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What is an operations sergeant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being an operations sergeant. For example, did you know that they make an average of $25.1 an hour? That's $52,200 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 6% and produce 189,200 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreOperations SergeantUS Average
Salary
4.1

Avg. Salary $52,200

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
10.0

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
2.3
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.37%

Asian 1.76%

Black or African American 11.58%

Hispanic or Latino 14.75%

Unknown 3.92%

White 66.63%

Gender

female 9.94%

male 90.06%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress level
10.0

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.6

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Operations sergeant career paths

Key steps to become an operations sergeant

  1. Explore operations sergeant education requirements

    Most common operations sergeant degrees

    Bachelor's

    46.8 %

    Associate

    32.9 %

    High School Diploma

    8.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific operations sergeant skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Combat12.98%
    Logistical Support9.33%
    Professional Development5.84%
    Tactical Operations5.39%
    Training Programs4.08%
  3. Complete relevant operations sergeant training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New operations sergeants learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an operations sergeant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real operations sergeant resumes.
  4. Gain additional operations sergeant certifications

    Operations sergeant certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific operations sergeant certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for operations sergeants include Physical Security Certification (PSC) and Certified Law Enforcement Analysts (CLEA).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research operations sergeant duties and responsibilities

    • Manage and compile all personnel records for enrollment into ROTC.
    • Plan, implement, and manage the maintenance of 16 CH-47D helicopters and all platoon equipment, value at $528M.
    • Orchestrate squadron recognition programs, manage enlisted promotion recommendations and alleviate all airmen quality force issues.
    • Develop and execute demanding and realistic training exercises to ensure operational readiness of attendees to ensure troops are ready for combat.
  6. Prepare your operations sergeant resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your operations sergeant resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an operations sergeant resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable operations sergeant resume templates

    Build a professional operations sergeant resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your operations sergeant resume.
    Operations Sergeant Resume
    Operations Sergeant Resume
    Operations Sergeant Resume
    Operations Sergeant Resume
    Operations Sergeant Resume
    Operations Sergeant Resume
    Operations Sergeant Resume
    Operations Sergeant Resume
    Operations Sergeant Resume
  7. Apply for operations sergeant jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an operations sergeant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first operations sergeant job

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Average operations sergeant salary

The average operations sergeant salary in the United States is $52,200 per year or $25 per hour. Operations sergeant salaries range between $38,000 and $70,000 per year.

Average operations sergeant salary
$52,200 Yearly
$25.10 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do operations sergeants rate their job?

4/5

Out of 1 Operations Sergeant reviews, 100% were positive.

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Based on 1 ratings

Pay / salary
4.0
Work/life balance
4.0
Overall rating
4.0
Career growth
5.0

Operations sergeant reviews

profile
4.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2024
Pros

The role of an Operations Sergeant is crucial within the U.S. Army. Let’s delve into the pros of this position: Leadership and Guidance: As a senior NCO, the operations sergeant oversees enlisted staff personnel, providing counsel to the operations officer. They lead, guide, and train Soldiers, ensuring unit standard operating procedures are developed and enforced. Staff Coordination: The operations sergeant supervises staff actions based on the executive officer’s guidance. They drive staff operations toward mission goals, reporting to both the operations officer and the executive officer. Their role is pivotal in achieving effective staff coordination. Force Multiplier: By properly defining the position and educating sergeants major on their responsibilities, the Army can create successful operations sergeants who positively influence their units. This contributes to strong, cohesive, and combat-ready organizations prepared for future challenges. Remember, the operations sergeant plays a vital role in ensuring efficient operations and mission success!

Cons

Working as an Operations Sergeant comes with both challenges and rewards. Let’s explore some of the cons: Leadership Challenges: As an Operations Sergeant, you’ll face the responsibility of overseeing enlisted staff personnel and providing counsel to the operations officer. Balancing leadership and guidance can be demanding, especially during high-pressure situations. Long Deployments: Operations Sergeants often deploy to various locations, which can mean extended periods away from family and loved ones. Coping with separation can be emotionally challenging. Intense Workload: The role involves developing unit standard operating procedures, enforcing discipline, and ensuring mission success. The workload can be demanding, requiring attention to detail and adaptability. Remember that while there are cons, there are also valuable experiences and opportunities for growth in this role.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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