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What is a 1st assistant manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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First assistant managers are responsible for assisting in recruiting and training employees in their job responsibilities. They monitor and control expenses within the allotted budget while maintaining product quality standards and customer service regulations. They also analyze profits and losses and demonstrate leadership qualities to supervise and guide project team members. First assistant managers earn an average sum of $13 per hour, which amounts to $28,000 per year.

First assistant managers are professionals who serve as a right hand to the deputy or a general manager. Their duties are similar to that of a manager. They are the main person working behind the scenes to ensure the smooth operation and management of the manager's daily work activities and the organization. The managers delegate some of their works to the first assistant managers and ensure that they carry out their responsibilities professionally.

First assistant managers typically hold an associate's degree in behavioural, social science, or other related fields. They are expected to have some years of experience as an assistant manager or in a similar role. Some employers prefer candidates who are exceptional listeners with excellent interpersonal, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Score1st Assistant ManagerUS Average
Salary
2.3

Avg. Salary $29,020

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
9.4

Growth Rate 6%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.66%

Asian 6.91%

Black or African American 9.90%

Hispanic or Latino 15.38%

Unknown 4.74%

White 62.41%

Gender

female 58.19%

male 41.81%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress Level
9.4

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
5.2

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
4.6

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

1st Assistant Manager career paths

Key steps to become a 1st assistant manager

  1. Explore 1st assistant manager education requirements

    Most common 1st assistant manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    34.4 %

    High School Diploma

    31.9 %

    Associate

    21.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific 1st assistant manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Cleanliness14.61%
    Guest Service10.25%
    Food Safety9.66%
    Customer Service9.31%
    Exceptional Guest8.04%
  3. Complete relevant 1st assistant manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New 1st assistant managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a 1st assistant manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real 1st assistant manager resumes.
  4. Gain additional 1st assistant manager certifications

    1st assistant manager certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific 1st assistant manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for 1st assistant managers include Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and Medical Assistant.

    More About Certifications
  5. Research 1st assistant manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage a team in order to reach daily, monthly, and yearly monetary, KPI, and loyalty goals.
    • Operate POS system, cash register, fax machine, credit and debit card machine and copy machine.
    • Handle attendance and punctuality, performance evaluations, implement policies and procedures, provide guidelines for database clean-up and informal training.
    • Design and present a PowerPoint slide show to introduce customers to digital photography, thereby enhancing photo department sales.
  6. Apply for 1st assistant manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a 1st assistant manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First 1st Assistant Manager Job

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Average 1st assistant manager salary

The average 1st Assistant Manager salary in the United States is $29,020 per year or $14 per hour. 1st assistant manager salaries range between $21,000 and $39,000 per year.

Average 1st Assistant Manager Salary
$29,020 Yearly
$13.95 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do 1st assistant managers rate their job?

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1st Assistant Manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2022
Cons

In reality, i do not complain as its who i am

Pros

I have leadership skills I always hire employees who like to work in a team I like to see sales increase and love to see the best customer service is given


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Pros

Ability to resolve issues, timely delivery on goals and mantainance of inter personal relationship and organizing.

Cons

Insurbordination, failure to deliver on tasks and targets.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

Educating employees and getting everyone on the same mindset about what it takes for a company to succeed.

Cons

I don't like it when moral is low and nothing seems to perk employees up to become more productive at work.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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