Operations Manager vs Freight Broker: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Operations Manager
Optimise day-to-day business operations for efficiency, quality, and output.
Freight Broker
Match freight shippers with carriers to negotiate rates and coordinate shipments.
Operations Manager earns more on average — the national median is $30,000/year (44%) higher than a Freight Broker. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Operations Manager vs Freight Broker — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Operations Manager | Freight Broker | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $145,826 | $96,108 | Operations +$49,718 |
| New York, NY | $114,897 | $82,621 | Operations +$32,276 |
| Seattle, WA | $143,502 | $95,821 | Operations +$47,681 |
| Austin, TX | $110,058 | $73,907 | Operations +$36,151 |
| Chicago, IL | $102,114 | $71,109 | Operations +$31,005 |
| Boston, MA | $128,225 | $86,476 | Operations +$41,749 |
| London, UK | £74,962 | £54,288 | Operations +$20,674 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$132,195 | CA$91,112 | Operations +$41,083 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Operations Manager or Freight Broker earn more?+
A Operations Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a Operations Manager is $98,000/year, compared to $68,000/year for a Freight Broker — a difference of $30,000 (44%).
Which has better career growth — Operations Manager or Freight Broker?+
Operations Manager roles are growing at 10% YoY while Freight Broker demand is growing at 8% YoY. Operations Manager has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Operations Manager to Freight Broker?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Operations Manager or Freight Broker?+
Operations Manager has a lower AI automation risk (32% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.