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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an IT Operations Lead in South Carolina is $137,362 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $66.
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 | $149,914 | $12,493 | $2,883 | $72 |
| Average | $137,362 | $11,447 | $2,642 | $66 |
| 25th Percentile | $124,002 | $10,333 | $2,385 | $60 |
Belk - Charleston, SC
Operators Unlimited - Greenwood, SC
TruGreen Limited Partnership - North Charleston, SC
SMS Data Products Group - Sumter, SC
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 | $130,323 |
| Intermediate Level IT Operations Lead | $131,342 |
| Senior Level IT Operations Lead | $132,362 |
| Specialist Level IT Operations Lead | $134,401 |
| Expert Level IT Operations Lead | $136,440 |
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 | $192,307 | $92.0 | 40% |
| Biotechnology | $171,703 | $83.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $164,835 | $79.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $157,967 | $76.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $151,099 | $73.0 | 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 | $149,914 | $12,493 | $2,883 | $72 |
| Average | $137,362 | $11,447 | $2,642 | $66 |
| 25th Percentile | $124,002 | $10,333 | $2,385 | $60 |
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.
RXO
Charleston, SC
RXO | Charleston, SC
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Job Description. Job Description. Event Operations Team Lead. PhotoMules is hiring an. Event Operations Team Lead. to oversee weekend youth sports photogra... more
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Greenville, SC
Operators Unlimited | Greenville, SC
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Spartanburg, SC
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Becton Dickinson
Sumter, SC
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Belk
Anderson, SC
Belk | Anderson, SC
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