As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Operations Program Specialist in the United States is $115,275 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.
However, an Operations Program Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Operations Program Specialist'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 Operations Program Specialist'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 Operations Program Specialist | $111,299 |
| Intermediate Level Operations Program Specialist | $111,895 |
| Senior Level Operations Program Specialist | $113,287 |
| Specialist Level Operations Program Specialist | $117,026 |
| Expert Level Operations Program Specialist | $120,053 |
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 Program Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 7.59% |
| Service Quality | 2.43% |
| First Aid | 1.68% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Management
|
$127,955 |
11%
|
|
Program Management
|
$126,803 |
10%
|
|
Commitment
|
$123,344 |
7%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$122,192 |
6%
|
|
Attention to Detail
|
$119,886 |
4%
|
|
Case Management
|
$119,886 |
4%
|
For Operations Program Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Operations Program Specialist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Operations Program Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $138,330 | $67.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Operations Program Specialists 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 Operations Program Specialist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $110,084 and $120,654).
Operations Program Specialist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.7% |
| High School | 7.0% |
| Associates | 3.5% |
| Bachelors | 36.2% |
| Masters | 48.5% |
| Doctorate | 3.1% |
Understanding how an Operations Program Specialist'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 Operations Program Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $102,264 in 2023 to around $101,511 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Operations Program Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $102,264 |
| 2024 | $101,967 |
| 2025 | $101,511 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Operations Program Specialist roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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