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Capital project manager vs operations project manager

The differences between capital project managers and operations project managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a capital project manager, becoming an operations project manager takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an operations project manager has an average salary of $90,352, which is higher than the $79,852 average annual salary of a capital project manager.

The top three skills for a capital project manager include project management, portfolio and construction management. The most important skills for an operations project manager are project management, business operations, and risk management.

Capital project manager vs operations project manager overview

Capital Project ManagerOperations Project Manager
Yearly salary$79,852$90,352
Hourly rate$38.39$43.44
Growth rate8%6%
Number of jobs115,354210,582
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age4644
Years of experience86

What does a capital project manager do?

A capital project manager is responsible for overseeing company projects, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. They are in charge of identifying the project's requirements, setting objectives and timelines, handling the budget, and developing strategies to optimize project operations. They must also coordinate with managers and other staff, monitor the progress of projects, and produce regular progress reports. Above all, as a manager, it is essential to lead and encourage the team members to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

What does an operations project manager do?

An operations project manager is responsible for monitoring the performance of the project team, ensuring that the operations meet the clients' standards and internal regulations with maximum productivity and efficiency. Operations project managers manage the department's budget and allocate materials and resources accurately, maintaining a record of expenses and costs forecasting. They coordinate with the clients, discussing project adjustments or additional tasks as needed, and lead project execution and deliverables by determining the team's needs and concerns, and enforcing strategic procedures.

Capital project manager vs operations project manager salary

Capital project managers and operations project managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Capital Project ManagerOperations Project Manager
Average salary$79,852$90,352
Salary rangeBetween $53,000 And $118,000Between $66,000 And $122,000
Highest paying CitySanta Rosa, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateHawaiiConnecticut
Best paying companyAppleMeta
Best paying industryFinanceFinance

Differences between capital project manager and operations project manager education

There are a few differences between a capital project manager and an operations project manager in terms of educational background:

Capital Project ManagerOperations Project Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoUniversity of Pennsylvania

Capital project manager vs operations project manager demographics

Here are the differences between capital project managers' and operations project managers' demographics:

Capital Project ManagerOperations Project Manager
Average age4644
Gender ratioMale, 77.6% Female, 22.4%Male, 68.7% Female, 31.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.7% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 2.9% White, 70.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 6.4% White, 67.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage4%10%

Differences between capital project manager and operations project manager duties and responsibilities

Capital project manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage clinical trial projects according to study protocol, FDA and sponsor guidelines.
  • Manage special projects including store fixture and flooring upgrades; electrical, HVAC and data modifications.
  • Coordinate operations performance cost effectiveness, preparing submittals and managing request for information (RFI).
  • Manage and conduct the development of a SharePoint base system for providing notifications of application and automation releases throughout the enterprise.
  • Reduce number of emergency repairs and the need for full HVAC replacements.
  • Comply with applicable code and regulatory requirements, including MSHA and OSHA regulations.
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Operations project manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage resource allocation to help maximize ROI and focus on the division's strategy.
  • Manage operational programs that include the introduction and preparation for the manufacture of new products, design enhancements and OEM deviations.
  • Manage elaborate software implementation projects relate to national convenience store/gas station point of sale (POS) technology.
  • Manage payroll distribution process ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and confidentiality to protect client's privacy and prevent liability of exposure.
  • Reduce emergency department length of stay: participants reduce time to admit patients by 90 minutes.
  • Assist with providing best practices for the PMO base on previous positions that include PMO set up and interaction.
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Capital project manager vs operations project manager skills

Common capital project manager skills
  • Project Management, 17%
  • Portfolio, 6%
  • Construction Management, 5%
  • Project Scope, 5%
  • Construction Projects, 5%
  • Infrastructure, 4%
Common operations project manager skills
  • Project Management, 20%
  • Business Operations, 6%
  • Risk Management, 5%
  • Process Improvement, 4%
  • Business Process, 4%
  • Provide Management, 4%

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