Operations manager vs operations project manager

The differences between operations managers and operations project 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 an operations project manager. Additionally, an operations project manager has an average salary of $90,352, 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 an operations project manager are project management, business operations, and risk management.

Operations manager vs operations project manager overview

	Operations Manager	Operations Project Manager
Yearly salary	$76,894	$90,352
Hourly rate	$36.97	$43.44
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	343,868	210,582
Job satisfaction	5	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age	44	44
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 an operations project manager do?

An operations project manager is responsible for monitoring the performance of the project team, ensuring that the operations meet the clients' standards and internal regulations with maximum productivity and efficiency. Operations project managers manage the department's budget and allocate materials and resources accurately, maintaining a record of expenses and costs forecasting. They coordinate with the clients, discussing project adjustments or additional tasks as needed, and lead project execution and deliverables by determining the team's needs and concerns, and enforcing strategic procedures.

Operations manager vs operations project manager salary

Operations managers and operations project managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Operations Manager	Operations Project Manager
Average salary	$76,894	$90,352
Salary range	Between $47,000 And $123,000	Between $66,000 And $122,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Delaware	Connecticut
Best paying company	McKinsey & Company Inc	Meta
Best paying industry	Technology	Finance

Differences between operations manager and operations project manager education

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

	Operations Manager	Operations Project Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Operations manager vs operations project manager demographics

Here are the differences between operations managers' and operations project managers' demographics:

	Operations Manager	Operations Project Manager
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6%	Male, 68.7% Female, 31.3%
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, 6.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 6.4% White, 67.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between operations manager and operations project 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.

Operations project manager example responsibilities.

Manage resource allocation to help maximize ROI and focus on the division's strategy.
Manage operational programs that include the introduction and preparation for the manufacture of new products, design enhancements and OEM deviations.
Manage elaborate software implementation projects relate to national convenience store/gas station point of sale (POS) technology.
Manage payroll distribution process ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and confidentiality to protect client's privacy and prevent liability of exposure.
Reduce emergency department length of stay: participants reduce time to admit patients by 90 minutes.
Assist with providing best practices for the PMO base on previous positions that include PMO set up and interaction.

Operations manager vs operations project manager skills

Common operations manager skills

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

Common operations project manager skills

Project Management, 20%
Business Operations, 6%
Risk Management, 5%
Process Improvement, 4%
Business Process, 4%
Provide Management, 4%

Operations Manager vs. similar jobs

Operations Manager related careers

Operations Manager related jobs

Operations Manager jobs by location

Zippia Careers
Executive Management Industry
Operations Manager
Operations Manager vs Operations Project Manager

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse executive management jobs