General and Operations Managers

Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed

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.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $105,770/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$50,090$253,390

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +4.4% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.

About 308,700 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills

SpeakingReading ComprehensionMonitoringActive ListeningCritical ThinkingCoordinationSocial PerceptivenessManagement of Personnel ResourcesActive LearningPersuasion

Top knowledge areas

Administration and ManagementCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageProduction and ProcessingMathematicsPersonnel and Human ResourcesAdministrativeEconomics and Accounting

Core tasks

• 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.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for General and Operations Managers?

The median pay for General and Operations Managers is $105,770 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for General and Operations Managers?

Employment for General and Operations Managers is projected to change +4.4% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for General and Operations Managers?

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for General and Operations Managers?

About 308,700 openings per year, on average, over the decade.