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Job outlook for functional managers in the United States
Are functional manager jobs in demand?
Functional manager job and salary trends over time
Functional manager jobs over time
Functional manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,431 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,348 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,280 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,154 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,078 | 0.00% |
Average functional manager salary over time
Functional manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $113,849 | $54.73 | +3.3% |
| 2024 | $110,241 | $53.00 | +2.7% |
| 2023 | $107,356 | $51.61 | +2.4% |
| 2022 | $104,863 | $50.41 | +2.5% |
| 2021 | $102,287 | $49.18 | +3.2% |
Functional manager jobs by state
Most common states for functional managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 412 | 59% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,333 | 16% |
| 3 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,149 | 16% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,001 | 15% |
| 5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 776 | 13% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 141 | 13% |
| 7 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 385 | 12% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 448 | 11% |
| 9 | Vermont | 623,657 | 66 | 11% |
| 10 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 920 | 10% |
| 11 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 101 | 10% |
| 12 | California | 39,536,653 | 3,687 | 9% |
| 13 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,195 | 9% |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,121 | 9% |
| 15 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 491 | 9% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 319 | 9% |
| 17 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 122 | 9% |
| 18 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 824 | 8% |
| 19 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 537 | 8% |
| 20 | Alaska | 739,795 | 58 | 8% |
Most common cities for functional managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankfort | 2 | 7% | $89,902 |
| 2 | Jeffersonville | 2 | 4% | $96,783 |
| 3 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $99,258 |
| 4 | Hartford | 2 | 2% | $112,774 |
| 5 | Atlanta | 5 | 1% | $113,228 |
| 6 | Washington | 4 | 1% | $100,898 |
| 7 | Birmingham | 3 | 1% | $95,591 |
| 8 | Minneapolis | 3 | 1% | $94,157 |
| 9 | Des Moines | 2 | 1% | $88,597 |
| 10 | Tallahassee | 2 | 1% | $92,394 |
| 11 | Indianapolis | 4 | 0% | $96,570 |
| 12 | Detroit | 3 | 0% | $113,469 |
| 13 | San Diego | 3 | 0% | $134,192 |
| 14 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $99,784 |
| 15 | Los Angeles | 2 | 0% | $138,109 |
| 16 | Phoenix | 2 | 0% | $122,664 |
| 17 | Sacramento | 2 | 0% | $147,556 |
| 18 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $99,221 |
| 19 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $107,282 |
Functional Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of functional manager experts
Auburn University at Montgomery
Western Carolina University
Auburn University at Montgomery
Maryville University
Azusa Pacific University
What Functional Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Brian Strzempkowski: Computer analytic skills, AI, and an understanding of new technology are going to be critically important because the industry continuously tries to become more efficient, while also maintaining a high level of safety.
Brett Lehman Ph.D.
ProfessorAuburn University at Montgomery
Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Functional Manager job market given the pandemic?
Brett Lehman Ph.D.: It might be a surprise to say that some things will remain steady during the pandemic. The job market will still require candidates with critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, oral and written communication skills, and project management skills. With so many aspects of the workplace changing rapidly, such as how we communicate with each other and unforeseen problems adding up, these skills may be more important than ever. The ability to continue projects, collaborate, and lead a group effort during these trying times will look impressive.
What technical skills for a Functional Manager stand out to employers?
Angela Sebby Ph.D.: Business, creative, and organizational skills - I would recommend that upcoming graduates are proficient in Word, Excel (highly used), Powerpoint, Outlook (especially how to send meeting requests and calendar organization), TEAMS, Gantt charts for team management, Mindmapping for creativity, and design software. Additionally, I would recommend that they learn how to properly utilize social media for marketing and PR, not just personal posting. Finally, email etiquette would be essential.
What soft skills should all Functional Managers possess?
TeWhan Hahn Ph.D.: Writing skills including email writing, being able to work in teams, and knowing the workplace etiquettes.
Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.
Program Director & Assistant ProfessorMaryville University
Speech-Language Pathology
What's a day at work look like for a Functional Manager?
Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.: A bachelor's in communication sciences and disorders can prepare you for three different tracks. First, it can prepare you to become a licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA). This is someone who works under a fully credential speech-language pathologist. Often times, they carryout intervention plans developed by a fully credentialed speech-language pathologist. If graduate school is on your horizon, a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders will prepare you for acceptance into a Speech-Language Pathology program, or an Audiology program. If you are not accepted into a graduate program right away, working as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) is a great way to get experience in the field!
What's a good job out of college for Functional Managers?
Bala Musa Ph.D.: A good job out of college is one that allows you to apply creative and critical thinking skills. Future work environments will require employees to innovate and adapt. Any job that helps you cultivate, sharpen and apply those skills will serve you and your organization well. It will prepare you to adapt in the face of change and future disruptions.