Operations manager vs executive assistant

The differences between operations managers and executive assistants 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 an executive assistant takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an operations manager has an average salary of $76,894, which is higher than the $50,539 average annual salary of an executive assistant.

The top three skills for an operations manager include customer service, logistics and continuous improvement. The most important skills for an executive assistant are powerpoint, customer service, and phone calls.

Operations manager vs executive assistant overview

	Operations Manager	Executive Assistant
Yearly salary	$76,894	$50,539
Hourly rate	$36.97	$24.30
Growth rate	6%	-8%
Number of jobs	343,868	93,116
Job satisfaction	5	4.4
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age	44	49
Years of experience	6	4

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 an executive assistant do?

Executive assistants are employees who are assigned to work under the supervision of company executives. They manage the activities of the executives they are assigned to by manning the executive's calendar, scheduling appointments, setting meetings, ensuring that the executives are familiar with their schedule for the day, and taking note of any deliverable that may be needed. They are also responsible for taking care of any document or paperwork that the executive needs, as well as preparing presentation materials or briefers for meetings. Executive assistants are also usually exposed to actual company operations to further understand how the business works and to be of better help to the executive.

Operations manager vs executive assistant salary

Operations managers and executive assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Operations Manager	Executive Assistant
Average salary	$76,894	$50,539
Salary range	Between $47,000 And $123,000	Between $35,000 And $71,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Delaware	New York
Best paying company	McKinsey & Company Inc	Meta
Best paying industry	Technology	Finance

Differences between operations manager and executive assistant education

There are a few differences between an operations manager and an executive assistant in terms of educational background:

	Operations Manager	Executive Assistant
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	Western Carolina University

Operations manager vs executive assistant demographics

Here are the differences between operations managers' and executive assistants' demographics:

	Operations Manager	Executive Assistant
Average age	44	49
Gender ratio	Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6%	Male, 13.1% Female, 86.9%
Race ratio	Black 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, 7.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 5.0% White, 71.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between operations manager and executive assistant 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.

Executive assistant example responsibilities.

Manage and maintain AVP calendar and schedule using independent judgment.
Manage and review WinStar (KRONOS) time clock hours for hourly union employees.
Organize and manage administrative, audio/visual (WebEx, GoToMeeting), and catering of department meetings.
Manage the scope of accounting processes including billing, bookkeeping and expense data management with strong oversight of A/R and A/P.
Create and manage executive presentations using Visio and PowerPoint.
Compile, manage and organize travel and expense reports processing and submitting reports using PeopleSoft for reimbursement.

Operations manager vs executive assistant skills

Common operations manager skills

Customer Service, 23%
Logistics, 7%
Continuous Improvement, 6%
Payroll, 5%
Project Management, 4%
Process Improvement, 4%

Common executive assistant skills

PowerPoint, 13%
Customer Service, 8%
Phone Calls, 6%
Calendar Management, 6%
Administrative Tasks, 3%
Financial Reports, 3%

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Operations Manager
Operations Manager vs Executive Assistant

Updated January 8, 2025

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