Highest-Paying Department Manager Jobs [2023]

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of department managers that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of department managers:

• Stock Manager is the highest-paid type of department manager with an average salary of $120,096 and an average hourly rate of $57.74.

• The second highest-paying type of department manager is lead manager, with an average salary of $101,883.

• The average department manager salary is $67,160 per year, and the average hourly pay is $32.29.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a department manager, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of department managers are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of department managers:

1. Stock Manager

   Average Salary: $120,096

   A stock manager works in warehouses, manufacturing units, or retail stores. They maintain product inventories through computer systems. They are also responsible for receiving and sending shipments. This position requires a degree in business.

2. Lead Manager

   Average Salary: $101,883

   A lead manager is primarily in charge of overseeing the progress of a particular office or department. Although the responsibilities will vary depending on their industry, it will typically revolve around producing progress reports, reviewing documentation and transactions, managing the budget, procuring supplies, and devising strategies to generate leads and reach goals faster. Furthermore, as a lead manager, it is essential to spearhead projects and encourage staff, all while implementing the company’s policies and regulations.

3. Associate Manager

   Average Salary: $83,246

   Associate managers are responsible for overseeing the support and clerical staff of the company. They recruit and train employees who perform different tasks that include greeting customers, answering phones, and faxing documents. They also perform other duties, including keeping employees’ motivation, ensuring that everyone understands the company’s guidelines and policies, and supervising other staff members. To be qualified as an associate manager, one should have a high school diploma, leadership skills, and a strong work ethic. One should also have the necessary computer skills, bookkeeping skills, and customer service skills.

4. Part-Time Key Manager

   Average Salary: $72,750

   A part-time key manager is a senior manager employed to work part-time. Key managers are hired for their expertise and experience for business development and growth to increase revenues, production, and profits. Part-time key managers are also responsible for recruiting the right talent to implement and attain the set targets. Part-time key managers may cover for full-time key managers or assist them in their roles.

5. Store Manager And Buyer

   Average Salary: $68,964

   A store manager is responsible for selecting and purchasing goods. They provide information on products, including prices and promotions. They are responsible for providing recommendations to clients, handling customer requires, and solving any issues. They also monitor sales.

Below is a full table of the average pay for various department manager that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Department Managers

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as 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 science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for department managers.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Department Manager Jobs FAQs

1. What is the highest-paid department manager job?

   The highest-paid department manager job is a stock manager. Stock Managers earn an average salary of $120,096, which is $ 57.74 hourly.

   A stock manager works in warehouses, manufacturing units, or retail stores. They maintain product inventories through computer systems. They are also responsible for receiving and sending shipments. This position requires a degree in business.

2. What is a good salary for a department manager?

   A good salary for a department manager is $67,160 or more. The average department manager salary is $67,160, so those making at least $67,160 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average department manager salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

   In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a department manager, the average entry level salary is $45,334, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $67,160 average, as this includes all department managers of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Department Manager jobs pay well?

   Yes, department manager jobs pay well. As in any industry, some department manager jobs pay better than others, but the average department manager salary of $67,160 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many department manager jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of department managers earning $146,988 a year on average.

   Department Managers’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a department manager. Do your research on the going rate for a department manager in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do department managers get paid the most?

   Department Managers get paid the most in New Jersey. In New Jersey, department managers earn an average annual salary of $95,153 and an average hourly wage of $45.75.

   Following NJ, the states with the highest-paid department managers are New York, Virginia, and Maryland, with average annual salaries of $85,519, $79,162, and $76,081 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid department manager salaries are:

   1. New York, NY – $86,890

   2. Richmond, CA – $85,476

   3. Arlington, VA – $80,283

Author

Chris Kolmar

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.