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Job outlook for operations representatives in the United States
Operations representative job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected operations representative job growth rate is -12% from 2018-2028.
About -43,700 new jobs for operations representatives are projected over the next decade.
Operations representative salaries have increased 9% for operations representatives in the last 5 years.
There are over 19,306 operations representatives currently employed in the United States.
There are 75,789 active operations representative job openings in the US.
The average operations representative salary is $38,127.
Are operations representative jobs in demand?
Operations representative job and salary trends over time
Operations representative jobs over time
Operations representative job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 19,306 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 9,569 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 9,859 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 19,873 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 18,764 | 0.01% |
Average operations representative salary over time
Operations representative salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $38,127 | $18.33 | +4.0% |
| 2024 | $36,675 | $17.63 | +2.4% |
| 2023 | $35,816 | $17.22 | +0.7% |
| 2022 | $35,552 | $17.09 | +1.4% |
| 2021 | $35,060 | $16.86 | +1.3% |
Operations representative jobs by state
Most common states for operations representatives
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vermont | 623,657 | 128 | 21% |
| 2 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 203 | 19% |
| 3 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 529 | 17% |
| 4 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 865 | 16% |
| 5 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 658 | 16% |
| 6 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 135 | 16% |
| 7 | Alaska | 739,795 | 117 | 16% |
| 8 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 94 | 16% |
| 9 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,117 | 15% |
| 10 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 279 | 15% |
| 11 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 207 | 15% |
| 12 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,426 | 14% |
| 13 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,266 | 14% |
| 14 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 150 | 14% |
| 15 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 94 | 14% |
| 16 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 2,635 | 13% |
| 17 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,628 | 13% |
| 18 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,298 | 13% |
| 19 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 742 | 13% |
| 20 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 415 | 13% |
Most common cities for operations representatives
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lewiston | 5 | 14% | $38,038 |
| 2 | Coral Gables | 5 | 10% | $33,445 |
| 3 | Glen Ellyn | 2 | 7% | $37,522 |
| 4 | West Des Moines | 4 | 6% | $35,115 |
| 5 | Annapolis | 2 | 5% | $49,011 |
| 6 | Miami | 10 | 2% | $33,436 |
| 7 | Edison | 2 | 2% | $44,659 |
| 8 | Germantown | 2 | 2% | $48,240 |
| 9 | Atlanta | 3 | 1% | $35,043 |
| 10 | Scottsdale | 3 | 1% | $35,167 |
| 11 | Fort Wayne | 2 | 1% | $33,803 |
| 12 | Rochester | 2 | 1% | $48,721 |
| 13 | Jacksonville | 4 | 0% | $32,363 |
| 14 | Los Angeles | 3 | 0% | $47,942 |
| 15 | Phoenix | 3 | 0% | $35,262 |
Operations Representative job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of operations representative experts
California State University - San Bernardino
University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
Brazosport College
What's a good job out of college for Operations Representatives?
Daniel MacDonald Ph.D.: A good job out of college is one that fits the candidate's skills but which still gives them potential for growth. A computer scientist should not be working as an assistant editor for a newspaper, while a political scientist should not be working on spreadsheets for a bank. Even though students have a lot of debt after graduating college, it's important to keep your mind on the bigger picture and not simply take the first offer that comes across their desk.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Operations Representative job market given the pandemic?
Dorothy Zilic: There are some aspects of COVID-19 that have been eye-opening in terms of exploring options to accomplish tasks and maintain services. From discussions with regional employers and HR professionals, it appears that there may be more virtual/remote opportunities. There has not always been a work-from-home mentality in many industries, but due to COVID-19, many more employers have adapted and been innovative in their practices to open up the format of the work. It does appear that some remote options may continue given the success that they have seen in various areas of work performed. Several companies have begun using virtual trainings with their employees for instance, which I believe will also see a continuation.
Aspects to the recruitment process may continue, such as virtual information sessions from recruiters across the county to virtual interviewing. Virtual and/or video interviews had begun to take off prior to last March and it has been very beneficial to giving the students and alumni opportunities to connect, use technology, and make a positive impression. Many networking opportunities that have been significant in the past have continued in virtual platforms. It is important to make valuable connections and this can be done in different formats. The importance of skills that employers have looked for universally also still appears to be consistent. Some examples include: verbal and written communication, organization, adaptability, leadership, and problem solving. More than ever, familiarity with technology and the ability to be flexible can be helpful within one's work.
Students may also see less of a barrier to their geographic location, if they do not want to move. They may want to explore remote/virtual opportunities where they can utilize technology to help them gain valuable experience and/or enter the workforce.
What soft skills should all Operations Representatives possess?
Dorothy Zilic: This is a time to consider all kinds of opportunities for one's next step. Every opportunity can open a new door. Graduates may want to explore their options. There are many employers hiring. Colleges and universities are working to connect students and especially graduates to employment and opportunities for continuing education. There are virtual and in-person job and internship fairs, graduate school information sessions, prospects for public-service positions, and virtual interview and networking opportunities. Many schools are not only working to connect students with employers, but also with caring and supportive alumni. There are many opportunities to connect for career-related opportunities, service learning, and mentoring.
There are entry-level options both in the private and public sector. Management training programs and rotational leadership programs are both examples of a starting point for business-related students to enter the workforce, enhance their experience, and build skills for success in their current position, as well as to make lateral moves and to ultimately look toward upper-level positions. I encourage students to look into options also within the government to learn what kinds of opportunities exist for your major.
What will help Operations Representatives increase their earning potential?
Dorothy Zilic: Experience continues to be an important factor when entering the workforce in numerous fields. The majority of employers want to see some kind of related experience, such as an internship, part-time employment, volunteer/service and course-related experiences relevant to their major. There are many employers offering internships, both in-person and virtual. There are also numerous volunteer opportunities to explore that are virtual in nature. This can be a time to be creative! Some students and graduates start their own businesses for example.
It is important to look at the requirements of entry-level jobs within the industry to know what experience one should strive for throughout his/her college career. There are several fields, such as Accounting and Public Relations/Marketing, where more than one internship may be advisable. Including a "Related Experience" section on a resume allows the students/candidates to display their most relevant work quickly to an employer.
Skills are also noteworthy and may help someone to be a competitive applicant when applying. Are there skills the employer is seeking, such as needing proficiency with Excel for an Accounting position? In addition to highlighting examples of related experience on a resume, skills are essential to include on a resume, cover letter, and/or in an interview. There may be skills specific to the position and also transferable skills.
Transferrable skills are beneficial to showcase because they transcend the position. These skills may be applicable to any position and often when employers interview, they use behavioral interviewing to determine how someone has reacted/acted in the past to help them to predict how the person will behave in the future. These skills and also one's attitude can show he/she is a capable and enthusiastic candidate.
While in college, students may work in different areas other than their chosen field of study. They may have had part-time positions that are more related to their major, but they might not be as directly related. It is important to think about each position/experience one has had, what has been learned, and what strengths have been brought out or enhanced. When talking to students about their strengths, I often ask the question, "What was the worst day you had on the job?" Thinking about one's most difficult day and how he/she handled it can demonstrate where a person's strengths lie and this is important to remember when talking about skills, abilities, and values. Connecting with the institution's career centers and all the wonderful resources at one's disposal (e.g., faculty, advisors, staff, peers, personal network) can help students not only navigate the job search process, but also to learn how to effectively discuss their experience, skills, and how to market/brand themselves. Each person has so much to give and bring to a position. I encourage students to think about their experiences (e.g., course-related, employment, internship, volunteer, club/organization, public service) and the valuable things they take away from them.
What will help Operations Representatives increase their earning potential?
Kenneth Resecker: In our field, your earning potential is both deep and wide. What I mean by that is, a Process Technician can make a lot of money, and can also fill a lot of different roles within the industry. The Process Technology field is present in a variety of different markets: chemical and petrochemical, pharmaceutical, water treatment, paper production, oil & gas exploration, and many more. There's a wide variety of options to choose from and the amount of money that can be made in any of them depends on the person's drive to excel. Many in the Process Technology field are satisfied with being a technician for their entire career with a 100k salary each year. Others, who may not want to stay in the same role that long, have a variety of different roles they could transition to. Many technicians move in to training roles, become a Technical Advisor, or move up to a supervisor position. So, like I said, the biggest factor to a person's earning potential increasing would be their individual drive to want to do more. The possibilities are near endless if the person wants to pursue them.