Automotive General Manager Salary

By LeadLake Team   /   Job Category   /   2026
Back to Automotive General Manager Job Description

Determining Salary Factor

The salary of automotive general managers can differ based on factors such as location, experience, and job performance. According to ZipRecruiter, a large portion of automotive general managers in the United States earn an annual salary ranging between $46,500 and $210,500.

On average, the base salary for this role is $85,485, although the total cash compensation can be higher due to additional bonuses and incentives.

Salary Growth

The pay range for an Automotive General Manager can vary significantly, with differences of up to $59,000. This implies that there are numerous opportunities for career growth and higher earnings, potentially based on factors such as skill level, location, and years of experience.

Where does General Motors pay the most employees?

According to Zippia, General Motors is reported to pay its employees the highest salaries in Sunnyvale, CA and Olympia, WA. The average employee salary at General Motors is $79,461, although this figure can vary significantly depending on the specific role held by the employee. Some of the higher paying positions at General Motors include general manager, group leader, data architect, and senior software engineer.

Salary Progression

Based on data provided by ZipRecruiter, Automotive General Manager salaries in the United States vary. The salary range for most positions falls between $40,500 and $99,500, with the majority of general managers earning salaries within this range. However, some top earners in this profession, representing the 90th percentile, can make up to $130,000 annually.

What does a general manager do?

General managers in the automotive industry are responsible for overseeing the production of vehicles and managing the production of various parts. This includes monitoring the production of a large number of parts. In cases where there are faulty parts, the general manager is tasked with resolving the problem and finding a solution.

According to climbtheladder.com, the job of an automotive general manager involves ensuring the smooth production of vehicles and overseeing the production of different parts. One of their significant responsibilities is managing the production process of numerous parts. In situations where defects are identified, it is the general manager's duty to address and rectify the issue efficiently.

Entry-level vs Experienced

The average pay range for an Automotive General Manager can vary significantly, with differences of up to $59,000. This variation indicates that there are numerous opportunities for career progression and increased remuneration based on factors such as skill level, location, and years of experience.

Are general managers satisfied with their job?

According to a survey based on 738 responses, the job satisfaction rating for General Managers is 3.81 out of 5. On average, General Managers express a high level of satisfaction with their job. This data is derived from a total of 1,756 survey responses.

How much do automotive technicians make a year?

According to Payscale, an entry-level Automotive Technician with less than 1 year of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $14.01 based on 25 salaries. For those in the early stages of their career with 1-4 years of experience, the average total compensation is $16.23 based on 396 salaries.

What is the pay by experience level for general manager?

The pay by experience level for a General Manager, Restaurant or Night Club varies. An individual in the early stages of their career, with 1-4 years of experience, earns an average total compensation of a specific amount based on 36 salaries. This compensation includes tips, bonuses, and overtime pay.

Reference: PayScale. (n.d.). General Manager, Restaurant or Night Club Salary | PayScale.

Certification

While certifications are not typically mandatory, they can greatly enhance your competitiveness when pursuing a role as an automotive general manager.

By obtaining relevant certifications, you can demonstrate your commitment to professional development and showcase your advanced knowledge and skills in the field.

Employers may view these certifications as valuable assets, as they highlight your dedication to staying current with industry trends and best practices.

How much does a general manager auto dealership make?

The average salary for a General Manager Auto Dealership is $234,023 as of July 25, 2023. However, salaries typically range between $202,548 and $271,293. The salary you may receive depends on various factors such as education, certifications, additional skills, and years of experience in the industry.

How do I become an automotive GSM or general manager?

Applicants must have prior experience as an automotive GSM or General Manager. The position offers paid holidays and paid time off. The role involves working with each manager to achieve specific goals and objectives. Strong preference will be given to applicants with automotive or powersports experience.

How much do automotive service managers make?

Competition for jobs in the automotive industry can be fierce due to cost-cutting measures and dealership closures. Additionally, advancements in technology have reduced the demand for managers in the field. According to PayScale.com, the median salary for automotive service managers was $55,083 in March 2019.

Source: Automotive Services Manager: Employment Info & Career.

What does a general manager auto dealership do?

As a General Manager of an auto dealership, the responsibilities include overseeing various departments such as new and pre-owned vehicle sales, service, parts, and finance and insurance.

In order to gain insight into salary comparisons for this role in major cities, you can refer to the chart provided on Salary.com.

How much does a automotive general manager make?

The annual estimated total pay for an Automotive General Manager in the United States is approximately $125,922, with an average salary of $74,976 per year. These figures are based on the median, which represents the midpoint of the salary ranges obtained from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and data collected from our users.