Marketing Managers vs. General and Operations Managers: Who Earns More?
Marketing Managers out-earn General and Operations Managers by $61K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Marketing Managers land at $166,790 and General and Operations Managers at $105,770. The education gap is real: marketing manager programs typically require bachelor's degree, while general and operations manager programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Marketing Managers is Massachusetts ($212,020); for General and Operations Managers it's New Jersey ($173,690).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Marketing Managers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Marketing Managers or General and Operations Managers?
Marketing Managers earn more nationally. The median is $166,790 for Marketing Managers versus $105,770 for General and Operations Managers, a difference of $61K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Marketing Managers or General and Operations Managers?
Marketing Managers has the better 10-year outlook at 6.6% projected growth, compared to 4.4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Marketing Managers or General and Operations Managers?
Marketing 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 Marketing Managers get paid the most?
Massachusetts is the top-paying state for Marketing Managers at $212,020/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Marketing Managers vs. General and Operations Managers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Massachusetts, Marketing Managers earn $212,020 vs. $127,220 for General and Operations Managers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.