General Manager Salary in 2026
General managers oversee entire business units or departments, managing budgets, staff, and strategy. They drive revenue growth and ensure operational excellence across all functions.
Median Salary
$126,000
$10,500/mo
Entry Level
$68,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$173,000
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
General Manager Overview
General managers oversee entire business units or departments, managing budgets, staff, and strategy. They drive revenue growth and ensure operational excellence across all functions.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
8-12 years
Industry
Management
Total Jobs (US)
2.2M
5-Year Growth
+17%
Category
Management
Hourly Rate
$60.58/hr
Monthly Pay
$10,500
General Manager Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated General Manager salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated General Manager Salary
$137,000
$11,417/month · $5,269/biweekly · $65.87/hr
General Manager Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the General Manager field.
Entry-level General Managers earn around $68,000, while the top 10% earn $193,500 or more.
Top Paying States for General Managers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $149,000 | +$23,000 |
| New York | $145,000 | +$19,000 |
| Illinois | $131,000 | +$5,000 |
| Texas | $123,000 | $-3,000 |
| Florida | $123,000 | $-3,000 |
Top Paying Cities for General Managers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $149,000 | +$23,000 |
| Los Angeles | $141,000 | +$15,000 |
| Chicago | $132,000 | +$6,000 |
| Miami | $129,000 | +$3,000 |
| Dallas | $126,000 | $0 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
General Manager Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a General Manager from entry level to expert.
$68,000
0-2 years
$121,000
3-7 years
$173,000
8-14 years
$214,000
15+ years
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General Manager Salary FAQ
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