IT Operations Manager Average Salary & Hourly Rate in 2025
IT operations manager's pay depends on factors like experience, industry, and location. To stay competitive, it helps to know how these affects pay and what the market trends look like.
As of July 10, 2025, the average salary for IT operations managers in the U.S. is $135,790 per year. This guide examines the key drivers of IT operations manager pay, reviews current salary trends, and offers insight into what professionals can expect in the evolving job market.
An Overview of IT Operations Manager Salaries
As of July 10, 2025, the average IT operations manager salary in the United States is $135,790 per year, or $65 per hour. Salaries generally range from $113,820 to $157,760 annually, with most professionals earning between $124,290 and $147,290.
| Percentile | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10% Percentile | $113,820 |
| 25% Percentile | $124,290 |
| 50% Percentile (Median) | $135,790 |
| 75% Percentile | $147,290 |
| 90% Percentile | $157,760 |
However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the salary for IT operations manager varies by industry.
For example, the average salary for an IT operations manager in the information industry is $196,060, while those working in computer systems design and related services earn about $171,250.
- Information: $196,060
- Finance and insurance: $176,570
- Manufacturing: $174,790
- Management of companies and enterprises: $172,830
- Computer systems design and related services: $171,250
IT Operations Manager Salary: Hourly, Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly Breakdown
The salary for an IT operations manager can be viewed in hourly, weekly, monthly, and yearly terms. According to Salary.com, the average pay in the United States is $65 per hour, $2,611 per week, and $11,316 per month.
- Average salary per hour: $65
- Average salary per week: $2,611
- Average salary per month: $11,316
- Average salary per year: $135,790
As mentioned earlier, the salary depends on location, experience, and education. The next sections will explain each factor in more detail.
How Experience Impacts IT Operations Manager Salaries?
Experience plays a key role in shaping the salary for an IT operations manager in the United States. While salary differences across experience levels are relatively modest, they are still notable.
Based on Salary.com data, entry-level managers earn around $131,462 less than their more experienced counterparts. Those with the most experience average $138,733 per year.
- Entry Level IT Operations Manager: $131,462
- Intermediate Level IT Operations Manager: $131,981
- Senior Level IT Operations Manager: $133,712
- Specialist Level IT Operations Manager: $135,790
- Expert Level IT Operations Manager: $138,733
State-by-State Breakdown of Average Salaries for IT Operations Managers
Each state or territory offers a different average salary for IT operations managers, shaped by factors like cost of living and local demand.
According to the data, the District of Columbia has the highest average annual salary for managers in the U.S., at $150,390. California ranks second with an average of $149,790 per year, followed closely by Massachusetts at $147,790 per year.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $146,990 |
| Alabama | $124,790 |
| Arkansas | $122,690 |
| Arizona | $132,290 |
| California | $149,790 |
| Colorado | $138,590 |
| Connecticut | $145,090 |
| District of Columbia | $150,390 |
| Delaware | $137,490 |
| Florida | $128,490 |
| Georgia | $130,990 |
| Hawaii | $141,890 |
| Iowa | $129,990 |
| Idaho | $126,790 |
| Illinois | $138,390 |
| Indiana | $130,390 |
| Kansas | $129,290 |
| Kentucky | $127,790 |
| Louisiana | $129,090 |
| Massachusetts | $147,790 |
| Maryland | $139,990 |
| Maine | $132,390 |
| Michigan | $133,690 |
| Minnesota | $138,990 |
| Missouri | $128,990 |
| Mississippi | $121,090 |
| Montana | $128,190 |
| North Carolina | $129,090 |
| North Dakota | $134,190 |
| Nebraska | $127,990 |
| New Hampshire | $137,290 |
| New Jersey | $147,190 |
| New Mexico | $125,790 |
| Nevada | $134,390 |
| New York | $144,390 |
| Ohio | $132,190 |
| Oklahoma | $125,590 |
| Oregon | $137,890 |
| Pennsylvania | $135,190 |
| Rhode Island | $140,790 |
| South Carolina | $127,290 |
| South Dakota | $123,390 |
| Tennessee | $126,890 |
| Texas | $132,490 |
| Utah | $130,090 |
| Virginia | $136,790 |
| Vermont | $133,290 |
| Washington | $147,290 |
| Wisconsin | $133,590 |
| West Virginia | $122,290 |
| Wyoming | $130,190 |
IT Operations Manager Salaries: Top Earning Cities Revealed
According to our pay data, the highest-paying cities for IT operations managers in the United States are San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland, all located in California.
| Top Paying Cities | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $171,290 |
| San Francisco, CA | $169,590 |
| Oakland, CA | $165,790 |
| New York, NY | $157,390 |
| Queens Village, NY | $156,390 |
| Paramus, NJ | $155,290 |
Explore IT Operations Manager Benefits and Perks Beyond Salary
In addition to base pay, IT operations managers often receive a range of benefits and rewards. According to Salary.com data, the average total compensation is $222,120 per year.
- Social Security: $12,430
- 401K/403B: $6,825
- Disability: $3,250
- Healthcare: $8,352
- Pension: $8,774
- Time Off: $19,999
IT Operations Manager Job Description: Roles and Responsibilities
IT operations managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of IT systems, including hardware, software, and networks. They assist teams by ensuring smooth performance and secure access to the tools and data needed to support business goals.
Other key duties include:
- Planning and maintaining network infrastructure (LANs, WANs, wireless)
- Monitoring system and network performance
- Selecting the right hardware and software for internal use
- Managing IT strategies, processes, and documentation
- Handling budgets and resource allocation
- Leading and supporting IT staff
This role typically requires a bachelor’s degree, about 5 years of related experience, and 1–3 years in a supervisory role. They often report to a director and help ensure team goals and project milestones are met.
When and How to Ask for a Raise as an IT Operations Manager?
If you’re working as an IT operations manager and feel you’ve earned a raise, this guide will help you identify the right time to ask and how to present a strong case.
- Show your value: Highlight what you have achieved. This could include improving system performance, leading upgrades, managing cloud projects, or taking on more responsibilities. Explain how your work supports business goals.
- Choose the right time: Ask for a raise when the company is doing well financially, after completing a major project, or during your performance review. Good timing can make your request more effective.
- Set up a formal meeting: Schedule a meeting with your manager to discuss your pay. Avoid bringing it up casually or during a busy time. A formal meeting shows professionalism.
- Back up your request: Research salaries for IT operations managers in your area and compare them to your current pay. Use this information along with your accomplishments. As of July 10, 2025, the average salary for IT operations managers in the United States is $135,790 per year.
Why Does an IT Operations Manager Make So Much?
IT operations managers earn strong salaries because they oversee complex systems, lead IT teams, and ensure technology runs smoothly across the business. Their role requires not only technical expertise but also the ability to manage employees and share knowledge across departments. Earning certifications like ITIL, CompTIA, or cloud-related credentials can help increase their value and pay.
Some skills can lead to higher salaries. For example, according to Salary.com, IT operations managers with SQL skills earn about 5.61% more, and those with operating system experience earn 4.97% more than others.
- SQL: +5.61%
- Operating Systems: +4.97%
- Application Development: +3.03%
- Network Infrastructure: +2.96%
- Cloud Platform: +2.92%
- Data Management: +2.74%
The Future of IT Operations Manager: Job Outlook and Career Trends
IT operations managers, part of the broader category of computer and information systems managers, are expected to see 17 percent job growth from 2023 to 2033. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. About 54,700 openings are projected each year, mainly due to retirements or career changes.
As companies increasingly use cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other digital tools, the need for IT operations managers continues to rise. These professionals help plan and manage systems that support daily business operations.
