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The differences between associate store managers and dept 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 associate store manager and a dept manager. Additionally, a dept manager has an average salary of $50,222, which is higher than the $29,803 average annual salary of an associate store manager.
The top three skills for an associate store manager include sales floor, product knowledge and customer service. The most important skills for a dept manager are customer service, sales floor, and pallet jack.
| Associate Store Manager | Dept Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $29,803 | $50,222 |
| Hourly rate | $14.33 | $24.15 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 343,409 | 221,313 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
An associate store manager is typically in charge of performing administrative support tasks to maintain the smooth flow of operations in a retail store. They usually prepare and process documents, answer calls and correspondence, organize files, liaise with internal and external partners, and train new members of the workforce. They may also assist clients by answering inquiries, processing purchases, and addressing issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently in adherence to the store's policies and regulations.
A department manager is responsible for monitoring the operations of the assigned department, ensuring the maximum productivity and optimal performance of the staff. Department managers also coordinate with business partners, clients, and customers, as well as identifying business opportunities to drive more revenues and increase profitability. They handle department budgets and maintain the proper allocation of resources to support project management and deliverables. A department manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills, managing the staff's needs, and providing excellent support.
Associate store managers and dept managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Store Manager | Dept Manager | |
| Average salary | $29,803 | $50,222 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $35,000 | Between $28,000 And $87,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Bay Shore, NY |
| Highest paying state | - | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | - | UPMC |
| Best paying industry | - | Retail |
There are a few differences between an associate store manager and a dept manager in terms of educational background:
| Associate Store Manager | Dept Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | SUNY College of Technology at Delhi |
Here are the differences between associate store managers' and dept managers' demographics:
| Associate Store Manager | Dept Manager | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 41.4% Female, 58.6% | Male, 52.5% Female, 47.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.9% Asian, 6.3% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 6.7% White, 61.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 9% |