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The differences between associate category managers and associate brand managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 8-10 years to become both an associate category manager and an associate brand manager. Additionally, an associate brand manager has an average salary of $95,925, which is higher than the $76,432 average annual salary of an associate category manager.
The top three skills for an associate category manager include data analysis, category strategies and category performance. The most important skills for an associate brand manager are customer service, sales floor, and loyalty programs.
| Associate Category Manager | Associate Brand Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $76,432 | $95,925 |
| Hourly rate | $36.75 | $46.12 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 42,374 | 69,511 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 10 | 10 |
An associate category manager is responsible for conducting data and statistical analysis from the current market trends to identify opportunities and products that would generate more revenue resources and increase the store's profitability. Associate category managers develop cost-efficient techniques by building a strong business relationship with trusted suppliers and vendors. They also monitor the store's display category according to customers' demands and guide the staff in placing products in the appropriate sections. An associate category manager must have excellent leadership and communication skills, especially in responding to customers' inquiries and concerns and resolving complaints efficiently.
Associate brand managers are responsible for developing and maintaining a company's product or brand. They help the brand manager in all brand-related activities. They typically perform various tasks, which include developing marketing plans and strategies, getting involved in the development of marketing ad campaigns, and creating and maintaining a positive brand image. Additionally, associate brand managers may assist in defining product pricing and packaging and monitor both media and competitive activities. They are also expected to design ad campaigns and report the results of these campaigns to the brand manager.
Associate category managers and associate brand managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Category Manager | Associate Brand Manager | |
| Average salary | $76,432 | $95,925 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $99,000 | Between $67,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ |
| Highest paying state | - | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | - | The Walt Disney Company |
| Best paying industry | - | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an associate category manager and an associate brand manager in terms of educational background:
| Associate Category Manager | Associate Brand Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Business | Marketing |
| Most common college | University of Georgia | University of Georgia |
Here are the differences between associate category managers' and associate brand managers' demographics:
| Associate Category Manager | Associate Brand Manager | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 42.6% Female, 57.4% | Male, 40.0% Female, 60.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.0% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 8.2% White, 74.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 3.0% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 8.2% White, 74.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 10% |