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Department Lead Salary in Ohio

How much does a Department Lead make in Ohio? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Department Lead in Ohio is $46,199 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.

However, a Department Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $52,092
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $41,424 to $49,284
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $37,076
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Department Lead Job Openings in Ohio

Key Factors That Influence Department Lead Salaries

A Department Lead's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Department Lead Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Department Lead's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $43,448
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $43,701
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $44,545
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $45,557
  • Expert (over 8 years): $46,285
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Department Lead less than 1 year $43,448
Early Career Level Department Lead 1-2 years $43,701
Mid-Level Level Department Lead 2-4 years $44,545
Senior-Level Level Department Lead 5-8 years $45,557
Expert Level Department Lead over 8 years $46,285

How Do Department Lead Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Department Leads. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $52,534.
  • California: $52,334.
  • Massachusetts: $51,637.

Top Paying Cities for Department Lead

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Dublin: $46,113
  • Etna: $45,922
  • Fredericktown: $44,842

Department Lead Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Department Lead roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Media, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Department Lead positions in Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Department Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Department Lead

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Media $55,439 $27.0 20%

Department Lead Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Department Lead's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$41,424
Average $46,199/year
$49,284
$3,452
Average $3,850/month
$4,107
$797
Average $888/week
$948
$20
Average $22/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $49,284 $4,107 $948 $24
Average $46,199 $3,850 $888 $22
25th Percentile $41,424 $3,452 $797 $20

Find Your Next Department Lead Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Department Lead job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Meijer | Delaware, OH

    Department Lead

    Meijer | Delaware, OH

    Meijer, Inc. Responsibilities:Engaging peers to provide the best possible shopping experience for our customers including an exceptional checkout experienc... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Rural King | Greenville, OH

    Department Lead

    Rural King | Greenville, OH

    Rural King - JobID: 35544 [Department Manager] As an Apparel Department Lead at Rural King, you'll: Ensure the efficient and effective operations of your a... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Rural King | Elyria, OH

    Department Lead

    Rural King | Elyria, OH

    Rural King - JobID: 35503 [Department Manager] As a Department Lead at Rural King, you'll: Ensure the efficient and effective operations of your assigned d... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Rural King | Chillicothe, OH

    Department Lead

    Rural King | Chillicothe, OH

    Rural King - JobID: 35587 [Department Manager] As a Department Lead at Rural King, you'll: Ensure the efficient and effective operations of your assigned d... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Rural King | Wooster, OH

    Department Lead

    Rural King | Wooster, OH

    Rural King - JobID: 35580 [Department Manager] As a Pets/Birds Department Lead at Rural King, you'll: Ensure the efficient and effective operations of your... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Rural King | Lebanon, OH

    Department Lead

    Rural King | Lebanon, OH

    Rural King - 1879 Deerfield Road - Responsibilities: Oversee inventory and pricing changes. Maintain planogram compliance and displays. Ensure department c... more

    2 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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