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What is a field operation manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Eric Olsen

Field operation managers are responsible for the design and implementation of strategies to drive the field operations of a business organization. They develop best practices and standard tools to improve operational efficiency, monitor key metrics and develop operational strategies for profitability and suggest skill development programs for branch operations managers.

Their main responsibilities include managing different branches and offices of a particular organization, development, and implementation of various quality control methods, setting targets and business goals, providing guidance and mentoring existing staff and operations, and developing strategies to improve efficiency and profitability.

Educational requirements include a bachelor's degree in business or a similar field, although an M.B.A would be given preference. Experience in a managerial role would be advantageous. The average salary for this position is $66,445 annually. Although the job requires a lot of traveling and flexible hours, the position comes with great rewards and perks. It is projected to grow in the years to come.

What general advice would you give to a field operation manager?

Eric OlsenEric Olsen LinkedIn profile

Professor, Industrial Technology and Packaging, Orfalea College of Business

Times of change are also times of great opportunities. We are going to need new technical solutions to address problems we are just learning about. You have to lean into the issues. Don't be a technologist - be a problem solver. That is why we also emphasize soft skills like lean six sigma, teamwork, and change management.
ScoreField Operation ManagerUS Average
Salary
6.1

Avg. Salary $77,504

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
9.6

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.47%

Asian 6.35%

Black or African American 6.17%

Hispanic or Latino 15.14%

Unknown 4.34%

White 67.54%

Gender

female 16.36%

male 83.64%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress level
9.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
9.2

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.6

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Field operation manager career paths

Key steps to become a field operation manager

  1. Explore field operation manager education requirements

    Most common field operation manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    59.2 %

    Associate

    18.9 %

    Master's

    8.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific field operation manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service23.94%
    Project Management7.31%
    Customer Satisfaction6.07%
    Oversight5.90%
    Logistics5.09%
  3. Complete relevant field operation manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New field operation managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a field operation manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real field operation manager resumes.
  4. Gain additional field operation manager certifications

    Field operation manager certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific field operation manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for field operation managers include OSHA Safety Certificate and Project Management Professional (PMP).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research field operation manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage and coordinate the schedule of commercial and residential HVAC installs and service calls.
    • Manage and complete all regulatory requirements for accounts, BSA, tellers, etc.
    • Manage a team of 20 FTE, complete performance evaluations and directional guidance for focus reviews.
    • Manage payroll and operational expenses.
  6. Prepare your field operation manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your field operation manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a field operation manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable field operation manager resume templates

    Build a professional field operation manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your field operation manager resume.
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    Field Operation Manager Resume
  7. Apply for field operation manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a field operation manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first field operation manager job

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Average field operation manager salary

The average field operation manager salary in the United States is $77,504 per year or $37 per hour. Field operation manager salaries range between $48,000 and $123,000 per year.

Average field operation manager salary
$77,504 Yearly
$37.26 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do field operation managers rate their job?

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Field operation manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2023
Pros

The management side and being in control

Cons

When I have to solve other contractors problems in order to keep my people on ground working with no interruption.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2019
Pros

I love being able to mold my team and the distribution center to the culture of respect and accountability! Having senior and executive leadership support is a huge positive factor in making this happen!!

Cons

Long hours and calls outside of regular business hours are the norm!


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2019
Pros

People Busy Money Busy and variety in a job Solving problems


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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