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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Network Operator in South Dakota is $97,659 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, a Network Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Network Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $107,409 | $8,951 | $2,066 | $52 |
| Average | $97,659 | $8,138 | $1,878 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,600 | $7,467 | $1,723 | $43 |
The Carter Center - , NV
The Carter Center - , NV
L3Harris Technologies - ROCKLEDGE, FL
L3Harris Technologies - MELBOURNE, FL
A Network Operator'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 Network Operator'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 |
|---|---|
| Network A... Level Network Operator | $64,845 |
| Network A... Level Network Operator | $80,784 |
| Network O... Level Network Operator | $96,942 |
| Network A... Level Network Operator | $111,034 |
| Network A... Level Network Operator | $129,402 |
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 Network Operators. 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 Network Operator 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 Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Network Operator positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Network Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $136,722 | $66.0 | 40% |
| Internet | $131,839 | $63.0 | 35% |
| Financial Services | $126,956 | $61.0 | 30% |
| Energy & Utilities | $122,073 | $59.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $117,190 | $56.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Network Operator'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 | $107,409 | $8,951 | $2,066 | $52 |
| Average | $97,659 | $8,138 | $1,878 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,600 | $7,467 | $1,723 | $43 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Network Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
L3Harris Technologies
COCOA, FL
L3Harris Technologies | COCOA, FL
L3Harris is seeking an experienced Senior Specialist, Network Planning Engineer to join our team supporting the FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure (FTI)... more
3 Days Ago
L3Harris Technologies
MERRITT ISLAND, FL
L3Harris Technologies | MERRITT ISLAND, FL
L3Harris is seeking an experienced Senior Specialist, Network Planning Engineer to join our team supporting the FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure (FTI)... more
3 Days Ago
L3Harris Technologies
COCOA BEACH, FL
L3Harris Technologies | COCOA BEACH, FL
L3Harris is seeking an experienced Senior Specialist, Network Planning Engineer to join our team supporting the FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure (FTI)... more
3 Days Ago
Sanford Health
HILLSBORO, ND
Sanford Health | HILLSBORO, ND
Careers With Purpose As one of the largest not-for-profit health systems in the United States, Sanford Health is always looking to innovate and grow. Grow ... more
2 Days Ago
Sanford Health
HILLSBORO, ND
Sanford Health | HILLSBORO, ND
Careers With Purpose Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and prov... more
3 Days Ago
Sanford Health
HILLSBORO, ND
Sanford Health | HILLSBORO, ND
Careers With Purpose Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and prov... more
3 Days Ago
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