Highest-Paying Owner/Manager Jobs in 2026
Research Summary. The Zippia data team has analyzed a comprehensive mix of public government and corporate data, alongside insights from thousands of job postings, to provide average salary estimates for owner/manager positions across the United States as of 2026. This report highlights the highest-paying owner/manager roles based on these average annual salaries.
Here’s a summary of our findings for the top-paying owner/manager job titles:
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The highest-paid role is Managing Partner, boasting an average salary of $147,401 and an average hourly rate of $70.87.
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Next is the Director/Manager, with an average salary of $128,735.
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On average, owner/managers earn $75,822 per year, translating to an hourly wage of $36.45.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be a challenging endeavor. While salary shouldn’t be the sole factor in your decision-making process, it remains a crucial consideration. For those aspiring to become owner/managers, understanding the highest-paying roles can be instrumental in planning your career trajectory.
Here’s a closer look at the top salaries for various owner/manager positions:
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Managing Partner
Average Salary: $147,401
Managing partners oversee daily operations and guide the overall strategic direction of a company. They are responsible for fostering client relationships and collaborating with employees, executives, and board members. Their duties include recruitment oversight, identifying operational gaps, and implementing corrective measures. Generally, a degree in business administration or a related field, alongside strong leadership and communication skills, is required.
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Director/Manager
Average Salary: $128,735
The Director/Manager role focuses on developing strategies to enhance organizational efficiency and ensuring high-quality service delivery to clients. They identify business opportunities aligned with long-term goals, manage departmental budgets, and allocate resources effectively. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential for managing team performance and addressing employee concerns.
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Managing Owner
Average Salary: $111,101
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Lead Manager
Average Salary: $101,883
Lead managers are responsible for overseeing a specific office or department’s progress. Their tasks typically include generating progress reports, managing budgets, and devising strategies to meet targets. They must also champion projects and inspire staff while upholding company policies.
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Manager/Partner
Average Salary: $95,382
Manager/Partners oversee daily operations while steering the company’s strategic direction. They collaborate closely with other executives and employees to implement organizational goals and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. Maintaining positive client relationships and driving new business are also key responsibilities.
Below is a detailed table of the average pay for various owner/manager roles, showcasing the highest earners:
Highest-Paying Types Of Owner/Managers
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Managing Partner | |
| 2 | Director/Manager | |
| 3 | Managing Owner | |
| 4 | Lead Manager | |
| 5 | Manager/Partner | |
| 6 | Manager Executive | |
| 7 | General Manager/Partner | |
| 8 | Business Manager | |
| 9 | Operations Manager, District | |
| 10 | Retail Operation Manager | |
| 11 | General Manager | |
| 12 | Studio Manager | |
| 13 | Co-Manager | |
| 14 | Account Operations Manager | |
| 15 | Office And Operations Manager | |
| 16 | Store Manager | |
| 17 | Salon Manager | |
| 18 | Co-Manager/Store Manager | |
| 19 | Assistant Manager, Sales | |
| 20 | Assistant Manager/Manager Training |
Methodology
Zippia utilizes publicly available information from government agencies, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), to produce salary estimates.
Additionally, our data science team examines job postings and company reports for the most current salary information for owner/managers.
Once the data is compiled, we calculate a weighted average for each job title. For further details on our salary estimates, please review our detailed methodology.
FAQs About Highest-Paying Owner/Manager Jobs
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What is the highest-paid owner/manager job?
The highest-paid owner/manager job is that of a Managing Partner. Managing Partners earn an average salary of $147,401, or $70.87 per hour.
This role primarily involves overseeing a company’s daily operations and making strategic and administrative decisions. Maintaining client relations and collaborating with other executives and staff is essential. Qualifications typically include a degree in business administration or a related field, along with strong leadership and communication skills.
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What is a good salary for an owner/manager?
A good salary for an owner/manager is $75,822 or more. This figure indicates that those earning at least this amount are above average in their pay.
Keep in mind that average salaries can vary based on location, as companies adjust pay according to the cost of living in specific areas. Researching local averages for your expertise and experience level can provide a clearer picture of your compensation.
Moreover, for those just starting in the owner/manager field, the entry-level salary may be significantly lower than the $75,822 figure, which includes all experience levels.
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Do Owner/Manager jobs pay well?
Yes, owner/manager jobs generally offer competitive salaries. While there is variability based on the specific role and industry, the average salary of $75,822 is significantly higher than the average national income of approximately $44,225 per year.
Many owner/manager roles also have substantial earning potential, with the top 10% earning notably more.
However, salaries can fluctuate based on experience, industry, and location, so it’s wise to conduct thorough research on the going rates in your area and feel confident negotiating your salary based on this information.
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Where do owner/managers get paid the most?
Owner/Managers earn the highest salaries in New York. In New York, the average annual salary for owner/managers is $116,655, with an hourly wage of $56.08.
The following states also offer competitive salaries for owner/managers: Delaware, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, with average annual salaries of $110,636, $118,059, and $120,971 respectively.
Some of the cities with the highest owner/manager salaries include:
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
