Industrial Production Managers vs. General and Operations Managers: Who Earns More?
Industrial Production Managers out-earn General and Operations Managers by $20K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Industrial Production Managers land at $126,060 and General and Operations Managers at $105,770. The education gap is real: industrial production manager programs typically require bachelor's degree, while general and operations manager programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Industrial Production Managers is Delaware ($153,000); for General and Operations Managers it's New Jersey ($173,690).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Industrial Production Managers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Industrial Production Managers or General and Operations Managers?
Industrial Production Managers earn more nationally. The median is $126,060 for Industrial Production Managers versus $105,770 for General and Operations Managers, a difference of $20K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Industrial Production Managers or General and Operations Managers?
General and Operations Managers has the better 10-year outlook at 4.4% projected growth, compared to 1.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Industrial Production Managers or General and Operations Managers?
Industrial Production 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 Industrial Production Managers get paid the most?
Delaware is the top-paying state for Industrial Production Managers at $153,000/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Industrial Production Managers vs. General and Operations Managers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Delaware, Industrial Production Managers earn $153,000 vs. $137,220 for General and Operations Managers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.