How Much Does a Department Manager make?

Department Manager made a median salary around $48,788 in December, 2024. The best-paid 25 percent made $59,077 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $40,744. 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 Manager

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Department Manager profession are Bowling Green , Clover , Edgemoor , Fort Mill , Rock Hill .
Bowling Green, SC $49,764
Clover, SC $49,764
Edgemoor, SC $49,712
Fort Mill, SC $49,712
Rock Hill, SC $49,712

Best-Paying States for Department Manager

The states and districts that pay Department Manager 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 Manager?

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 Manager, 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 Manager can also turn to other related jobs, including Retail Store Department Manager , Discount Brokerage Department Manager , Proof Department Manager and IT Department Manager .

Frequently Asked Questions for Department Manager

Q: What is the salary range of Department Manager in Charleston, SC?
A: In 2024 , the lowest-paid Department Manager in Charleston, SC earned an average annual salary of $40,744 , while the highest-paid made $59,077.
Q: What is the salary for a Department Manager in California?
A: Department Manager employed in California earned an average salary of $56,646 in 2024.

Average Department Manager Pay vs. Other Jobs

Department Manager earned an average salary of $48,788 in 2024. Other jobs related to Department Manager earned the following average salary in December, 2024. Retail Store Department Manager made $48,032 , Discount Brokerage Department Manager made $134,614 , Proof Department Manager and IT Department Manager made $73,152 and $139,660 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Department Manager

Retail Store Department Manager - Average Salary $48,032
Retail Store Department Manager oversees merchandising and staff in a department. May have keyholder responsibilities. Being a Retail Store Department Manager is responsible for department retail sales staff training, assignments, and scheduling. Requires a high school diploma. Additionally, Retail Store Department Manager typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. The Retail Store Department Manager 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 Retail Store Department Manager typically requires 3 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area under supervision.
Discount Brokerage Department Manager - Average Salary $134,614
Discount Brokerage Department Manager manages and leads a group of discount brokers responsible for the purchase and sale of securities for clients at discounted commissions. Develops marketing programs and strategies to increase profitability and enter new markets. Being a Discount Brokerage Department Manager monitors transactions for accuracy and ensures satisfactory customer service. May interact with the organization's full-service brokers as needed. Additionally, Discount Brokerage Department Manager ensures compliance with any applicable regulations. Requires a bachelor's degree in a related area. Requires NASD Series 7 license. Typically reports to a director. The Discount Brokerage Department Manager 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. To be a Discount Brokerage Department Manager typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.
Proof Department Manager - Average Salary $73,152
Proof Department Manager manages the day-to-day activities of check encoding and processing operations. Ensures production targets are met with required levels of accuracy. Being a Proof Department Manager reviews errors, exceptions, and resolves process or equipment problems. Completes required audits, reporting and documentation. Additionally, Proof Department Manager oversees training for new hires. Typically requires an associate degree. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. The Proof Department Manager 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. To be a Proof Department Manager typically requires 3-5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area and department processes.
IT Department Manager - Average Salary $139,660
The IT Department Manager implements and maintains the policies and goals for the IT department to support the company's needs. Manages all IT activities in the organization. Being an IT Department Manager oversees the internal IT support function. Ensures proper information system operations and plans necessary upgrades. In addition, IT Department Manager conducts research and recommends the selection of IT equipment, applications, and supplies. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to top management. The IT Department Manager 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 an IT Department Manager typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 to 3 years supervisory experience may be required.
Rental Department Manager - Average Salary $101,200
The Rental Department Manager requires a bachelor's degree in a related area. Manages the department assets to achieve the budgeted profitability and rental goals of the rental department. Being a Rental Department Manager typically reports to a head of a unit/department. The Rental Department Manager 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. Thorough knowledge of department processes. Working as a Rental Department Manager typically requires 3-5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor.