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Operations manager vs chief operating officer

The differences between operations managers and chief operating officers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become an operations manager, becoming a chief operating officer takes usually requires More than 10 years. Additionally, a chief operating officer has an average salary of $136,604, which is higher than the $76,894 average annual salary of an operations manager.

The top three skills for an operations manager include customer service, logistics and continuous improvement. The most important skills for a chief operating officer are healthcare, customer service, and oversight.

Operations manager vs chief operating officer overview

Operations ManagerChief Operating Officer
Yearly salary$76,894$136,604
Hourly rate$36.97$65.67
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs343,868128,993
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Average age4452
Years of experience6-

What does an operations manager do?

Operations managers are in charge of running the main business of the organization. They ensure that the business is running smoothly from an operations standpoint. They make sure that the processes in place produce the necessary output by implementing quality control measures. They also manage finances and ensure that there is enough budget to keep the operations of the business running. They also ensure that the production of goods or services is cost-efficient. Operations managers also handle people-related concerns. They are responsible for interviewing candidates, choosing the ones to hire, and ensuring that individuals assigned to operations are properly trained.

What does a chief operating officer do?

A chief operating officer, also known as a COO, is a high-ranking official who oversees a company or organization's daily administrative and overall operations. They are typically the second in the chain of command, reporting directly to the company's chief executive officer, also known as a CEO. Among their duties include developing strategies and guidelines, reviewing reports, performing assessments, and implementing the company's policies, standards, and regulations. Additionally, they lead and empower staff to reach goals, helping solve issues and concerns when any arise.

Operations manager vs chief operating officer salary

Operations managers and chief operating officers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Operations ManagerChief Operating Officer
Average salary$76,894$136,604
Salary rangeBetween $47,000 And $123,000Between $81,000 And $229,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAJersey City, NJ
Highest paying stateDelawareNew Jersey
Best paying companyMcKinsey & Company IncBaker McKenzie
Best paying industryTechnologyManufacturing

Differences between operations manager and chief operating officer education

There are a few differences between an operations manager and a chief operating officer in terms of educational background:

Operations ManagerChief Operating Officer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Operations manager vs chief operating officer demographics

Here are the differences between operations managers' and chief operating officers' demographics:

Operations ManagerChief Operating Officer
Average age4452
Gender ratioMale, 69.4% Female, 30.6%Male, 76.6% Female, 23.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 6.4% White, 67.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 3.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 7.5% Asian, 7.5% White, 76.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage10%12%

Differences between operations manager and chief operating officer duties and responsibilities

Operations manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage and lead operations that include performance management, organizational development, employment compliance, employee relations, payroll management.
  • Manage 2HVAC system retrofit replacement teams.
  • Manage all invoices, A/P, A/R and other accounting duties.
  • Manage computer operation teams supporting propriety and DoD programs at the Lewisville site.
  • Manage 45 person division and day to day operations of scheduling, communications, A/R, A/P and customer care.
  • Manage the export booking and documentation department ensuring smooth on-time delivery.
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Chief operating officer example responsibilities.

  • Manage the RFP process and present investment packages to local and regional lenders to procure acquisition and long term debt financing.
  • Develop and integrate care services, achieve and maintain JCAHO accreditation.
  • Attain ISO registration, resulting in excellent documentation and adherence to operational and administrative process controls.
  • Manage the implementation of a new supply base global ERP system that reduce inventory and enable just-in-time delivery.
  • Establish, manage and coordinate activities of this start-up management company specializing in turning around trouble health insurance plans.
  • Manage all financial functions including controlling/accounting, board and regulatory reporting, treasury and cash management, and asset/liability management.
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Operations manager vs chief operating officer skills

Common operations manager skills
  • Customer Service, 23%
  • Logistics, 7%
  • Continuous Improvement, 6%
  • Payroll, 5%
  • Project Management, 4%
  • Process Improvement, 4%
Common chief operating officer skills
  • Healthcare, 11%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Oversight, 7%
  • Financial Management, 7%
  • Business Strategies, 6%
  • Human Resources, 6%

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