How to Become an Operations Manager
Run the day-to-day of an organization across departments, one of the most common and versatile leadership roles in business. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $105,770 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$105,770/yr
Job growth
3%
Openings / yr
308,700
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Operations Leadership
- Budgeting
- Process Improvement
- People Management
- Decision Making
Helpful certifications
- PMP (Project Management Professional)
- Lean Six Sigma
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- Entrepreneur / Business Founder$213,990 median
- Human Resources Manager$149,280 median
- Sales Manager$148,270 median
- Purchasing Manager$148,080 median
- Administrative Services Manager$114,130 median
- Facilities Manager$106,660 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Operations Manager make?
The median pay for an Operations Manager is $105,770 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become an Operations Manager?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Business Administration, Management, Finance, and Industrial Engineering.
Is Operations Manager a growing field?
The BLS projects about average demand for this role, about 3% over the decade, with roughly 308,700 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does an Operations Manager use most?
Common skills for this role are Operations Leadership, Budgeting, Process Improvement, People Management, and Decision Making.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.