Operations manager vs human resources manager

The differences between operations managers and human resources managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an operations manager and a human resources manager. Additionally, a human resources manager has an average salary of $80,442, 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 human resources manager are performance management, customer service, and payroll processing.

Operations manager vs human resources manager overview

	Operations Manager	Human Resources Manager
Yearly salary	$76,894	$80,442
Hourly rate	$36.97	$38.67
Growth rate	6%	7%
Number of jobs	343,868	43,453
Job satisfaction	5	4.67
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age	44	47
Years of experience	6	6

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 human resources manager do?

Human resources managers, or HR managers, are responsible for the overall conduct of the different facets of human resources in the organization. They oversee the different processes involved in recruitment, compensation and benefits, talent development, organizational development, employee relations, and employee engagement. It is important that HR managers are well-versed in the different facets of HR. They set policies and procedures, as well as guiding principles of the organization related to these facets. They must be able to balance the needs of the employees and the rules of the management team. HR managers should have strong decision-making skills, interpersonal skills, and management skills.

Operations manager vs human resources manager salary

Operations managers and human resources managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Operations Manager	Human Resources Manager
Average salary	$76,894	$80,442
Salary range	Between $47,000 And $123,000	Between $56,000 And $113,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Sacramento, CA
Highest paying state	Delaware	Washington
Best paying company	McKinsey & Company Inc	Bain & Company
Best paying industry	Technology	Technology

Differences between operations manager and human resources manager education

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

	Operations Manager	Human Resources Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	Northwestern University

Operations manager vs human resources manager demographics

Here are the differences between operations managers' and human resources managers' demographics:

	Operations Manager	Human Resources Manager
Average age	44	47
Gender ratio	Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6%	Male, 29.7% Female, 70.3%
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, 7.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 5.7% White, 70.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	10%	18%

Differences between operations manager and human resources manager 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.

Human resources manager example responsibilities.

Manage audit efforts to ensure compliance with OFCCP and EEOC standards
Manage requisitions, rout candidates and determine the disposition of each candidate using iCIMS.
Manage all monthly and quarterly financial statement reviews by board as well as A/R, A/P and general ledger.
Manage, implement, and administer proper hiring process to reduce turnover in compliance with e-verify processes and federal law.
Manage and publish several cost-savings models for Sr. level management.
Manage system upgrades, testing and documentation of enterprise-wide PeopleSoft Payroll/HRMS system.

Operations manager vs human resources manager skills

Common operations manager skills

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

Common human resources manager skills

Performance Management, 8%
Customer Service, 5%
Payroll Processing, 5%
HRIS, 5%
Employee Engagement, 5%
EEO, 4%

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Operations Manager
Operations Manager vs Human Resources Manager

Updated January 8, 2025

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