How much does a Site Operator make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Site Operator in the United States is $75,820 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $94,940
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $67,750 to $85,828
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $60,403

Key Factors That Influence Site Operator Salaries

A Site Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Site Operator 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 Site Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $83,948.
  • California: $83,629.
  • Massachusetts: $82,515.

Top Paying Cities for Site Operators

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: $95,632
  • San Francisco: $94,585
  • Oakland: $92,591

What Skills Can Increase a Site Operator's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 16.67% 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.
  • Operation and Control (Mentioned in 16.67% Job Postings): Operational control is the authority to perform those functions of command over subordinate forces involving organizing and employing commands and forces, assigning tasks, designating objectives, and giving authoritative direction necessary to accomplish the mission.
  • Pipeline Operations (Mentioned in 16.67% Job Postings): Pipeline operation means an operation in connection with the construction, operation, inspection, maintenance or repair of a pipeline carried out on land that is specified in any licence as licence area.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 16.67%
Operation and Control 16.67%
Pipeline Operations 16.67%

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 Site Operator's salary.

  • Security Clearance: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Security Clearance $90,226
19%

Site Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Site Operator roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 25% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Transportation, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Site Operator positions in Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Site Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Site Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Transportation$83,402$40.010%
MFG Durable$79,611$38.05%

Site Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Site Operator'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 October 01, 2026
$67,750
Average $75,820/year
$85,828
$5,646
Average $6,318/month
$7,152
$1,303
Average $1,458/week
$1,651
$33
Average $36/hour
$41
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $85,828 $7,152 $1,651 $41
Average $75,820 $6,318 $1,458 $36
25th Percentile $67,750 $5,646 $1,303 $33

Most common benefits for Site Operator

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

Common company salaries for Site Operator

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

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FAQ about Site Operator

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Site Operator?

The Transportation industry offers the highest average compensation for Site Operator roles, with salaries approximately 10% 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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