Human Resources Managers vs. General and Operations Managers: Who Earns More?
Human Resources Managers out-earn General and Operations Managers by $44K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Human Resources Managers land at $149,280 and General and Operations Managers at $105,770. The education gap is real: human resources manager programs typically require bachelor's degree, while general and operations manager programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Human Resources Managers is District of Columbia ($184,350); for General and Operations Managers it's New Jersey ($173,690).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Human Resources Managers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Human Resources Managers or General and Operations Managers?
Human Resources Managers earn more nationally. The median is $149,280 for Human Resources Managers versus $105,770 for General and Operations Managers, a difference of $44K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Human Resources Managers or General and Operations Managers?
Human Resources Managers has the better 10-year outlook at 5% projected growth, compared to 4.4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Human Resources Managers or General and Operations Managers?
Human Resources Managers typically requires bachelor's degree. General and Operations Managers requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Human Resources Managers get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Human Resources Managers at $184,350/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Human Resources Managers vs. General and Operations Managers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Human Resources Managers earn $184,350 vs. $168,000 for General and Operations Managers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.