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IT Operations Manager Salary Guide 2026
Updated on Jan 13, 2026 | 6 min read | 3.72K+ views
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IT operations managers play a crucial role in maintaining the seamless operation of an organization's IT infrastructure. Demand for qualified IT Operations Managers has increased as companies depend more and more on reliable digital systems that encourage productivity and creativity. Their role is critical to the overall profitability and resilience of modern businesses, prompting recognition of their worth through competitive salaries.
In this post, I have discussed the factors that affect IT Operations Manager salaries across countries, sectors, and job roles. Additionally, we will look at how job duties, industry dynamics, and individual skill sets affect earning potential. This will provide useful knowledge for potential IT operations managers and seasoned professionals trying to figure out how to negotiate salaries in the digital age.
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Who is an IT Operations Manager?
An IT operations manager is responsible for ensuring the functionality and setup of an organization's IT systems. Their responsibility entails making sure that the organization's business needs are satisfied by the IT systems, networks, servers, and software applications operating properly and efficiently. They can also analyze system requirements and make plans for upcoming IT requirements. Depending on the needs of the organization, you may be able to specialize in particular areas of information technology in this capacity, and having an ITSM certification can help validate your skills.
IT Operations Manager Salary in 2026
IT Operations Manager salaries continue to reflect the critical nature of their roles. Here's an overview of the average operations manager's IT salary in various formats:
| Unit | Average Salary |
| Per Hour | $50 - $70 |
| Per Month | $7,000 - $9,500 |
| Per Year | $85,000 - $120,000 |
IT Operations Manager Salary: Based on Experience
To maintain smooth daily operations and keep an eye on an organization's IT infrastructure, IT operations managers are essential. Information technology operations manager salary varies according to experience level:
- Beginner: Salary for entry-level IT operations managers usually ranges from $60,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience level.
- Intermediate: After a few years of experience, intermediate IT operations managers can expect to make between $80,000 and $100,000 annually, which is commensurate with their increasing responsibility and level of knowledge.
- Advanced: Depending on the organization's size and industry, Senior IT Operations Managers with a track record of success and a wealth of experience can earn salaries well into the six-figure range, with some even making $100,000.
IT Operations Manager Salary: Based on Location
- India
Here are the average salaries for IT Operations Managers in key Indian cities:
| City | Average Salary (INR) |
| Bangalore | ₹22,00,000 - ₹33,00,000 |
| Mumbai | ₹24,00,000 - ₹35,00,000 |
| Delhi | ₹23,00,000 - ₹34,00,000 |
| Hyderabad | ₹22,00,000 - ₹33,00,000 |
| Chennai | ₹21,00,000 - ₹32,00,000 |
Top companies in India:
| Company | Average Salary (INR) |
| Infosys | ₹20,00,000 - ₹30,00,000 |
| Tata Consultancy Services | ₹21,00,000 - ₹31,00,000 |
| Wipro | ₹20,00,000 - ₹30,00,000 |
| HCL Technologies | ₹21,00,000 - ₹31,00,000 |
| Tech Mahindra | ₹19,00,000 - ₹29,00,000 |
2. US
Here's the average IT operations manager salary in key US cities:
Top Cities:
| City | Average Salary (USD) |
| San Francisco | $110,000 - $150,000 |
| New York City | $100,000 - $140,000 |
| Seattle | $95,000 - $130,000 |
| Boston | $90,000 - $125,000 |
| Washington, D.C. | $95,000 - $130,000 |
Top Companies:
| Company | Average Salary (USD) |
| $120,000 - $160,000 | |
| Amazon | $115,000 - $155,000 |
| Microsoft | $110,000 - $150,000 |
| Apple | $115,000 - $155,000 |
| $120,000 - $160,000 |
3. UK
Here's the average IT operations manager job salary in key UK cities:
Top Cities:
| City | Average Salary (GBP) |
| London | £50,000 - £70,000 |
| Manchester | £45,000 - £65,000 |
| Birmingham | £45,000 - £65,000 |
| Edinburgh | £48,000 - £68,000 |
| Glasgow | £45,000 - £65,000 |
Top Companies:
| Company | Average Salary (GBP) |
| Accenture | £45,000 - £65,000 |
| IBM | £50,000 - £70,000 |
| Capgemini | £45,000 - £65,000 |
| Deloitte | £48,000 - £68,000 |
| PwC | £47,000 - £67,000 |
4. Australia
Here are the average salaries for IT Operations Managers in key Australian cities:
Top Cities:
| City | Average Salary (AUD) |
| Sydney | $120,000 - $150,000 |
| Melbourne | $110,000 - $140,000 |
| Brisbane | $100,000 - $130,000 |
| Perth | $110,000 - $140,000 |
| Adelaide | $100,000 - $130,000 |
Top Companies:
| Company | Average Salary (AUD) |
| Commonwealth Bank | $110,000 - $140,000 |
| Telstra | $105,000 - $135,000 |
| Westpac Banking Corporation | $100,000 - $130,000 |
| National Australia Bank | $100,000 - $130,000 |
| ANZ Banking Group | $100,000 - $130,000 |
5. Canada
Here are the average salaries for IT Operations Managers in key Canadian cities:
Top Cities:
| City | Average Salary (CAD) |
| Toronto | $80,000 - $110,000 |
| Vancouver | $75,000 - $105,000 |
| Montreal | $70,000 - $100,000 |
| Calgary | $75,000 - $105,000 |
| Ottawa | $75,000 - $105,000 |
Top Companies:
| Company | Average Salary (CAD) |
| Shopify | $85,000 - $120,000 |
| RBC (Royal Bank of Canada) | $80,000 - $115,000 |
| TD Bank | $80,000 - $115,000 |
| Scotiabank | $80,000 - $115,000 |
| Bell Canada | $75,000 - $110,000 |
6. Singapore
Here are the average salaries for IT Operations Managers in key Singapore cities:
Top Cities:
| City | Average Salary (SGD) |
| Singapore | $60,000 - $90,000 |
| Jurong East | $55,000 - $85,000 |
| Orchard | $60,000 - $90,000 |
| Changi | $55,000 - $85,000 |
| Tanjong Pagar | $60,000 - $90,000 |
Top Companies:
| Company | Average Salary (SGD) |
| Singapore Airlines | $65,000 - $95,000 |
| DBS Bank | $70,000 - $100,000 |
| OCBC Bank | $65,000 - $95,000 |
| UOB | $65,000 - $95,000 |
| Singtel | $70,000 - $100,000 |
IT Operations Manager Salary: Based on Job Roles
Here's an overview of average salaries for IT Operations Managers based on job roles in a table format:
| Job Role | Average Salary (USD) |
| IT Operations Manager | $80,000 - $120,000 |
| Senior IT Operations Manager | $100,000 - $150,000 |
| IT Operations Director | $120,000 - $180,000 |
| Head of IT Operations | $130,000 - $200,000 |
| Vice President of IT Operations | $150,000 - $250,000 |
These numbers can vary depending on the region, industry, experience level, and size of the organization. IT operations managers at the entry-level usually make the lowest income, whereas those with more experience and in higher leadership roles receive better pay. The degree of responsibility, strategic impact on the business, and complexity of the work all play a part in the differences in salary amongst IT Operations management job roles.
Factors Affecting IT Operations Manager Salary
Here are the factors that affect IT operations manager's salary per month:
Location
The salary of an IT operations manager is largely influenced by the location of the position. Pay varies according to the cost of living in a certain area. For example, the compensation of an IT Operations Manager in a New York location or San Francisco can be more than that of a manager in a smaller, less expensive location. There is a significant effect; variations range from 10% to 30%. To draw and keep talent, cities with greater cost of living typically provide better salaries.
Industry / Employer / Company
Salary levels for IT operations managers are greatly impacted by the industry they work in. Because of the complexity and importance of the IT infrastructure in these sectors—finance, healthcare, and technology—IT operations managers in these industries typically command higher compensation. Furthermore, compared to smaller businesses, big, global enterprises frequently provide larger salaries.
Experience
For IT operations managers, experience plays a major role in determining salary. Although entry-level managers with little experience could begin with a lower salary, their earning potential rises as they acquire experience and take on more responsibility. For mid-level managers, experience can improve pay by 15%; for senior managers with a lot of experience, it can increase pay by 30% or more.
Demand and Supply
Salary levels may be impacted by the labor market's need for IT Operations Managers. Salaries typically increase when there is a strong demand and a limited supply of qualified workers. The demand for qualified IT Operations Managers is typically high due to the advancement of technology and businesses' growing reliance on reliable IT infrastructure. This has resulted in attractive salaries for these professionals.
Credentials / Certifications
The salary of an IT operations manager can be greatly impacted by possessing the necessary certifications and credentials like ITIL certification. Trustworthy organization certifications show competence and may increase one's earning potential. Employers often recognize and reward professionals who invest in continuous learning and hold certifications relevant to their role.
Skills
Salary levels are also influenced by certain knowledge and talents. IT operations managers are likely to command greater wages if they possess in-demand skills like project management, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
Gaining ongoing training in cutting-edge technologies can increase a manager's value to the company, resulting in salary increases and improved job opportunities. Depending on the particular skill set and how relevant it is to the demands of the company, the influence of skills on income might vary but can range from 10% to 20% or more.
How to Improve IT Operations Manager Salary?
Skills
Keep growing and improving your skill set. Keep updated on developments in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity trends, and upcoming technologies. Gain knowledge in fields like project management, automation, and cloud computing. Possessing both soft and technical abilities can increase your value to companies and even increase your pay.
Certifications
To demonstrate your skills, obtain the necessary certifications. Dedication to professional development is shown by certifications such as ITIL, PMP, CISSP, and brand-specific certifications. Professionals with certifications are highly valued by employers, and possessing them can increase your earning potential.
Degrees
Get advanced degrees or certificates if possible. While advanced degrees or specialized certifications in business administration, IT management, or related subjects are not necessarily required, they might increase your marketability and possibly lead to a higher salary.
Experience
Gain practical experience and assume increasingly demanding positions. Your ability to manage complicated IT processes improves with experience, which makes you an invaluable addition to businesses. Higher pay is frequently associated with job promotions and greater responsibility.
Why is the IT Operations Manager Paid so Much?
Because of the crucial role of their work and the distinct mix of duties and abilities they offer to companies, IT operations managers frequently earn high salaries. There are a number of reasons why IT operations managers make comparatively more money.IT operations managers are essential to maintaining and enhancing an organization's IT infrastructure.
They support the entire business by ensuring that technology systems and services operate efficiently. Productivity, income, and customer happiness can all be significantly impacted by interruptions or outages in IT systems.
IT operations managers usually manage groups of IT specialists, such as support personnel, network engineers, and systems administrators. The role becomes even more complex due to the leadership and coordination responsibilities for the team, resulting in the need for a higher salary.
At Knowledgehut, ITSM certifications are available to help aspiring candidates learn and grasp IT Service Management, hence improving their IT professions.
Conclusion
In brief, a wide range of factors impact the dynamic wage environment of IT operations managers. Geographical location, industry, experience, dynamics of supply and demand, qualifications, and talents are all important factors in deciding salary, as we have shown.
Professionals in this industry can consider higher degrees, seek necessary certifications, concentrate on ongoing skill development, and get practical experience to increase their earning potential. IT Operations Managers will have plenty of chances to boost their income and make a big impact on the performance of their companies. IT operations managers may successfully negotiate this dynamic environment and obtain lucrative compensation packages that appropriately acknowledge their valuable contribution to the always-changing IT industry by remaining proactive, adjusting to new trends, and demonstrating their worth through strategic decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What additional compensation can IT Operations Managers expect?
In addition to base salaries, IT Operations Managers may receive bonuses, profit-sharing, health benefits, retirement contributions, and stock options, enhancing their overall compensation package.
2. What trends are influencing IT Operations Manager salaries?
Market demand for skilled IT Operations Managers, evolving technology landscapes, and a focus on cybersecurity are driving trends influencing salary increases for IT Operations Managers.
3. How does company size impact an IT Operations Manager's salary?
Generally, larger companies offer higher salaries to IT Operations Managers due to the complexity and scale of their IT infrastructure, increased responsibilities, and the more significant impact on business operations.
176 articles published
Manikandan Mohanakrishnan is a highly skilled corporate trainer, consultant, and content developer with expertise in a wide range of areas including ITIL 4, PRINCE2, Agile/Scrum, PMP, DevOps, and soft...
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