Okay, let’s tackle this. So J.d. Barnes has a mix of skills in operations management, leadership, and employee engagement. His experience in managing operations and logistics, combined with his leadership and organizational development skills, puts him in a mid-tier category. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for management occupations in the Midwest region is around $80,000. However, this figure doesn’t account for specific skills or industries. Considering his skills and experience, I’d estimate his hourly rate to be around $75, which is slightly below the national average for similar positions. This rate is also in line with entry-level or junior operations managers in the region.