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Program manager vs operations manager

The differences between program managers and operations managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a program manager has an average salary of $96,084, which is higher than the $76,894 average annual salary of an operations manager.

The top three skills for a program manager include project management, program management and oversight. The most important skills for an operations manager are customer service, logistics, and continuous improvement.

Program manager vs operations manager overview

Program ManagerOperations Manager
Yearly salary$96,084$76,894
Hourly rate$46.19$36.97
Growth rate12%6%
Number of jobs197,556343,868
Job satisfaction55
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age4744
Years of experience-6

What does a program manager do?

A program manager is responsible for monitoring the project's progress, improving and developing new strategies, and coordinate various projects across the organization to ensure the success of the business objective. Program managers also manage the program's expenses, ensuring that the projects adhere to the budget goals without compromising the quality and accuracy of the result. A program manager should regularly connect with the different teams of every project under the program to keep track of the processes and procedures for the timely delivery of the product.

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.

Program manager vs operations manager salary

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

Program ManagerOperations Manager
Average salary$96,084$76,894
Salary rangeBetween $65,000 And $141,000Between $47,000 And $123,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaDelaware
Best paying companyMetaMcKinsey & Company Inc
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between program manager and operations manager education

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

Program ManagerOperations Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Program manager vs operations manager demographics

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

Program ManagerOperations Manager
Average age4744
Gender ratioMale, 52.9% Female, 47.1%Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.6% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 8.9% White, 65.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%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%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between program manager and operations manager duties and responsibilities

Program manager example responsibilities.

  • Lead managed services provider engagement of onshore and offshore interactive development and QA for pharmaceutical marketing department.
  • Lead multiple team workshops and initiate RFP proposals.
  • Manage the work process across projects as per PMI standards.
  • Develop, manage, and oversee EMBA study abroad in-residencies to Asia.
  • Manage content updates for all salesforce marketing materials, print and digital.
  • Manage the service level expectations with client agencies by monitoring and assessment establish KPIs, agreements and contracts.
    • Show more

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.
    • Show more

Program manager vs operations manager skills

Common program manager skills
  • Project Management, 11%
  • Program Management, 11%
  • Oversight, 6%
  • Customer Service, 4%
  • Infrastructure, 3%
  • Excellent Organizational, 3%
Common operations manager skills
  • Customer Service, 23%
  • Logistics, 7%
  • Continuous Improvement, 6%
  • Payroll, 5%
  • Project Management, 4%
  • Process Improvement, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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