As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Operational Controller in the United States is $107,518 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.
However, an Operational Controller's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Operational Controller'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 an Operational Controller'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 Operational Controller | $66,707 |
| Operation... Level Operational Controller | $95,569 |
| Operation... Level Operational Controller | $108,473 |
| Senior Op... Level Operational Controller | $147,045 |
| Operation... Level Operational Controller | $204,078 |
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 Operational Controllers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 12.75% |
| Product Quality | 1.6% |
| Cost Control | 1.17% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
CVS
|
$118,270 |
10%
|
|
Analytical Skills
|
$116,119 |
8%
|
|
Influencing
|
$115,044 |
7%
|
|
Customer Satisfaction
|
$113,969 |
6%
|
|
Supply Chain
|
$113,969 |
6%
|
|
Project Management
|
$113,969 |
6%
|
For Operational Controller 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, Operational Controller positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Operational Controller as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Services | $116,119 | $56.0 | 8% |
| Construction | $116,119 | $56.0 | 8% |
| Insurance | $115,044 | $55.0 | 7% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $112,894 | $54.0 | 5% |
| Energy & Utilities | $112,894 | $54.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Operational Controllers 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 an Operational Controller with a Bachelor's Degree is between $114,075 and $121,293).
Operational Controller Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.4% |
| High School | 19.9% |
| Associates | 11.4% |
| Bachelors | 48.8% |
| Masters | 18.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.6% |
Understanding how an Operational Controller'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for an Operational Controller can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $99,969 in 2023 to around $100,179 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Operational Controller salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $99,969 |
| 2024 | $100,537 |
| 2025 | $100,179 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Business Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Operational Controller roles, with salaries approximately 8% above the market median.
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.)
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