How Much Does a Department Leader make?

Department Leader made a median salary around $53,872 in December, 2024. The best-paid 25 percent made $65,234 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $44,990. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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Best-Paying Cities for Department Leader

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Department Leader profession are Bedford Park , Berwyn , Broadview , Brookfield , Chicago .
Bedford Park, IL $53,872
Berwyn, IL $53,872
Broadview, IL $53,872
Brookfield, IL $53,872
Chicago, IL $53,872

Best-Paying States for Department Leader

The states and districts that pay Department Leader the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $57,159) , California (around $56,646) , New Jersey (around $56,286) , Alaska (around $55,927) , and Massachusetts (around $55,875) .
District of Columbia $57,159
California $56,646
New Jersey $56,286
Alaska $55,927
Massachusetts $55,875

What is the Career Path of Department Leader?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Department Leader, the first career path typically progresses to Bakery Manager.

The second career path typically starts with a Grocery Store Manager Assistant position , and then progresses to Grocery Store Manager.

The third career path typically starts with a Retail Store Manager Assistant position , and then progresses to Retail Store Manager.

Additionally, the fourth career path typically starts with a Retail & Commercial Tire Store Manager position , and then progresses to Commercial Tire Store Manager.

Besides, Department Leader can also turn to other related jobs, including Occupational Therapy Department Leader , Sales Assistant Team Leader , Financial Team Leader and Lean Process Leader .

Frequently Asked Questions for Department Leader

Q: What is the salary range of Department Leader in Chicago, IL?
A: In 2024 , the lowest-paid Department Leader in Chicago, IL earned an average annual salary of $44,990 , while the highest-paid made $65,234.
Q: What is the salary for a Department Leader in California?
A: Department Leader employed in California earned an average salary of $56,646 in 2024.

Average Department Leader Pay vs. Other Jobs

Department Leader earned an average salary of $53,872 in 2024. Other jobs related to Department Leader earned the following average salary in December, 2024. Occupational Therapy Department Leader made $144,500 , Sales Assistant Team Leader made $84,257 , Financial Team Leader and Lean Process Leader made $124,460 and $147,890 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Department Leader

Occupational Therapy Department Leader - Average Salary $144,500
The Occupational Therapy Department Leader sets and implements guidelines for occupational therapy programs. Directs the programs and staff of the occupational therapy department. Being an Occupational Therapy Department Leader may require an advanced degree. Monitors patient progress and treatment plans. In addition, Occupational Therapy Department Leader typically reports to top management. The Occupational Therapy Department Leader manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function. Working as an Occupational Therapy Department Leader typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience.
Sales Assistant Team Leader - Average Salary $84,257
Sales Assistant Team Leader leads the sales administrative and clerical support team. Coordinates and assists with a variety of sales activities including meeting scheduling, maintenance of sales literature inventory, and customer service regarding products and pricing. Being a Sales Assistant Team Leader generates and distributes reports regarding market conditions, sales results, and team earnings. Trains the team on processes and systems. Additionally, Sales Assistant Team Leader may require an associate degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. The Sales Assistant Team Leader supervises a small group of para-professional staff in an organization characterized by highly transactional or repetitive processes. Contributes to the development of processes and procedures. To be a Sales Assistant Team Leader typically requires 3 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area under supervision.
Financial Team Leader - Average Salary $124,460
The Financial Team Leader oversees the collection and analysis of financial information for an organization. Responsible for the supervision of finance professionals. Being a Financial Team Leader may require a bachelor's degree. Monitors the creation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports and ensures financial information has been recorded accurately. In addition, Financial Team Leader typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. The Financial Team Leader supervises a group of primarily para-professional level staffs. May also be a level above a supervisor within high volume administrative/ production environments. Makes day-to-day decisions within or for a group/small department. Has some authority for personnel actions. Working as a Financial Team Leader typically requires 3-5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area and department processes.
Lean Process Leader - Average Salary $147,890
The Lean Process Leader manages all activities for continuous improvement and performance enhancement. Leads and designs Lean Manufacturing goals and strategies for improving the operations and processes within the organization. Being a Lean Process Leader typically requires a bachelor's degree. Employs Lean methodologies and tools in order to accomplish business objectives. In addition, Lean Process Leader also requires training and Lean certification through an accredited organization. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. The Lean Process Leader manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Extensive knowledge of department processes. Working as a Lean Process Leader typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 to 3 years supervisory experience may be required.
Leader Commercial Lending - Average Salary $183,230
The Leader Commercial Lending provides operational guidance to loan officers and approves requests for loans beyond the officers' approval limits. Manages a team of commercial loan officers to build commercial loan business within a designated market. Being a Leader Commercial Lending requires a bachelor's degree. Personally handles the most complex loans and most difficult credit approvals. In addition, Leader Commercial Lending typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. The Leader Commercial Lending typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments. Working as a Leader Commercial Lending typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience.