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Dept manager vs co-manager

The differences between dept managers and co-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 dept manager and a co-manager. Additionally, a co-manager has an average salary of $64,962, which is higher than the $50,222 average annual salary of a dept manager.

The top three skills for a dept manager include customer service, sales floor and pallet jack. The most important skills for a co-manager are payroll, customer service, and food safety.

Dept manager vs co-manager overview

Dept ManagerCo-Manager
Yearly salary$50,222$64,962
Hourly rate$24.15$31.23
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs221,313258,234
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Average age4343
Years of experience66

What does a dept manager do?

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.

What does a co-manager do?

A co-manager's role is to supervise business operations and perform administrative tasks as support to a manager. One of the primary functions of a co-manager is to delegate tasks of team members and arrange schedules. They also evaluate progress, produce the necessary documentation, maintain a record of data, identify issues and opportunities, and assist in coordinating with other employees. A co-manager may also have the task of hiring and training new workforce members, enforcing policies and regulations at all times.

Dept manager vs co-manager salary

Dept managers and co-managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Dept ManagerCo-Manager
Average salary$50,222$64,962
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $87,000Between $35,000 And $119,000
Highest paying CityBay Shore, NYNew York, NY
Highest paying stateRhode IslandMassachusetts
Best paying companyUPMCGUESS
Best paying industryRetailRetail

Differences between dept manager and co-manager education

There are a few differences between a dept manager and a co-manager in terms of educational background:

Dept ManagerCo-Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeSUNY College of Technology at DelhiSUNY College of Technology at Delhi

Dept manager vs co-manager demographics

Here are the differences between dept managers' and co-managers' demographics:

Dept ManagerCo-Manager
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 52.5% Female, 47.5%Male, 44.3% Female, 55.7%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 7.1% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between dept manager and co-manager duties and responsibilities

Dept manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage application process and hiring of employees for seasonal photography business.
  • Implement inventory management system to effectively manage on-hands, assist with correct replenishment and maintain an acceptable level of over-stock.
  • Experience with photography including DSLR formats and small to large format film processes.
  • Process merchandise information through store computer system, POS register system and complete all require paperwork.
  • Perform fast and efficient computerize cash register/credit card POS operations, cash accountability, and drive control.
  • Assist in several other departments throughout store, such as electronics, jewelry, automotive, apparel and sporting goods.
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Co-manager example responsibilities.

  • Partner in managing operations of multiple retail outlets, including hiring, performance management, scheduling, and merchandising management.
  • Supervise an ethnically diverse staff ensuring in stock availability, quality control, cleanliness, and overall customer satisfaction.
  • Provide a quick and convenient trip for customers through efficient communication, having item prices memorize and mental math.
  • Prepare and review opening and closing sales reports, as well as opening and closing the POS systems every day.
  • Retail POS system database maintenance to ensure accurate information for store operating reports.
  • Develop and train associates for entry level management position with emphasizes on leadership and delegation.
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Dept manager vs co-manager skills

Common dept manager skills
  • Customer Service, 33%
  • Sales Floor, 9%
  • Pallet Jack, 9%
  • Inventory Control, 6%
  • Product Knowledge, 6%
  • Payroll, 4%
Common co-manager skills
  • Payroll, 8%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Food Safety, 6%
  • Loss Prevention, 6%
  • Perform Routine Maintenance, 5%
  • Store Sales, 5%