As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an IT Operations Technician in the United States is $73,542 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, an IT Operations Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An IT Operations Technician'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 IT Operations Technician'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 Technician | $70,231 |
| Intermediate Level IT Operations Technician | $70,478 |
| Senior Level IT Operations Technician | $73,542 |
| Specialist Level IT Operations Technician | $76,851 |
| Expert Level IT Operations Technician | $77,087 |
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 Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | 4.99% |
| Technical Support | 2.78% |
| IT Infrastructure | 1.64% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
System Maintenance
|
$83,838 |
14%
|
|
Innovation
|
$81,631 |
11%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$79,425 |
8%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$79,425 |
8%
|
|
Salesforce
|
$79,425 |
8%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$77,954 |
6%
|
For IT Operations Technician roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, IT Operations Technician positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view IT Operations Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $88,250 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $84,573 | $41.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $80,896 | $39.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $80,896 | $39.0 | 10% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $77,219 | $37.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many IT Operations Technicians enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 IT Operations Technician with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $70,665 and $77,008).
IT Operations Technician Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.8% |
| High School | 21.6% |
| Associates | 20.0% |
| Bachelors | 50.4% |
| Masters | 6.4% |
| Doctorate | 0.8% |
Understanding how an IT Operations Technician'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 IT Operations Technician can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $86,580 in 2023 to around $85,936 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of IT Operations Technician salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $86,580 |
| 2024 | $86,591 |
| 2025 | $85,936 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for IT Operations Technician 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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