As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a General Manager Public Works in the United States is $146,216 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $70.
However, a General Manager Public Works's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A General Manager Public Works's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a General Manager Public Works's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Governmen... Level General Manager Public Works | $145,500 |
| Governmen... Level General Manager Public Works | $174,602 |
| General M... Level General Manager Public Works | $147,459 |
| Governmen... Level General Manager Public Works | $191,434 |
| Governmen... Level General Manager Public Works | $209,191 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract General Manager Public Works. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Initiative | 7.01% |
| Community Relations | 1.5% |
| Community Engagement | 1% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Business Development
|
$156,451 |
7%
|
|
Financial Services
|
$154,989 |
6%
|
|
Insight
|
$153,527 |
5%
|
|
Data Privacy
|
$152,065 |
4%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$152,065 |
4%
|
|
Building Relationships
|
$152,065 |
4%
|
For General Manager Public Works roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 95% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, General Manager Public Works positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view General Manager Public Works as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $219,324 | $105.0 | 50% |
| Software & Networking | $212,013 | $102.0 | 45% |
| MFG Durable | $204,702 | $98.0 | 40% |
| Internet | $190,081 | $91.0 | 30% |
| Hospitality & Leisure | $182,770 | $88.0 | 25% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many General Manager Public Works enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a General Manager Public Works with a Bachelor's Degree is between $140,258 and $152,280).
General Manager Public Works Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.0% |
| High School | 3.0% |
| Associates | 0.8% |
| Bachelors | 34.8% |
| Masters | 37.1% |
| Doctorate | 24.2% |
Understanding how a General Manager Public Works's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for a General Manager Public Works can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $109,680 in 2023 to around $107,941 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of General Manager Public Works salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $109,680 |
| 2024 | $109,072 |
| 2025 | $107,941 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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