Sales Managers vs. General and Operations Managers: Who Earns More?
Sales Managers out-earn General and Operations Managers by $43K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Sales Managers land at $148,270 and General and Operations Managers at $105,770. The education gap is real: sales manager programs typically require bachelor's degree, while general and operations manager programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Sales Managers is New York ($217,640); for General and Operations Managers it's New Jersey ($173,690).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Sales Managers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Sales Managers or General and Operations Managers?
Sales Managers earn more nationally. The median is $148,270 for Sales Managers versus $105,770 for General and Operations Managers, a difference of $43K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Sales Managers or General and Operations Managers?
Sales Managers has the better 10-year outlook at 4.7% projected growth, compared to 4.4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Sales Managers or General and Operations Managers?
Sales 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 Sales Managers get paid the most?
New York is the top-paying state for Sales Managers at $217,640/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Sales Managers vs. General and Operations Managers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New York, Sales Managers earn $217,640 vs. $130,860 for General and Operations Managers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.