations Director is $236,136.

2. What is the highest pay for Network Operations Director?

The highest pay for Network Operations Director is $228,841.

3. What is the lowest pay for Network Operations Director?

The lowest pay for Network Operations Director is $158,968.

4. What are the responsibilities of Network Operations Director?

Directs the overall operations of the organization's network infrastructure, including hardware, software, security, and services, to ensure it meets the organization's performance objectives. Establishes policies and procedures that ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations, minimize downtime, and support efficient operations. Develops network administrators and technicians with training in the best practices and technologies. Leads troubleshooting and resolution of significant network issues and conducts root cause analysis (RCA) to prevent recurrences and identify potential technological, training, or process improvements. Manages budgets to ensure required tools and equipment are procured and maintained. Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or it. Typically reports to senior management. Manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Network Operations Director?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Network Operations Director 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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