General and operations managers
SOC Code: 11-1021Also known as:
Area Manager, Boards and Commissions Director, Business Coordinator, Business Manager, Center Manager
Median Annual Salary
$102,950
+4.4% growth (2024-2034)
309K
Openings/Year
3.7M
Current Jobs
What General and operations managers Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.
💰 Salary
$102,950
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.4%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
309K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
5 years or more
Required before entry
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
3,712,900
Projected Employment (2034)
3,876,800
Related Careers
Chief executives
$206,420 •
+4.3% growth
Administrative services managers
$108,390 •
+4.6% growth
Facilities managers
$104,690 •
+3.8% growth
Industrial production managers
$121,440 •
+1.9% growth
First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
$84,130 •
+0.0% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Review financial statements, sales or activity reports, or other performance data to measure productivity or goal achievement or to identify areas needing cost reduction or program improvement.
- Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.
- Direct administrative activities directly related to making products or providing services.
- Prepare staff work schedules and assign specific duties.
- Direct or coordinate financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.
- Plan or direct activities, such as sales promotions, that require coordination with other department managers.
- Perform personnel functions, such as selection, training, or evaluation.
- Establish or implement departmental policies, goals, objectives, or procedures in conjunction with board members, organization officials, or staff members.
- Monitor suppliers to ensure that they efficiently and effectively provide needed goods or services within budgetary limits.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for General and operations managers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a general and operations managers:
Business Administration and Management, General
336,590 degrees awarded •
2,332 colleges offer this program
Business/Commerce, General
57,976 degrees awarded •
815 colleges offer this program
Finance, General
49,828 degrees awarded •
745 colleges offer this program
Management Science
34,245 degrees awarded •
348 colleges offer this program
Public Administration
13,898 degrees awarded •
426 colleges offer this program
Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies
10,661 degrees awarded •
548 colleges offer this program
International Business/Trade/Commerce
6,933 degrees awarded •
392 colleges offer this program
Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management
2,454 degrees awarded •
185 colleges offer this program
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management, General
2,129 degrees awarded •
122 colleges offer this program
Retail Management
1,434 degrees awarded •
57 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a General and operations managers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become general and operations managers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do general and operations managers make?
The median annual salary for general and operations managers is $102,950.
What education do general and operations managers need?
Most general and operations managers positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Business Administration and Management, General, Business/Commerce, General, Finance, General.
Is becoming general and operations managers a good career choice?
General and operations managers is projected to see +4.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 308,700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for general and operations managers?
Top colleges for aspiring general and operations managers include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of Southern California, Northwestern University, New York University, University of Florida.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to general and operations managers?
General and operations managers may also be known as: Area Manager, Boards and Commissions Director, Business Coordinator, Business Manager, Center Manager, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Corporate Manager, Department Manager, Department Store General Manager (Dept Store GM), Department Store Manager (Dept Store Manager), District Commercial Superintendent, District Manager, District Plant Superintendent, District Traffic Chief, District Wire Chief, Division Toll Wire Chief, Division Traffic Superintendent, Drilling and Production Superintendent, Electrical Superintendent, Equipment Maintenance Superintendent.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.