General and operations managers
SOC Code: 11-1021
General and operations managers carries a 37% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $102,950 and +4.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 3,712,900 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 37% AI exposure, General and operations managers sits 0 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 59% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where General and operations managers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
General and operations managers has ai exposure of 37%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
General and operations managers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. General and operations managers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
General and operations managers (SOC 11-1021) carries an AI exposure score of 37%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 3,712,900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.4% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $102,950, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus 5 years or more of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes General and operations managers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Review financial statements, sales or activity reports, or other performance data to measure productivity or goal achievement or to identify areas needing cost reduction or program improvement.
- 2. Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.
- 3. Manage the movement of goods into and out of production facilities to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, or sustainability of operations.
- 4. Direct administrative activities directly related to making products or providing services.
- 5. Set prices or credit terms for goods or services, based on forecasts of customer demand.
- 6. Prepare staff work schedules and assign specific duties.
- 7. Direct or coordinate financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.
- 8. Perform sales floor work, such as greeting or assisting customers, stocking shelves, or taking inventory.
- 9. Plan or direct activities, such as sales promotions, that require coordination with other department managers.
- 10. Perform personnel functions, such as selection, training, or evaluation.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Coordination
- Social Perceptiveness
- Management of Personnel Resources
- Active Learning
- Persuasion
Knowledge Areas
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Production and Processing
- Mathematics
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Administrative
- Economics and Accounting
- Sales and Marketing
- Engineering and Technology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace General and operations managers?
General and operations managers has an AI exposure score of 37%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for General and operations managers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, General and operations managers is projected to grow by 4.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 3,712,900 workers.
What skills are needed for General and operations managers?
Key skills for General and operations managers include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do General and operations managers earn?
The median annual wage for General and operations managers is $102,950, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for General and operations managers?
The typical entry-level education for General and operations managers is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect 5 years or more of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ General and operations managers?
General and operations managers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).