How To Become a Manager: Salary & Career Paths for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

In 2024, 89% of HR leaders reported that career paths at their organizations are unclear for many employees, indicating a significant challenge in employee development and retention. This statistic underscores the importance of clear career progression frameworks and effective leadership in fostering employee engagement and satisfaction.

Understanding these pathways and the associated financial implications is crucial for individuals aspiring to leadership roles, as it provides a framework for career planning, skill development, and informed decision-making regarding their professional growth.

Key Things to Know About Becoming a Manager

86% of employers expect AI to reshape business operations by 2030, driving demand for tech-savvy managers.
The median global salary for a manager is approximately $158,000 per year.
The projected job growth for managers is estimated to have 1.2 million openings from 2023 to 2033.
Entry-level or junior managers in the U.S. can expect to earn around $162,545, while senior or executive-level managers may see salaries reaching $202,500 or more.
There are over 1.9 million managers employed in the United States, and manager salaries have increased by 4% over the last five years.

What does a manager do?
What education does a manager need?
What skills does a manager need?
What technical skills do managers need?
How can I improve my communication skills for a management role?
What are the common mistakes to avoid when planning a management career?
What are the fastest-growing industries for managerial jobs?
Can an online MBA fast-track your management career?
How does specialized education influence managerial success?
What is the role of continuous education in managerial success?
What entry-level roles lead to managerial positions?
How much does a manager make?
What is the projected job growth for managers?
Other Things You Should Know About How To Become a Manager

What does a manager do?

A manager's role is multifaceted, encompassing a wide array of responsibilities aimed at ensuring the productivity, well-being, and overall success of their team and alignment with organizational goals. It can also open doors for other opportunities, including what degree to take to become an entrepreneur. Primarily, a manager leads and guides a team of individuals, setting clear objectives and expectations while fostering a collaborative and motivated work environment. This involves effective communication, constructive feedback, and recognizing achievements to inspire and develop team members.

Managers are also responsible for organizing work, delegating tasks appropriately, and ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently to meet deadlines and project requirements. Some of the responsibilities of a sales manager are that they act as a crucial link between their team and upper management, conveying information, advocating for their team's needs, and translating broader company strategies into actionable plans. Furthermore, managers play a vital role in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and making informed decisions to navigate challenges and maintain a positive and productive workplace. Ultimately, a manager empowers their team to perform at their best, contributing to the overall growth and success of the organization.

What education does a manager need?

Managers typically need at least a bachelor's degree, often in business administration or a field related to their specific department or industry. For example, a finance manager might hold a degree in finance, while an IT manager might have a degree in computer science or information systems. There are affordable programs available for those who wish to have a career in management. Some include the cheapest online construction management degree or master’s in finance.

Master’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for some manager positions, but many companies, especially larger ones, prefer or require a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a related master's degree for higher-level management roles. An MBA enhances strategic decision-making, leadership, and communication skills, making candidates more competitive. You can learn how to apply for an MBA program by looking into some of the best schools offering the program.
Experience and Skills: Alongside formal education, relevant work experience is crucial. Managers often have several years of experience in their field before moving into management roles, which helps them understand business operations and lead teams effectively.
Certifications: While not always required, certifications can boost a manager’s qualifications and career prospects. Examples include: Certified Manager (CM), Certified Management Consultant (CMC), and Industry-specific certifications depending on the field.

What skills does a manager need?

Managers require a diverse set of skills to effectively lead teams, drive organizational success, and adapt to changing business environments. The most critical managerial skills, as identified by leading business experts and recent research, include the following:

Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication is fundamental for managers to articulate goals, provide feedback, and foster collaboration within teams. Active listening and the ability to convey information concisely help prevent misunderstandings and increase productivity.
Leadership and Motivation: Inspiring and guiding teams toward common objectives is a core managerial responsibility. Effective leaders motivate employees, set a positive example, and create a sense of purpose, resulting in higher engagement and performance. Those who want to learn more about how to become effective leaders often further their studies by enrolling in DBA programs online.
Decision-Making and Problem-Solving: Managers must make timely, informed decisions by gathering relevant information, evaluating alternatives, and assessing risks. Strong problem-solving skills enable managers to identify root causes and implement effective solutions to complex challenges.
Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing one’s own emotions, as well as empathizing with others, is crucial for building strong relationships and resolving conflicts. High emotional intelligence contributes to a positive work environment and better team dynamics.
Strategic and Analytical Thinking: Managers need to think strategically, anticipate future trends, and align decisions with long-term organizational goals. Analytical skills help managers interpret data, assess situations, and make evidence-based decisions.
Organization and Prioritization: Organizational skills, including time management and the ability to prioritize tasks, are essential for handling multiple responsibilities and ensuring efficient workflow.

What technical skills do managers need?

Managers today require a robust set of technical skills to lead teams effectively, optimize workflows, and drive organizational success. While the specific technical skills needed may vary by industry, several core competencies are widely recognized as essential for managers across most sectors.

Digital & IT Skills: Proficiency with digital tools, basic computer systems, and common workplace applications (such as email, video conferencing, and project management software) is fundamental. Managers should be comfortable with platforms like MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), cloud storage, and collaboration tools.
Data Analysis and Management: The ability to interpret, analyze, and leverage data for decision-making is increasingly critical. This includes using analytics tools, generating reports, and understanding basic statistics to identify trends and inform strategies.
Project Management: Familiarity with project management methodologies, tools (like Trello, Asana, or Slack), and processes is important for planning, executing, and monitoring projects efficiently. Managers should understand how to allocate resources, manage timelines, and mitigate risks.
Financial Management: Understanding budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation enables managers to make informed decisions and measure performance through metrics like ROI. You can learn more about the technical skills in financial management by obtaining some background in accounting or bookkeeping. It even helps to know the difference between bookkeeping vs accounting.
Technical Writing and Communication: Managers must be able to communicate technical information, policy changes, and updates in writing, whether through emails, reports, or documentation.
Risk Management and Compliance: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks, as well as ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, are important technical competencies in many managerial roles.
Organizational and Administrative Skills: Effective managers are skilled at organizing information, managing time, and prioritizing tasks. This includes proficiency in office software and administrative systems.

How can I improve my communication skills for a management role?

Improving your communication skills is crucial for effective management. Here are evidence-based strategies and practical tips to help you become a more impactful communicator:

Be Clear and Concise: Communicate your message simply and directly. Avoid unnecessary jargon or overly complex explanations, and focus on what’s most important for your audience to know. Define your goals and audience before speaking or writing, which helps ensure relevance and clarity.
Practice Active Listening: Give your full attention to the speaker, avoid distractions, and refrain from interrupting. Show engagement through positive body language and paraphrase what you’ve heard to confirm understanding.
Develop Emotional Intelligence: Be aware of your own emotions and how they affect your communication style. Practice empathy by considering others’ perspectives and responding thoughtfully, especially during difficult conversations.
Use the Right Communication Channel: Choose the most effective method for your message—face-to-face for sensitive topics, email for documentation, or instant messaging for quick updates. Leverage face-to-face interactions when possible, as nonverbal cues like body language and tone add valuable context.
Encourage Feedback and Input: Invite team members to share their thoughts and feedback. This not only improves your communication but also fosters a culture of openness and trust. After sharing information, ask others to summarize what they heard to ensure clarity and understanding.
Be Mindful of Nonverbal Communication: Pay attention to your body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, as these can reinforce or contradict your words.

Are you interested in a career in hotel management? Check out our article on how to become a hotel manager.

What are the common mistakes to avoid when planning a management career?

When planning a management career, several recurring mistakes can hinder your progress or satisfaction. Avoiding these pitfalls will help you build a more successful and fulfilling path:

Failing to Set Clear Goals: Not defining specific, measurable career objectives can leave you directionless and dissatisfied. Set both short-term and long-term goals and revisit them regularly to stay focused and motivated.
Lack of an Effective Career Plan: Without a written, actionable plan outlining the steps to reach your goals, you risk stagnation. Break your goals into achievable milestones and create a roadmap for advancement.
Neglecting Networking: Focusing only on your daily tasks and ignoring professional relationships can limit your opportunities. Proactively build and maintain a network within and outside your organization to open doors for advancement and learning.
Staying in Your Comfort Zone: Avoiding new challenges or sticking to familiar roles may feel safe, but restricts growth. Seek out new responsibilities, projects, or lateral moves to develop new skills and perspectives.
Ignoring Feedback: Not seeking or acting on feedback can stall your development. Embrace constructive criticism from peers, mentors, and supervisors to improve and adapt.
Prioritizing Material Rewards: Making career choices based solely on salary or benefits, rather than personal interests and values, can lead to dissatisfaction. Consider both intrinsic and extrinsic motivators when planning your career.
Letting Others Dictate Your Path: Basing your decisions on others’ expectations rather than your aspirations can result in an unfulfilling career. Stay true to your interests and strengths.

What are the fastest-growing industries for managerial jobs?

The fastest-growing industries for managerial roles align with sectors experiencing rapid technological, demographic, and environmental shifts. Based on labor market projections and industry trends:

Technology & Artificial Intelligence

Roles: AI/ML project managers, cybersecurity managers, fintech product managers
Growth Drivers: AI adoption, big data analytics, and digital transformation.
Key Stats: Employers expect AI to reshape 86% business operations by 2030, driving demand for tech-savvy managers and executives, which is good news for those on the CTO career path.

Green & Renewable Energy

Roles: Sustainability managers, renewable energy project leads, environmental compliance managers
Growth Drivers: Global decarbonization efforts and investments in solar/wind energy.
Key Stats: 47% of employers prioritize carbon reduction, increasing demand for green energy management roles.

Healthcare & Social Assistance

Roles: Health services managers, nursing supervisors, elderly care coordinators
Growth Drivers: Aging populations and rising chronic disease prevalence.
Key Stats: Healthcare is projected to add 2.2 million jobs by 2033, with medical/health services managers growing at 28.5%.

What does a health services manager do? Learn more about this career if you're interested in a leadership role in healthcare.

Professional & Business Services

Roles: Operations research managers, business intelligence (BI) leads, consulting managers, hiring managers
Growth Drivers: Demand for data-driven decision-making and specialized expertise.
Key Stats: This sector expects 1.6 million new jobs by 2033, with operations research analysts growing at 23%.

You may also want to consider a BI developer career path.

Cybersecurity

Roles: Security risk managers, IT compliance directors
Growth Drivers: Rising cyber threats and regulatory requirements.
Key Stats: Information security analyst roles are projected to grow 32.7%.

Electric Utilities & Energy Storage

Roles: Smart grid managers, energy storage project leads
Growth Drivers: EV adoption and renewable energy infrastructure.
Key Stats: Wind turbine technician roles are growing at 60.1%, requiring managerial oversight.

Can an online MBA fast-track your management career?

An online MBA equips aspiring managers with advanced leadership, strategic decision-making, and analytical skills essential for today’s competitive business environment. The flexibility of online programs allows professionals to integrate learning with work, fostering continuous improvement without disrupting current responsibilities. Many affordable options incorporate hands-on case studies and peer networking, which translate directly into enhanced managerial performance. For candidates seeking cost-effective yet reputable programs, exploring online MBA cheap can provide a practical pathway to accelerate career advancement.

How does specialized education influence managerial success?

Higher education, particularly specialized programs, can significantly enhance managerial capabilities by equipping professionals with advanced strategic and operational insights. For instance, obtaining the most affordable online MBA degree in healthcare management offers practical training in healthcare economics, regulatory compliance, and leadership strategies tailored to the sector. Such programs foster critical thinking and innovative problem-solving, enabling managers to better navigate complex industry challenges while seamlessly integrating theory with the demands of everyday leadership.

What is the role of continuous education in managerial success?

Managers seeking career advancement increasingly turn to specialized training and certifications that complement traditional academic credentials. Focused educational programs help enhance strategic decision-making, operational efficiency, and industry-specific expertise that are critical for navigating evolving business challenges. Targeted continuous learning initiatives—ranging from professional workshops to advanced online degrees—equip potential leaders with updated competencies and insights. For example, specialized online programs such as Pharm D online degree offer tailored knowledge that can translate into improved managerial effectiveness and sustained career growth.

What entry-level roles lead to managerial positions?

Several entry-level positions are recognized as strong stepping stones toward management careers. These roles allow individuals to develop essential skills, demonstrate leadership potential, and gain experience that is valued for promotion into management.

Customer Service Representative: Provides frontline experience in problem-solving, communication, and conflict resolution—skills highly valued in management.
Sales Associate: Offers opportunities to develop negotiation, goal-setting, and relationship-building abilities. High performers are often promoted to sales team lead or manager roles.
Administrative Assistant: Involves organizational, multitasking, and process improvement skills. Many admins move up to office manager or operations coordinator positions.
Operations Coordinator: Assists with planning and implementing business processes, providing a foundation in operational management and team coordination.
Project Coordinator/Assistant: Supports project managers, learning project planning, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication—key competencies for future project management roles.
Team Leader: Often a first formal leadership role, overseeing small teams and handling scheduling, performance monitoring, and basic supervisory duties.

How much does a manager make?

The median global salary for a manager is approximately $158,000 per year, with most managers earning between $122,000 and $202,000 annually before taxes and deductions. In the United States, the median salary for managers is slightly higher at $165,000, and the typical salary range falls between $125,000 and $208,000.

Entry-level or junior managers in the U.S. can expect to earn around $162,545, while senior or executive-level managers may see salaries reaching $202,500 or more. The average manager's salary in the U.S. is reported at about $156,200, though this can vary widely depending on factors such as experience, industry, and location, with some managers earning as little as $73,200 and others as much as $248,400 annually.

What is the projected job growth for managers?

The projected job growth for managers is estimated to have 1.2 million openings from 2023 to 2033. This growth reflects steady demand for management roles across various industries, as organizations continue to require skilled professionals to oversee teams, projects, and operations. Currently, there are over 1.9 million managers employed in the United States, and manager salaries have increased by 4% over the last five years, indicating both stability and ongoing opportunity in this career path.

Here's what managers have to say about their careers

"Stepping into a management role challenged me to grow in ways I never imagined—leading a team taught me patience, strategy, and how to bring out the best in others. Seeing projects come to life through collaboration has been incredibly rewarding." – Jessica

"Becoming a manager gave me the opportunity to shape workplace culture and mentor others, which has been the most fulfilling part of my career so far. I never expected how deeply rewarding it would feel to help someone reach their potential." – Aaron

"Taking on a managerial position meant more responsibility, but it also meant I could directly influence outcomes and drive innovation. The confidence and communication skills I gained transformed both my career and personal life." – Rina

Key Findings

Leadership skills are crucial across various occupations, with 185 occupations in the U.S. ranking leadership skills as very or extremely important in 2023. This underscores the growing emphasis on leadership capabilities in the workforce.
70% of managers believe that soft skills are just as important as technical skills, highlighting the significance of emotional intelligence, communication, and conflict resolution in effective leadership.
Only 35% of managers receive formal training in leadership skills, suggesting a gap in professional development opportunities that could enhance management effectiveness.
Occupations requiring strong people and management skills, such as medical and health services managers, are projected to have many openings and fast growth over the decade, with employment growth above the average for all occupations.
Companies with highly engaged managers experience 21% higher profitability, demonstrating the direct link between strong management and organizational performance.

Other Things You Should Know About How To Become a Manager

Is management a good career in the USA?

Management is considered a strong and rewarding career choice in the USA, offering both stability and significant opportunities for growth. The evolving business landscape, driven by digital transformation, globalization, and the integration of AI, further increases the need for skilled managers who can lead teams, drive innovation, and manage complex projects. Additionally, management careers offer competitive salaries and the potential for advancement into senior leadership roles. However, the role also comes with challenges such as increased expectations for adaptability, technical proficiency, and the ability to manage diverse, often remote teams. Overall, for those with strong leadership, analytical, and interpersonal skills, management remains a promising and impactful career in the United States.

How important is emotional intelligence for modern leadership?

Emotional intelligence is now recognized as a critical attribute for effective modern leadership, often considered as important—if not more so—than technical expertise or traditional intelligence. Leaders with high emotional intelligence (EQ) possess self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to regulate their own emotions as well as understand those of others, which enables them to build strong relationships, foster trust, and create positive work environments. This skill set is essential for managing diverse teams, navigating complex interpersonal dynamics, and resolving conflicts constructively.

Do MBA programs significantly improve managerial career prospects?

MBA programs significantly improve managerial career prospects by providing graduates with enhanced skills, expanded professional networks, and greater access to leadership opportunities. Immediately after graduation, MBA holders often experience increased employability and higher starting salaries, with reports showing that over 90% secure job offers within three months. The degree equips students with strategic thinking, leadership abilities, and industry-specific knowledge, making them attractive candidates for managerial roles across diverse sectors like consulting, finance, technology, and healthcare.

How do you maintain technical expertise while managing a team?

Maintaining technical expertise while managing a team is a balancing act that requires intentional strategies and ongoing commitment. One effective approach is to schedule regular time for personal technical development, such as staying updated with industry trends, experimenting with new technologies, or participating in technical discussions and reviews, which helps keep your skills sharp even as you focus on leadership duties. Delegating technical tasks to capable team members is equally important; this empowers your team and helps them grow, and frees up your time for higher-level responsibilities, allowing you to stay involved in critical technical decisions without micromanaging.

References:

Statista. (2023, November 7). Bachelor’s degrees earned in the United States 2020/21, by field of research. Statista.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Business and Financial Occupations. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Zip Recruiter. (2023). 25 of the Highest Paying Business Jobs in 2024. Zip Recruiter.
Zippia. (2023, July 21). Business Manager Demographics and Statistics [2024]: Number of business managers in the US. Zippia.