Change manager vs implementation manager

The differences between change managers and implementation managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-8 years to become both a change manager and an implementation manager. Additionally, a change manager has an average salary of $96,652, which is higher than the $90,790 average annual salary of an implementation manager.

The top three skills for a change manager include project management, organizational change management and portfolio. The most important skills for an implementation manager are project management, account management, and client relationships.

Change manager vs implementation manager overview

	Change Manager	Implementation Manager
Yearly salary	$96,652	$90,790
Hourly rate	$46.47	$43.65
Growth rate	16%	16%
Number of jobs	79,685	136,883
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 67%	Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age	47	47
Years of experience	8	8

What does a change manager do?

The primary role of a change manager is to ensure the timely achievement of corporate projects. Change managers will see to it that the projects are on the budget allotted by the company through heightened employee usage and adoption. They focus on changes in technology and systems, organizational structure, job roles, and business processes. The most significant skills for this job include strategic analysis, digital literacy, leadership, and communication skills.

What does an implementation manager do?

An implementation manager specializes in introducing new systems, networks, and processes to the entire company workforce. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around overseeing the implementation team to ensure that everything is running smoothly, devising action and work plans, coordinating with different departments, monitoring requisitions and information materials, and verifying their accuracy. An implementation manager may also address issues and concerns, providing technical support when necessary. Furthermore, it is essential to lead and encourage the team, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.

Change manager vs implementation manager salary

Change managers and implementation managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Change Manager	Implementation Manager
Average salary	$96,652	$90,790
Salary range	Between $72,000 And $128,000	Between $64,000 And $126,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	California
Best paying company	Meta	Levi Strauss & Co.
Best paying industry	Professional	-

Differences between change manager and implementation manager education

There are a few differences between a change manager and an implementation manager in terms of educational background:

	Change Manager	Implementation Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 67%	Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Carnegie Mellon University	Carnegie Mellon University

Change manager vs implementation manager demographics

Here are the differences between change managers' and implementation managers' demographics:

	Change Manager	Implementation Manager
Average age	47	47
Gender ratio	Male, 56.7% Female, 43.3%	Male, 59.0% Female, 41.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.8% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 12.6% White, 65.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%	Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 12.7% White, 65.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	11%	11%

Differences between change manager and implementation manager duties and responsibilities

Change manager example responsibilities.

Implement and manage network installations and design for ShoretTel VoIP telephone systems and upgrades to cabling for VoIP requirements.
Manage and maintain workflows for this CRM as well as the enterprise wide web-base work ticket solution (RedMine).
Manage SharePoint server configuration list.
Manage expenditures and all project budgets within the portfolio including monthly forecasting.
Manage several new global business opportunity RFP responses through securing third party proposals.
Manage the SDLC risk assessment matrix that include mitigation strategies and contingency plans for corporate communication.

Implementation manager example responsibilities.

Lead the strategic project planning efforts and the technology architecture design initiatives.
Document each client's processes for artifacts and manage through project closure via SharePoint.
Create and manage detailed project plans for all phases of SDLC to ensure successful deployments.
Lead a group of 10 Java engineers and 12 web developers in creating web-base online banking applications.
Manage one internal ERP specialist, who maintains and modifies the ERP system and provides specialist technical support.
Manage state-by-state projects from planning/scheduling, architecture, development, Nessus scan vulnerabilities, QA, UAT, to deployment.

Change manager vs implementation manager skills

Common change manager skills

Project Management, 11%
Organizational Change Management, 9%
Portfolio, 6%
Governance, 6%
Client Facing, 5%
Customer Service, 4%

Common implementation manager skills

Project Management, 15%
Account Management, 7%
Client Relationships, 6%
Client Expectations, 6%
Client Facing, 5%
Customer Service, 5%

Change Manager vs. similar jobs

Change Manager related careers

Change Manager related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Executive Management Industry
Change Manager
Change Manager vs Implementation Manager

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse executive management jobs