Careers in Management
Unlike many others, careers in management can be in any industry, field of work, and on any level of production. That could be part of the reason why 807,300 new management jobs are projected to be added to the workforce by 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The creation of new organizations and the expansion of existing ones across all industries are likely to contribute to that growth.
Regardless of the industry you work in, when you become a manager, your responsibilities change, priorities shift, and new skills become necessary. That hard work doesn’t go unrewarded, though; the median annual wage for management jobs was $104,240 in May 2018, the highest wage of all major occupational groups.
In this article, we detail management roles across several industries to give you an idea of all the management career paths available to you. Note that data, unless otherwise stated, is sourced from the BLS.
Top Jobs in Management
Before changing careers to management, you should assess your skills to ensure they align with the type of management role you want to pursue. Finding a role in your technical domain will be beneficial as you take on the added responsibilities of being a manager.
Administrative Services Managers
Administrative services managers plan, lead, and coordinate supportive services within a company. Specific responsibilities vary by employer, but they typically maintain facilities and supervise recordkeeping, mail distribution, and office upkeep. A bachelor’s degree is typically required in order to be hired as an administrative services manager. The median annual salary was $96,180 in May 2018, and employment is projected to grow 10% from 2016 to 2026.
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Compensation and benefits managers develop and coordinate programs to compensate employees. They may routinely meet with senior staff, other human resources managers, and the financial officers to gather information and provide their expert opinion for recommendations on compensation and benefits policies and programs. Depending on the organization, this role may be filled by one person or it may be split between two or more. Working as a compensation and benefits manager requires a bachelor’s degree, and the median annual salary is $121,010. The 5% projected employment growth for compensation and benefits managers is slightly less than the total of all occupations.
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and information systems managers oversee all technology operations within an organization. They analyze their organization’s IT needs and are responsible for ensuring those needs are met. Additionally, they set goals and find ways to improve computer systems for their employers. To be hired as a computer and information systems manager typically requires a bachelor’s degree, plus related work experience. Many computer and information systems managers also have a graduate degree. In 2018, the median annual salary for these managers was $142,530, and the projected job growth is 12%.
Construction Managers
Construction managers coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from start to finish. They often manage the contractors working on a construction job and ensure that the project complies with building and safety codes. Construction managers usually have a bachelor’s degree and learn management techniques through on-the-job training. Large construction firms have been moving toward hiring candidates with both construction experience and a bachelor’s degree in a construction-related field. The median annual salary for these managers was $93,370 in 2018, and the employment rate is expected to grow 11%.
Financial Managers
Financial managers are tasked with maintaining the financial health of an organization by producing reports, strategizing investments, and developing long-term financial goals for an organization. In recent years, the main responsibility of financial managers has switched from monitoring a company’s finances to analyzing data so they can advise senior managers on how to maximize profits. Financial managers must have at least a bachelor’s degree, and many organizations prefer candidates with a master’s degree. In 2018, the median annual salary for financial managers was $127,990, and the projected employment growth is 19%.
Human Resources Managers
Human resources managers are responsible for ensuring the effectiveness of the administrative functions within an organization. They oversee the interviewing, hiring, and orientation of new staff and serve as the link between upper management and the employees. Typically, a human resource manager will need a bachelor’s degree to hold their position. Human resources managers earn a median salary of $113,300. The employment rate for this position is projected to grow 9%.
Industrial Production Managers
Also called plant managers, industrial production managers oversee the everyday operations of manufacturing. They are responsible for carrying out quality control programs to ensure finished products meet a designated standard. Other responsibilities include analyzing production data, writing reports, and monitoring the plant’s workers and programs to ensure they meet performance and safety requirements. Industrial production managers must have a bachelor’s degree. In large plants where managers have more responsibility, many employers look for people with a master’s degree, also. The median annual salary for these managers is $103,380. Employment of industrial production managers is projected to show little or no change by 2026.
Lodging Managers
Lodging managers look after the guests at hotels, motels, and other types of lodging establishments. They also maintain the property, oversee the staff, and ensure the establishment runs efficiently and profitably. Typically, individuals with a bachelor’s degree are hired as lodging managers. Their median annual salary is $53,390, and the employment rate for this position is expected to increase by 4%.
Medical and Health Services Managers
Management careers in the healthcare industry vary greatly. These managers may oversee the operation of a facility, a specific department, or a group medical practice. Medical and health services managers focus on issues such as improving the quality of care, managing finances, and overseeing budgets. Compliance is also an important responsibility for these professionals. The minimum education requirement for medical and health services managers is a bachelor’s degree, however, requirements for a master’s degree are common. Medical and health services managers earn an average of $99,730 per year, and their employment rate is projected to increase by 20% by 2026.
Public Relations Managers
Public relations managers shape the public image of their employer or client to maintain a favorable reputation. They coordinate and execute campaigns, review and distribute press releases, and work with advertising, marketing, and promotions managers to ensure their promotional campaigns are compatible with the employer’s brand. Some employers look for an individual with a bachelor’s degree, but many prefer to hire people with a master’s degree. The median annual wage for public relations and fundraising managers is $114,800, and the employment rate is projected to increase by 10%.
Sales Managers
Sales managers oversee an organization’s sales force. They focus on things like setting sales goals, monitoring progress toward those goals, and working with salespeople to improve their effectiveness. They also work with marketing staff to coordinate activities and exchange valuable customer information. Typically, a sales manager needs to have a bachelor’s degree, and they earn a median salary of $124,220. Employment of these types of managers is projected to grow 7%.
Social and Community Service Managers
Social and community service managers work in government agencies, residential care facilities, and community rehabilitation services. These managers focus on developing and implementing social service programs and managing the staff that run them. They determine program effectiveness and modify their approach as needed. These managers will need a bachelor’s degree, although some employers may also require a master’s degree. The median annual salary was $65,320 in 2018, and the employment rate is expected to increase by 18%.
Training and Development Managers
Training and development specialists help create and administer programs that train employees and improve their skills. They create these programs by first assessing the needs of an organization, and then developing a program to address those skill gaps. Educational requirements for these positions usually include a bachelor’s degree, however, some employers do require candidates to have a master’s degree, also. The median annual wage for these managers was $111,340 in May of 2018. The employment rate is expected to grow by 10%.
Management is a high-opportunity position that can be found across the workforce. Earning your degree can be an ideal way to enter this role, as it gives you the opportunity to gain an advanced credential and trains you in the skills you need to become a knowledgeable professional in your career.
