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The differences between associate category managers and planning 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 planning manager. Additionally, a planning manager has an average salary of $98,486, 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 planning manager are project management, customer service, and strong analytical.
| Associate Category Manager | Planning Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $76,432 | $98,486 |
| Hourly rate | $36.75 | $47.35 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 42,374 | 137,190 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| 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.
Planning managers perform various duties and responsibilities for an organization. These include planning and monitoring a project or department's budget, production schedule, and inventory, creating reports of new plans, programs, and regulations, and ensuring development proposals comply with requirements and regulations. Additionally, planning managers are expected to serve as an intermediary between developers, government entities, businesses, and communities. They also oversee site plans, rezoning, and special-use permits, set schedules for the project, and supervise other personnel such as developers and consultants.
Associate category managers and planning managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Category Manager | Planning Manager | |
| Average salary | $76,432 | $98,486 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $99,000 | Between $71,000 And $135,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | California |
| Best paying company | - | ZS |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between an associate category manager and a planning manager in terms of educational background:
| Associate Category Manager | Planning Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | University of Georgia | University of Georgia |
Here are the differences between associate category managers' and planning managers' demographics:
| Associate Category Manager | Planning Manager | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 42.6% Female, 57.4% | Male, 64.1% Female, 35.9% |
| 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% |