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Account manager vs operations manager

The differences between account managers and operations managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become an account manager, becoming an operations manager takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an operations manager has an average salary of $76,894, which is higher than the $68,535 average annual salary of an account manager.

The top three skills for an account manager include customer service, account management and healthcare. The most important skills for an operations manager are customer service, logistics, and continuous improvement.

Account manager vs operations manager overview

Account ManagerOperations Manager
Yearly salary$68,535$76,894
Hourly rate$32.95$36.97
Growth rate5%6%
Number of jobs152,261343,868
Job satisfaction45
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age4644
Years of experience86

What does an account manager do?

Account managers are employees who act as the bridge between the company they represent and the client of the company. They are assigned to handle specific clients so that the company will be able to tailor-fit any product or service according to the clients' requirements. Account managers are responsible for maintaining a harmonious relationship between the two parties by ensuring that any agreement made is amenable to both the company and the client. They are also responsible for ensuring that the company will be able to provide the needs of the client within any limitation that the client may have. Account managers also ensure that the company's reputation and well-being are always considered in any dealings.

What does an operations manager do?

Operations managers are in charge of running the main business of the organization. They ensure that the business is running smoothly from an operations standpoint. They make sure that the processes in place produce the necessary output by implementing quality control measures. They also manage finances and ensure that there is enough budget to keep the operations of the business running. They also ensure that the production of goods or services is cost-efficient. Operations managers also handle people-related concerns. They are responsible for interviewing candidates, choosing the ones to hire, and ensuring that individuals assigned to operations are properly trained.

Account manager vs operations manager salary

Account managers and operations managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Account ManagerOperations Manager
Average salary$68,535$76,894
Salary rangeBetween $42,000 And $110,000Between $47,000 And $123,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonDelaware
Best paying companyNVIDIAMcKinsey & Company Inc
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between account manager and operations manager education

There are a few differences between an account manager and an operations manager in terms of educational background:

Account ManagerOperations Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Account manager vs operations manager demographics

Here are the differences between account managers' and operations managers' demographics:

Account ManagerOperations Manager
Average age4644
Gender ratioMale, 54.8% Female, 45.2%Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 4.1% White, 78.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 6.4% White, 67.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage7%10%

Differences between account manager and operations manager duties and responsibilities

Account manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage financial departments with responsibility for managing payroll, bank re-consolidations, bank deposits, budgeting and cost control.
  • Manage $4 million territory encompassing three Mid-Atlantic states.
  • Manage new business and renewals for leading Saas legal solution.
  • Manage an inside sales territory of multiple states with Avaya technology solutions.
  • Negotiate and manage all contracts and pricing for IDN's in the territory.
  • Manage customers' accounts utilizing laptop and internet base CMS reporting software and ADM field guide.
  • Show more

Operations manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage and lead operations that include performance management, organizational development, employment compliance, employee relations, payroll management.
  • Manage 2HVAC system retrofit replacement teams.
  • Manage all invoices, A/P, A/R and other accounting duties.
  • Manage computer operation teams supporting propriety and DoD programs at the Lewisville site.
  • Manage 45 person division and day to day operations of scheduling, communications, A/R, A/P and customer care.
  • Manage the export booking and documentation department ensuring smooth on-time delivery.
  • Show more

Account manager vs operations manager skills

Common account manager skills
  • Customer Service, 19%
  • Account Management, 8%
  • Healthcare, 6%
  • CRM, 6%
  • Product Knowledge, 5%
  • PowerPoint, 5%
Common operations manager skills
  • Customer Service, 23%
  • Logistics, 7%
  • Continuous Improvement, 6%
  • Payroll, 5%
  • Project Management, 4%
  • Process Improvement, 4%

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