Operations Manager Salary in the US
Operations Manager Salary Range
$112,350
$158,100
Low Range
High Range
Midpoint
This salary range represents a national benchmark in USD. Regional salary adjustment factors can be applied below to estimate how compensation may shift by state.
Salary benchmarks are based on a mix of TQR internal data and external market research for specialized manufacturing and technical roles in the U.S.
Operations Manager salaries in the Packaging industry typically range from $112,350 to $158,100, with a midpoint of $134,600. Compensation varies based on manufacturing leadership experience, operational complexity, Lean Manufacturing expertise, team management, financial responsibility, and the ability to improve plant performance and profitability.
What the Salary Percentiles Mean
The following range has been generated based on real salary data across North America.
$112,350
$158,100
$112,350
25th percentile
Employees in this section often have a lower level of experience or skills and
are still growing into their role. This role may also be at a small to medium-sized business.
$134,600
50th percentile
Employees in this section typically demonstrate the required level of experience plus many skills that are deemed an asset. This role is likely at a medium-sized business.
$158,100
75th percentile
Employees in this section typically demonstrate a higher-level of expertise and/or enhanced qualifications. They should also have a proven track record and cultural fit. This role is likely at a larger business.
Regional Salary Adjustments
Salary ranges can vary by region based on cost of living, labor competition, industry concentration, and talent availability. The map below shows regional adjustment factors that can be applied to the national salary benchmark as a directional guide.
Factors That Affect an Operations Manager’s Salary
Operations Manager compensation can vary based on plant size, manufacturing complexity, team size, operational responsibility, continuous improvement experience, and leadership scope. Employers may need to adjust compensation when the role includes multi-department oversight, Lean Manufacturing leadership, budget responsibility, change management initiatives, or significant accountability for safety, quality, service, and productivity.
Operations Manager Job Description:
An Operations Manager oversees daily manufacturing operations within a packaging facility to ensure production, quality, safety, service, and productivity objectives are consistently achieved. This role helps companies improve operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, equipment performance, workforce productivity, and overall plant profitability through effective leadership, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Operations Managers often work closely with production, maintenance, engineering, quality, warehousing, planning, and supply chain teams. Their work may include managing manufacturing operations, improving equipment uptime, reducing waste, implementing Lean Manufacturing initiatives, developing production teams, monitoring operational performance, and ensuring compliance with safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements. In a manufacturing environment, the role is highly operational while maintaining a strong focus on leadership and change management.
Operations Managers are expected to understand how manufacturing performance impacts productivity, quality, customer service, cost, and overall business success. Strong candidates typically combine manufacturing leadership experience with operational expertise, continuous improvement knowledge, financial awareness, problem-solving ability, communication skills, and sound decision-making to build high-performing teams and drive a culture of safety, accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
Common Responsibilities:
Leading change management initiatives that support business growth and operational excellence.
Developing production plans, staffing strategies, and workforce capabilities to meet customer demand.
Monitoring operational KPIs and implementing corrective actions to improve productivity, quality, and service levels.
Driving a safety-first culture while ensuring compliance with GMP, environmental regulations, company SOPs, and workplace safety standards.
Collaborating with Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Customer Service teams to improve manufacturing performance and customer satisfaction.
Managing operational resources, material utilization, and cost improvement initiatives to maximize profitability.
Ensuring compliance with company policies, food defense programs, and applicable regulatory requirements while promoting a culture of operational excellence.
Operations Manager Salary USA Guide 2026 | TQR
TQR recruits for specialized roles across industrial automation, manufacturing, packaging, food production, life sciences, and related technical markets. Current openings may include engineering, operations, maintenance, quality, supply chain, and plant leadership roles.
View current opportunities or submit your resume to be considered for future roles that match your background.
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