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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Operations Leader in California is $122,205 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.
However, an Operations Leader's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Operations Leader Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $137,832 | $11,486 | $2,651 | $66 |
| Average | $122,205 | $10,184 | $2,350 | $59 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,055 | $9,005 | $2,078 | $52 |
Chick-fil-A - Irvine, CA
Chick-fil-A - Lancaster, CA
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Paul Mitchell Schools - San Diego, CA
An Operations Leader'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.
Experience is a primary driver of an Operations Leader'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Operation... Level Operations Leader | $74,444 |
| Operation... Level Operations Leader | $106,654 |
| Operation... Level Operations Leader | $121,056 |
| Senior Op... Level Operations Leader | $164,098 |
| Operation... Level Operations Leader | $227,766 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Operations Leaders. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Operations Leader roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 18% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Business Services and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 8% above the average. In contrast, Operations Leader positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Operations Leader as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Services | $131,981 | $63.0 | 8% |
| Construction | $131,981 | $63.0 | 8% |
| Insurance | $130,759 | $63.0 | 7% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $128,315 | $62.0 | 5% |
| Energy & Utilities | $128,315 | $62.0 | 5% |
Understanding how an Operations Leader'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $137,832 | $11,486 | $2,651 | $66 |
| Average | $122,205 | $10,184 | $2,350 | $59 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,055 | $9,005 | $2,078 | $52 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Operations Leader job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Petco Health and Wellness
Long Beach, CA
Petco Health and Wellness | Long Beach, CA
Solutions Leader On Duty. Create a healthier, brighter future for pets, pet parents and people. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting c... more
7 Days Ago
Petco
Murrieta, CA
Petco | Murrieta, CA
Create a healthier, brighter future for pets, pet parents and people. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome t... more
8 Days Ago
Petco Health and Wellness
Dublin, CA
Petco Health and Wellness | Dublin, CA
Key HolderWant to help pets live their best lives. We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, ... more
8 Days Ago
Petco
Moreno Valley, CA
Petco | Moreno Valley, CA
Create a healthier, brighter future for pets, pet parents and people. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome t... more
8 Days Ago
Petco
Los Banos, CA
Petco | Los Banos, CA
Want to help pets live their best lives. We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an ... more
8 Days Ago
Sephora
Fresno, CA
Sephora | Fresno, CA
Sephora - [Department Manager] As an Operations Leader at Sephora, you'll: Drive results by keeping the store running smoothly “backstage” in collaboration... more
4 Days Ago
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