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Business owner vs senior business manager

The differences between business owners and senior business managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a business owner and a senior business manager. Additionally, a senior business manager has an average salary of $134,737, which is higher than the $50,934 average annual salary of a business owner.

The top three skills for a business owner include customer service, payroll and financial statements. The most important skills for a senior business manager are analytics, project management, and portfolio.

Business owner vs senior business manager overview

Business OwnerSenior Business Manager
Yearly salary$50,934$134,737
Hourly rate$24.49$64.78
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs107,663303,902
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 52%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age4444
Years of experience66

What does a business owner do?

Business owners, also known as Entrepreneurs, are responsible for their company and brand's success. There are many areas of responsibility when you're a business owner, such as in the aspects of planning and budgeting, arranging finances and legal documentation, and even hiring the workforce essential for the business to grow. However, these responsibilities will vary according to how a business owner will uphold them. Moreover, building a business from the ground up requires dedication and a vision and mission for the brand.

What does a senior business manager do?

A senior business manager oversees the daily operations in a company, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around directing and assessing workforce performance, setting company objectives and goals, and coordinating with different departments to be aware of any issues or concerns. It is also essential to devise strategies to find new sales opportunities, perform research and analysis to identify client needs, and promptly resolve any problems that may arise. Furthermore, as a senior business manager, it is essential to lead and encourage the workforce, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Business owner vs senior business manager salary

Business owners and senior business managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Business OwnerSenior Business Manager
Average salary$50,934$134,737
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $94,000Between $96,000 And $187,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WAHartford, CT
Highest paying stateWashingtonConnecticut
Best paying companyBDAirbnb
Best paying industryRetailProfessional

Differences between business owner and senior business manager education

There are a few differences between a business owner and a senior business manager in terms of educational background:

Business OwnerSenior Business Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 52%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Business owner vs senior business manager demographics

Here are the differences between business owners' and senior business managers' demographics:

Business OwnerSenior Business Manager
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 51.4% Female, 48.6%Male, 64.4% Female, 35.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 6.4% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 6.4% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between business owner and senior business manager duties and responsibilities

Business owner example responsibilities.

  • Manage the budget and insure operations run smoothly.
  • Create, own and manage a LLC for grind pet transportation.
  • Establish and manage a beading boutique via the Internet by utilizing Photoshop to post designs on a personal website.
  • Manage sales, customer service, billing, A/P, A/R, vendor relations, negotiations, repairs, and maintenance.
  • Manage end to end business operations including hiring, scheduling visits, conducting customer consultations and performing pet visits.
  • Handle all aspects from A/P to A/R, payroll, ordering and dealing with all distributors and city officials.
  • Show more

Senior business manager example responsibilities.

  • Lead a global-scale ERP implementation.
  • Manage Hewlett-Packard server, storage, and software SMB channel business.
  • Manage client communications with regard to GAAP pronouncements and emerging accounting issues.
  • Manage cost-centers and leverage unique Indian production and post- production capabilities and position the company as a prefer production partner.
  • Deal directly with handbags and luggage wholesalers and distributors.
  • Implement a corporate wide new product-training program (Asia, Europe, and Americas).
  • Show more

Business owner vs senior business manager skills

Common business owner skills
  • Customer Service, 31%
  • Payroll, 12%
  • Financial Statements, 9%
  • Business Plan, 7%
  • Business Model, 3%
  • Real Estate, 2%
Common senior business manager skills
  • Analytics, 13%
  • Project Management, 10%
  • Portfolio, 5%
  • SR, 5%
  • Risk Management, 5%
  • Business Strategies, 4%

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