General and Operations Managers: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

General and Operations Managers fall under the Management category in the U.S. occupational classification. General and Operations Managers earn a median salary of $102,950 per year, ranking in the top 11% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +4.4% job growth through 2034, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do general and operations managers earn?

The median annual wage for general and operations managers is $102,950. That puts general and operations managers at #90 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. Pay at this level is well above the U.S. median household income, signaling sustained demand and meaningful credential requirements. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is general and operations managers a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for general and operations managers is +4.4%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 3.7M positions in 2024 to 3.9M in 2034, a net change of 164K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What do general and operations managers do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working general and operations managers, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Review financial statements, sales or activity reports, or other performance data to measure productivity or goal achievement or to identify areas needing cost reduction or program improvement.
2. 2.Plan or direct activities, such as sales promotions, that require coordination with other department managers.
3. 3.Direct or coordinate financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.
4. 4.Direct administrative activities directly related to making products or providing services.
5. 5.Establish or implement departmental policies, goals, objectives, or procedures in conjunction with board members, organization officials, or staff members.
6. 6.Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.
7. 7.Prepare staff work schedules and assign specific duties.
8. 8.Perform personnel functions, such as selection, training, or evaluation.

Top skills for general and operations managers

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become general and operations manager?

The standard path into general and operations managers begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by entry-level experience or internships during college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

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Common questions parents ask about general and operations managers