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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Boom Operator in Illinois is $59,061 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, a Boom Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Boom Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $65,675 | $5,473 | $1,263 | $32 |
| Average | $59,061 | $4,922 | $1,136 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,857 | $4,321 | $997 | $25 |
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A Boom Operator'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 a Boom Operator'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 |
|---|---|
| Audio Vis... Level Boom Operator | $51,058 |
| Boom Oper... Level Boom Operator | $59,561 |
| Audio Vis... Level Boom Operator | $72,490 |
| Audio Vis... Level Boom Operator | $89,547 |
| Audio Vis... Level Boom Operator | $85,525 |
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 Boom Operators. 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 Boom Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 85% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Boom Operator positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Boom Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $76,779 | $37.0 | 30% |
| Energy & Utilities | $73,826 | $35.0 | 25% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $72,054 | $35.0 | 22% |
| Biotechnology | $70,873 | $34.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $69,692 | $34.0 | 18% |
Understanding how a Boom 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $65,675 | $5,473 | $1,263 | $32 |
| Average | $59,061 | $4,922 | $1,136 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,857 | $4,321 | $997 | $25 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Boom Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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