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SOC Operator Salary in the United States

How much does a SOC Operator make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a SOC Operator in the United States is $71,745 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.

However, a SOC Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $88,126
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $62,274 to $80,320
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $53,652
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence SOC Operator Salaries

A SOC 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.

How Experience Level Affects SOC Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a SOC 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $71,114
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $88,079
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $133,988
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $147,775
  • Expert (over 8 years): $186,899
Levels Salary
SOC Opera... Level SOC Operator$71,114
Informati... Level SOC Operator$88,079
Informati... Level SOC Operator$133,988
Informati... Level SOC Operator$147,775
Informati... Level SOC Operator$186,899
View as Graph

How Do SOC Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 SOC Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $79,436.
  • California: $79,135.
  • Massachusetts: $78,080.

Top Paying Cities for SOC Operators

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:

  • San Jose: $90,492
  • San Francisco: $89,501
  • Oakland: $87,615

SOC Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For SOC Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, SOC Operator positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view SOC Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a SOC Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$93,268$45.030%
Insurance$89,681$43.025%
Biotechnology$86,094$41.020%
Pharmaceuticals$86,094$41.020%
Healthcare$82,507$40.015%

SOC Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a SOC 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.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$62,274
Average $71,745/year
$80,320
$5,190
Average $5,979/month
$6,693
$1,198
Average $1,380/week
$1,545
$30
Average $34/hour
$39
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $80,320 $6,693 $1,545 $39
Average $71,745 $5,979 $1,380 $34
25th Percentile $62,274 $5,190 $1,198 $30

Most common benefits for SOC Operator

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for SOC Operator

Here are companies hiring for SOC Operator and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about SOC Operator

1. What industry pays the highest salary for SOC Operator?

The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for SOC Operator roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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