How much does a general manager make?
a year · about $51 an hour
A typical general manager in the United States makes $105,770 a year, about $51 an hour, about 2.1× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They review work data and budgets, meet department leads, and set staff schedules and assignments. Then they track progress, solve problems, and coordinate plans across teams.
Did you know? Some general managers may step onto the sales floor to help customers, stock shelves, or count inventory—not just sit in an office.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $50,090 and $253,390How do you become one?
In the U.S., many earn a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, then gain years of relevant work experience. They often move up from team-lead or lower-level management jobs; some employers prefer a graduate degree.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ with a manager’s experience and the industry they work in. It also varies by location, so similar jobs in different parts of the country may pay differently.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in New Jersey ($173,690), lowest in Arkansas ($74,050).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,090 | $105,770 | $253,390 | about 3.5 million |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $173,690 | about 53,000 |
| District of Columbia | $168,000 | about 36,000 |
| South Dakota | $137,400 | about 4,000 |
| Connecticut | $137,220 | about 39,000 |
| Delaware | $137,220 | about 5,000 |
Official definition: Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/11-1021.00
- www.onetonline.org/skills/zone/11-1021.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/earnings.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY