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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Head of Operations in Illinois is $316,467 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $152.
However, a Head of Operations's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Head of Operations Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $343,834 | $28,653 | $6,612 | $165 |
| Average | $316,467 | $26,372 | $6,086 | $152 |
| 25th Percentile | $282,736 | $23,561 | $5,437 | $136 |
Sauce - Mundelein, IL
Confidential - Chicago, IL
Confidential - Chicago, IL
American Water Resources LLC - Naperville, IL
A Head of 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Head of 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 |
|---|---|
| Operation... Level Head of Operations | $106,358 |
| Senior Op... Level Head of Operations | $144,177 |
| Operation... Level Head of Operations | $200,098 |
| Divisiona... Level Head of Operations | $229,958 |
| Head of O... Level Head of Operations | $314,455 |
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 Operations. 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 Head of Operations roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Construction and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Head of Operations positions in Energy & Utilities or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Head of Operations as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | $395,584 | $190.0 | 25% |
| Business Services | $379,761 | $183.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $363,937 | $175.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $348,114 | $167.0 | 10% |
| MFG Nondurable | $348,114 | $167.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Head of 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $343,834 | $28,653 | $6,612 | $165 |
| Average | $316,467 | $26,372 | $6,086 | $152 |
| 25th Percentile | $282,736 | $23,561 | $5,437 | $136 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Head of Operations job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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