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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an IT Operations Lead in California is $161,698 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $78.
However, an IT Operations Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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IT Operations Lead Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $176,473 | $14,706 | $3,394 | $85 |
| Average | $161,698 | $13,475 | $3,110 | $78 |
| 25th Percentile | $145,970 | $12,164 | $2,807 | $70 |
RadNet - Riverside, CA
Figure - San Jose, CA
CoreWeave - Sunnyvale, CA
RadNet - Temecula, CA
An IT Operations Lead'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 an IT Operations Lead'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 IT Operations Lead | $153,411 |
| Intermediate Level IT Operations Lead | $154,611 |
| Senior Level IT Operations Lead | $155,811 |
| Specialist Level IT Operations Lead | $158,211 |
| Expert Level IT Operations Lead | $160,612 |
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 IT Operations Leads. 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 IT Operations Lead roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, IT Operations Lead positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view IT Operations Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $226,377 | $109.0 | 40% |
| Biotechnology | $202,122 | $97.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $194,037 | $93.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $185,952 | $89.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $177,867 | $86.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an IT Operations Lead'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 | $176,473 | $14,706 | $3,394 | $85 |
| Average | $161,698 | $13,475 | $3,110 | $78 |
| 25th Percentile | $145,970 | $12,164 | $2,807 | $70 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current IT Operations Lead job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Confidential
San Diego, CA
Confidential | San Diego, CA
Vice President of IT Operations. About the Company. Innovative health care platform enhancing patient-doctor relationships through personalized care. Indus... more
6 Days Ago
Confidential
San Francisco, CA
Confidential | San Francisco, CA
Vice President of IT Operations. About the Company. Innovative health care platform enhancing patient-doctor relationships through personalized care. Indus... more
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Confidential
Emeryville, CA
Confidential | Emeryville, CA
Vice President of IT Operations. About the Company. Fast-growing deep discount retailer. Industry. Retail. Type. Public Company. Founded. 1946. Employees. ... more
6 Days Ago
Confidential
San Jose, CA
Confidential | San Jose, CA
Vice President of IT Operations. About the Company. Innovative health care platform enhancing patient-doctor relationships through personalized care. Indus... more
6 Days Ago
Confidential
Los Angeles, CA
Confidential | Los Angeles, CA
Vice President of IT Operations. About the Company. Innovative health care platform enhancing patient-doctor relationships through personalized care. Indus... more
6 Days Ago
RadNet
Los Angeles, CA
RadNet | Los Angeles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Responsibilities. Artificial Intelligence. Advanced Technology. The very best in patient care. With decades of expertise,... more
6 Days Ago
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