Highest-Paying Assistant Manager Jobs in 2026
Research Summary. Utilizing a blend of public government data, company information, and insights from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has generated average salary estimates for roles across the US. This analysis identifies the highest-paying assistant manager positions based on their average annual salaries.
Here’s a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of assistant managers:
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Second Assistant Manager holds the top spot, with an average salary of $67,965 and an average hourly rate of $32.68.
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The second highest-paying role is the Co-Manager, earning an average salary of $64,962.
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The overall average salary for assistant managers is $39,127 per year, equating to an hourly pay of $18.81.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be a complex decision. While salary should not be the sole consideration, it plays a crucial role in shaping your career trajectory. If you aspire to become an assistant manager, understanding the highest-paid positions allows you to strategize your career advancement effectively.
Below are the top salaries for various types of assistant managers:
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Second Assistant Manager
Average Salary: $67,965
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Co-Manager
Average Salary: $64,962
Co-managers oversee business operations and support managers with administrative tasks. Their responsibilities include delegating tasks, scheduling, evaluating progress, and assisting in hiring and training new staff while enforcing company policies.
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Assistant Parts Manager
Average Salary: $58,924
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Manager
Average Salary: $58,651
Managers oversee specific departments and ensure operational efficiency. They set departmental goals, assess employee performance, and play a crucial role in hiring and maintaining workplace morale.
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Lead Assistant Manager
Average Salary: $58,223
Below is a comprehensive table outlining the average salaries for various assistant manager roles, highlighting the most lucrative positions.
Highest-Paying Types Of Assistant Managers
Methodology
Zippia utilizes publicly available data from government sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.
Our data team also reviews job postings and company-released resources for current salary information for assistant managers.
After gathering the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they analyze. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Assistant Manager Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid assistant manager job?
The highest-paid assistant manager job is the Second Assistant Manager. Second Assistant Managers earn an average salary of $67,965, which breaks down to $32.68 hourly.
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What is a good salary for an assistant manager?
A good salary for an assistant manager is $39,127 or more. This figure represents the average assistant manager salary, so earning at least this amount places you above the average pay scale.
Keep in mind that assistant manager salaries can vary based on geographical location, as companies often adjust their pay according to the local cost of living. Research the average salary for your specific area considering your expertise and experience to gain a clearer understanding of your compensation.
If you’re beginning your career as an assistant manager, the average entry-level salary is approximately $16,116, so don’t base your salary expectations solely on the $39,127 average since it encompasses all levels of experience.
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Do assistant manager jobs pay well?
Assistant manager jobs vary in pay. While some assistant manager positions pay significantly more than others, the average salary of $39,127 is below the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
However, many assistant manager roles have substantial earning potential, with the top 10% earning an average of $45,130 per year.
Assistant Managers’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience, industry, and location, so consider these factors when seeking out assistant manager positions. Conduct thorough research on current pay rates in your area to inform your salary negotiations.
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Where do assistant managers get paid the most?
Assistant Managers earn the most in New York. In New York, assistant managers have an average annual salary of $64,135, with an average hourly wage of $30.83.
Following New York, the states with the highest-paid assistant managers include Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and North Carolina, with average salaries of $51,517, $68,399, and $39,104, respectively.
The cities with the highest assistant manager salaries are:
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New York, NY – $64,673
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Washington, DC – $59,772
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Philadelphia, PA – $52,556
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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.
