upper level job

VP of HR Operations Salary in the United States

How much does a VP of HR Operations make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a VP of HR Operations in the United States is $251,350 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $121.

However, a VP of HR Operations's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $304,019
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $202,389 to $278,919
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $157,813

Key Factors That Influence VP of HR Operations Salaries

A VP of HR Operations'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 VP of HR Operations Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a VP of HR Operations'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:

  • HR Operations Manager (5+ years): $120,269
  • HR Operations Senior Manager (5+ years): $171,852
  • HR Operations Director (5+ years): $205,875
  • VP of HR Operations (5+ years): $251,350
  • SVP of HR Operations (5+ years): $305,149
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
HR Operations Manager5+ years$120,269
HR Operations Senior Manager5+ years$171,852
HR Operations Director5+ years$205,875
VP of HR Operations5+ years$251,350
SVP of HR Operations5+ years$305,149

Top Paying Cities for VP of HR Operations

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: $317,028
  • San Francisco: $313,557
  • Oakland: $306,949

VP of HR Operations Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

VP of HR Operations salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $280,894. While startup companies pay approximate $237,608.

VP of HR Operations Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $237,608
Growth Stage 51~500 $251,294
Established 501~5000 $271,239
Enterprise 5000+ $280,894

VP of HR Operations Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For VP of HR Operations roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, VP of HR Operations positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view VP of HR Operations as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a VP of HR Operations

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$326,755$157.030%
Biotechnology$301,620$145.020%
Internet$301,620$145.020%
Insurance$289,052$139.015%
Software & Networking$289,052$139.015%

VP of HR Operations Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a VP of HR Operations'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
$202,389
Average $251,350/year
$278,919
$16,866
Average $20,946/month
$23,243
$3,892
Average $4,834/week
$5,364
$97
Average $121/hour
$134
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $278,919 $23,243 $5,364 $134
Average $251,350 $20,946 $4,834 $121
25th Percentile $202,389 $16,866 $3,892 $97

VP of HR Operations Salary Growth & Career Path

For a VP of HR Operations, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the SVP of HR Operations role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $305,149 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.

Most common benefits for VP of HR Operations

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

Common company salaries for VP of HR Operations

Here are companies hiring for VP of HR Operations and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next VP of HR Operations Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current VP of HR Operations job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about VP of HR Operations

1. Where can a VP of HR Operations earn the most?

A VP of HR Operations'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 VP of HR Operations earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a VP of HR Operations is $317,028.

2. What is the highest pay for VP of HR Operations?

The highest pay for VP of HR Operations is $304,019.

3. What is the lowest pay for VP of HR Operations?

The lowest pay for VP of HR Operations is $157,813.

4. What are the responsibilities of VP of HR Operations?

Plans and oversees the design, implementation, and administration of operational processes used to deliver HR programs and projects. Develops and administers HR programs, including compensation, benefits, performance management, and training, to ensure alignment with the organization's objectives. Collaborates with senior managers to ensure understanding of objectives and processes and facilitate optimal delivery to attain desired outcomes. Provides regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with HR regulations, including discrimination, safety and labor laws, pay equity, and data security initiatives. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to top management. Manages a departmental function within a broader corporate function. Develops major goals to support broad functional objectives. Approves policies developed within various sub-functions and departments. Typically requires 8+ years of managerial experience. Comprehensive knowledge of the overall departmental function.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for VP of HR Operations?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for VP of HR Operations 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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst
lower level job