Terminal manager vs operations manager

The differences between terminal managers and operations managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a terminal manager, becoming an operations manager takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an operations manager has an average salary of $76,894, which is higher than the $74,237 average annual salary of a terminal manager.

The top three skills for a terminal manager include customer service, DOT and OSHA. The most important skills for an operations manager are customer service, logistics, and continuous improvement.

Terminal manager vs operations manager overview

	Terminal Manager	Operations Manager
Yearly salary	$74,237	$76,894
Hourly rate	$35.69	$36.97
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	16,792	343,868
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 58%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age	45	44
Years of experience	4	6

What does a terminal manager do?

Terminal managers are professionals who are responsible for managing workers and direct dispatching activities of logistics vehicles. These managers are required to develop relationships with corporate and operational departments so that they can ensure the company logistics standards are met. They must resolve customer service complaints by implementing satisfactory solutions to retain customers. Terminal drivers must train new drivers so that they can be licensed, tested, and certified according to federal and state laws. They are also required to maintain a clean and safe working condition of their facility and equipment.

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.

Terminal manager vs operations manager salary

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

	Terminal Manager	Operations Manager
Average salary	$74,237	$76,894
Salary range	Between $55,000 And $99,000	Between $47,000 And $123,000
Highest paying City	San Leandro, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Virginia	Delaware
Best paying company	Hub Group	McKinsey & Company Inc
Best paying industry	Energy	Technology

Differences between terminal manager and operations manager education

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

	Terminal Manager	Operations Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 58%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	University of Pennsylvania

Terminal manager vs operations manager demographics

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

	Terminal Manager	Operations Manager
Average age	45	44
Gender ratio	Male, 87.4% Female, 12.6%	Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.3% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%	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 Percentage	5%	10%

Differences between terminal manager and operations manager duties and responsibilities

Terminal manager example responsibilities.

Manage all CDL drivers files, medical re-certifications, and random drug and alcohol testing.
Utilize company trucks and outside carriers to achieve proper and JIT deliveries of order goods.
Provide route profitability analysis as directed, manage transportation GPS process.
Manage all truckload and LTL warehouse operations including consolidation and distribution for several customers.
Coordinate logistics process, freight movement, and contractor activities managing inbound/outbound freight, customer service and administration.
Manage inventory of inbound ocean containers, coordinate and schedule TL operations, supervise yard hostlers and manage outbound trailer traffic.

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.

Terminal manager vs operations manager skills

Common terminal manager skills

Customer Service, 15%
DOT, 13%
OSHA, 5%
Payroll, 4%
Facility Maintenance, 4%
Customer Satisfaction, 4%

Common operations manager skills

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

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Terminal Manager
Terminal Manager vs Operations Manager

Updated January 8, 2025

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