What General and Operations Managers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of General and Operations Managers this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products"; "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 administrative activities directly related to making products or providing services"; "Prepare staff work schedules and assign specific duties"; "Monitor suppliers to ensure that they efficiently and effectively provide needed goods or services within budgetary limits".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree. Work experience in a related occupation is typically 5 years or more.
Job outlook for General and Operations Managers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 3,599,000 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 3,780,300 in 2035, an increase of 181,300 jobs (+5%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 285,000 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 7.9% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $105,770, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where General and Operations Managers earn the most
Across the 42 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $80,308 in Arkansas to $156,460 in District of Columbia, a gap of $76,152 (1.95 times). 22 of those 42 states average above the BLS national median of $105,770 and 20 average at or below it.
Texas employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 399,400, which is 8.9% of the 4,468,810 counted across them. California follows with 286,340.
Highest-paying states
District of Columbia ($156,460), New Jersey ($145,883) and West Virginia ($145,446) lead the ranking, while Arkansas ($80,308) and Idaho ($81,136) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
General and Operations Managers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 92 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $91,495. The smallest margin is $40,814 in Fayette County, KY.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 92 of the 92 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 11.3% and 32.7% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to General and Operations Managers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (11-1000) include Chief Executives.
Frequently asked questions about General and Operations Managers
What is the national median wage for General and Operations Managers?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $105,770. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $80,308 to $156,460.
Which state pays General and Operations Managers the most?
District of Columbia, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $156,460. New Jersey is next at $145,883.
What is the job outlook for General and Operations Managers?
BLS projects employment to grow by 5% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 285,000 openings a year.
What education do General and Operations Managers need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, with work experience in a related occupation of 5 years or more, according to BLS.
Where can General and Operations Managers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $91,495 on a median wage of $156,460.