General and Operations Managers
General and operations managers plan, direct, and coordinate the daily operations of organizations across public and private sectors. They oversee multiple departments or locations, formulating policies, managing resources, and ensuring smooth organizational functioning. These managers work in diverse industries including manufacturing, healthcare, retail, government, and professional services.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against general and operations managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves meetings with department heads to review performance and address operational issues. Managers analyze budgets, approve expenditures, and allocate resources across departments. They respond to staffing needs, review reports on productivity and quality metrics, and communicate organizational policies. Time is split between strategic planning for long-term goals and handling immediate operational challenges that arise across different business units.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECS. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy leading organizations and making strategic business decisions if you excel in this role. You're comfortable with detail-oriented work and established procedures, preferring to work within structured systems. People drawn to this career typically combine enterprising ambition with conventional practicality.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (General Manager) · Federal Aviation Administration · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · $204980–$228000
- General Manager, SMB - US-Based · Toptal · USA · Remote
- General Manager, Industrial Products & Services - US Based · Toptal · USA · Remote
- Director, Category Growth (General Manager) · StockX · Remote · Remote
- Vacation Rentals General Manager · Commander, Navy Installations Command · Key West, Florida · $79533–$103399
- Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist (Assistant General Manager) · Federal Aviation Administration · Multiple Locations · $158911–$198638
- Regional General Manager, Market Performance Central US · Luna Physical Therapy · USA · Remote
- Regional General Manager, Market Performance Western US · Luna Physical Therapy · USA · Remote
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $111,580 | $173,690 | $284,250 | 53,000 |
| District of Columbia | $127,110 | $168,000 | $204,890 | 36,150 |
| South Dakota | $105,210 | $137,400 | $185,100 | 4,280 |
| Connecticut | $95,300 | $137,220 | $207,860 | 39,070 |
| Delaware | $97,920 | $137,220 | $200,010 | 5,000 |
| Washington | $101,030 | $133,750 | $188,290 | 50,630 |
| Colorado | $91,180 | $131,840 | $195,190 | 41,870 |
| New York | $85,770 | $130,860 | $209,110 | 206,740 |
| Massachusetts | $82,190 | $127,220 | $199,540 | 95,880 |
| New Hampshire | $79,830 | $124,680 | $175,660 | 22,110 |
| California | $81,620 | $124,390 | $186,230 | 300,840 |
| Virginia | $78,240 | $122,080 | $178,490 | 103,590 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Hospitality Trainer (CHT) — American Hotel and Lodging Association Educational Institute
- Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC) — Irrigation Association
- Certified Revenue Cycle Professional (CRCP) — American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management
- Public Power Customer Service Manager (PPCSM) — American Public Power Association
- Key Account Certificate Program (KPPAE) — American Public Power Association
- Certified Facility Manager (CFM) — International Facility Management Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
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Four short assessments and your background, scored against general and operations managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 11-1021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.