As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Head of IT Operations in the United States is $150,650 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $72.
However, a Head of IT Operations's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Head of IT 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Head of IT 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Head of IT Operations | $136,957 |
| Intermediate Level Head of IT Operations | $138,533 |
| Senior Level Head of IT Operations | $141,159 |
| Specialist Level Head of IT Operations | $143,785 |
| Expert Level Head of IT Operations | $148,115 |
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 Head of IT Operations. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 26.76% |
| Staff Training | 4.23% |
| Curriculum Development | 2.82% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Planning
|
$158,183 |
5%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$155,170 |
3%
|
|
Commitment
|
$153,663 |
2%
|
|
Leadership
|
$152,157 |
1%
|
|
Staff Training
|
$150,650 |
0%
|
For Head of IT Operations roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 0% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 15% above the average. Conversely, Head of IT Operations positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Head of IT Operations as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $173,248 | $83.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Head of IT Operations enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Head of IT Operations with a Bachelor's Degree is between $127,890 and $142,761).
Head of IT Operations Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 66.7% |
| High School | 33.3% |
| Associates | 0.0% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 66.7% |
| Doctorate | 33.3% |
Understanding how a Head of IT 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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Head of IT Operations can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $129,019 in 2023 to around $121,726 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Head of IT Operations salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $129,019 |
| 2024 | $126,684 |
| 2025 | $121,726 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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