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The differences between associate category managers and 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 a brand manager. Additionally, a brand manager has an average salary of $97,789, 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 a brand manager are brand management, digital marketing, and customer service.
| Associate Category Manager | Brand Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $76,432 | $97,789 |
| Hourly rate | $36.75 | $47.01 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 42,374 | 127,429 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| 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.
A brand manager is an individual responsible for adapting a brand strategy that targets the potential market for a company's product while maintaining its integrity. Brand managers assist in developing products while managing budgets for the advertising and promotion of their new products. They usually work under the supervision of marketing managers or chief marketing officers (CMOs) to implement and execute their marketing initiatives. Brand managers also provide an analysis of sales forecasts and create reports on product sales.
Associate category managers and brand managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Category Manager | Brand Manager | |
| Average salary | $76,432 | $97,789 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $99,000 | Between $72,000 And $131,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ |
| Highest paying state | - | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | - | Meta |
| Best paying industry | - | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an associate category manager and a brand manager in terms of educational background:
| Associate Category Manager | Brand Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | University of Georgia | University of Georgia |
Here are the differences between associate category managers' and brand managers' demographics:
| Associate Category Manager | Brand Manager | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 42.6% Female, 57.4% | Male, 51.5% Female, 48.5% |
| 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% |