FAQ
General and Operations Manager FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a general and operations manager.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a general and operations manager: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about general and operations managers
What does a general manager do?
Runs daily operations, staff and budgets for a business or site.
Is it a common job?
Yes, BLS counts about 3.6 million positions.
Do I need a degree?
Usually a bachelor’s, though experience can count heavily.
How much does a general and operations manager make?
The median annual wage for general and operations managers was $105,770 ($50.85 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $50,090 and the highest 10% earned more than $253,390.
How long does it take to become a general and operations manager?
Most people need about 5+ years of experience of training. A bachelor’s degree in business or a related field is typical, plus years of experience.
Do you need a degree to be a general and operations manager?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
Is general and operations manager a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +5.0% from 2025–35 (faster than average), with about 285,000 openings each year. Upsides include many openings in every industry; a common challenge is that long hours.
What skills does a general and operations manager need?
Key technical skills include operations management, budgeting, process improvement, and scheduling. Employers also value leadership, problem-solving, and communication.
What certifications are available for general and operations managers?
Common credentials include Lean Six Sigma, PMP, APICS CPIM, and MBA. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the General and Operations Manager fit quiz, compare with Chief Executive, or explore General and Operations Manager training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 11-1021 (General and operations managers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for General and operations managers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.