Area operations manager vs store manager

The differences between area operations managers and store managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an area operations manager and a store manager. Additionally, an area operations manager has an average salary of $49,256, which is higher than the $46,950 average annual salary of a store manager.

The top three skills for an area operations manager include logistics, customer service and process improvement. The most important skills for a store manager are store management, retail store, and customer service.

Area operations manager vs store manager overview

	Area Operations Manager	Store Manager
Yearly salary	$49,256	$46,950
Hourly rate	$23.68	$22.57
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	340,513	446,127
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 66%	Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	6	6

What does an area operations manager do?

In an organization, an area operations manager takes responsibility in every aspect of safety and health. The area operations managers report and oversee the performance of individuals and teams within the enterprise. They manage corporate activities involving the production of goods and services. The scope of their responsibilities includes business processes, design, plan, performance improvement, control, and operations strategy. They should develop strong communication and negotiation skills, customer awareness, and good motivational skills.

What does a store manager do?

A store manager is responsible for monitoring the daily operations, making sure of its smooth and efficient performance with the best services provided to the customers. Store managers' duty also includes tracking the budget of the store to ensure that all expenses are meeting the sales goals. A store manager must also be able to plan and share strategies to boost sales performance and provide the needed support for the employees by communicating with them regularly, listening on suggestions, and taking necessary actions for complaints as required.

Area operations manager vs store manager salary

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

	Area Operations Manager	Store Manager
Average salary	$49,256	$46,950
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $78,000	Between $30,000 And $73,000
Highest paying City	Santa Monica, CA	Washington, DC
Highest paying state	California	Delaware
Best paying company	Enbridge	Meta
Best paying industry	Technology	Manufacturing

Differences between area operations manager and store manager education

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

	Area Operations Manager	Store Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 66%	Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Area operations manager vs store manager demographics

Here are the differences between area operations managers' and store managers' demographics:

	Area Operations Manager	Store Manager
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 75.0% Female, 25.0%	Male, 51.2% Female, 48.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 6.4% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 6.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 6.3% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between area operations manager and store manager duties and responsibilities

Area operations manager example responsibilities.

Manage operational budget including payroll, operating, and capital expenses, and analyze financial reports.
Manage relationships, performance expectations, and equipment logistics with subcontractors, without compromising co-employment contractual obligations.
Finance and billing accountability across Medicaid, manage care commercial insurance, insurance verification, contract management, and benefits administration.
Task with putting together a team that successfully implement and pass ISO 14001 and ISO 18001 audit.
Complete daily activity reports and administrative work relate to hiring and tracking hours and payroll
Perform daily management duties including all record keeping, inventory, logistics and installations for security systems.

Store manager example responsibilities.

Store achieve highest UPT in company for FY11.
Assist the DM and help to manage the district in her absence.
Manage the store's inventory with GNC guidelines; receiving, checking and shelving all merchandising orders.
Train and develop to manage multi-unit operations.
Create implementation plans to support execution of Starbucks initiatives to achieve both operational excellence and business results.
Develop and implement operational strategies utilizing less payroll expenses and allot hour usage to accomplish logistical and operational excellence.

Area operations manager vs store manager skills

Common area operations manager skills

Logistics, 15%
Customer Service, 15%
Process Improvement, 13%
Direct Reports, 5%
OSHA, 5%
Corrective Action, 5%

Common store manager skills

Store Management, 8%
Retail Store, 5%
Customer Service, 5%
PET, 5%
Loss Prevention, 5%
Sales Floor, 4%

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Executive Management Industry
Area Operations Manager
Area Operations Manager vs Store Manager

Updated January 8, 2025

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