Salary Data

Operations Manager Salary in Los Angeles

$109,000

median salary, 18% above the national average

According to Orbyt's 2026 salary analysis, the average Operations Manager salary in Los Angeles is $109,000. Salaries range from $83,000 (25th percentile) to $142,000 (75th percentile), adjusted for Los Angeles's cost of living.

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Salary range

25th Percentile

$83,000

per year

Median

$109,000

per year

75th Percentile

$142,000

per year

How Los Angeles compares

Los Angeles, CA

$109,000

Cost of living: 18% above average

National Average

$92,000

Los Angeles is $17,000 above

Operations Manager job market in Los Angeles

Los Angeles market overview

Los Angeles blends a thriving entertainment industry with a growing tech and startup ecosystem, often called Silicon Beach. The city's diverse economy spans aerospace, healthcare, fashion, and gaming. LA offers strong salaries that, while below San Francisco levels, pair with a broader lifestyle appeal and lower housing costs relative to the Bay Area.

What drives Operations Manager salaries

Industry, scope of operations (regional vs. national), and P&L responsibility are the largest factors. Operations managers in technology, logistics, and healthcare earn more than those in retail or hospitality. Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or large scale process automation directly correlates with higher compensation.

Beyond base salary

Total compensation

Bonuses of 10 to 20% tied to efficiency metrics, cost savings, or throughput targets are standard. Profit sharing arrangements are common in manufacturing and logistics. Equity is available at tech companies. Benefits often include vehicle allowances and relocation packages for multi site responsibilities.

Tax considerations in Los Angeles

California's 13.3% top state income tax rate applies to LA earners as well. There is no city income tax, but the high state rate makes take home pay lower than cities in no income tax states.

Career progression

Operations coordinators start at $45,000 to $60,000, advancing to operations manager at $80,000 to $110,000 in three to five years. Senior operations managers earn $110,000 to $145,000. Directors of Operations reach $145,000 to $200,000, and VP/COO roles at mid to large companies can exceed $250,000.

Top industries in Los Angeles

Entertainment & MediaAerospace & DefenseTechnologyHealthcareFashion

Negotiating in Los Angeles

Highlight cross industry skills. LA employers value candidates who bridge entertainment and tech, so framing your experience across verticals can unlock higher offers.

Operations Manager salary FAQ

Six Sigma Black Belt certification typically adds $10,000 to $20,000 in annual salary and is frequently listed as a preferred qualification for senior operations roles. The certification signals quantitative process improvement expertise that directly translates to measurable cost savings for employers.

Tech and logistics operations managers earn 15 to 30% more than those in retail or hospitality at comparable levels. Healthcare operations also pays well due to regulatory complexity. The gap reflects the differing revenue impact and complexity of operational challenges across these sectors.

Operations Managers in Los Angeles commonly receive benefits including health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, and professional development budgets. Many employers also offer remote work flexibility, signing bonuses, and performance based bonuses. Total compensation often exceeds base salary by 20% to 40%.

Los Angeles offers competitive compensation for Operations Managers relative to its cost of living. The local job market, industry presence, and quality of life all factor into whether Los Angeles is the right fit. Consider using Orbyt's Salary Playbook to compare offers across cities and factor in your personal financial situation.

Entry level Operations Manager positions in Los Angeles typically start around $83,000 or slightly below, depending on the company and your educational background. Candidates with relevant internships, certifications, or portfolio projects can often negotiate toward the median of $109,000.

Operations Manager salary in other cities

Other salaries in Los Angeles

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