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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a General Manager Auto Dealership in California is $226,537 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $109.
However, a General Manager Auto Dealership's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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General Manager Auto Dealership Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $238,897 | $19,908 | $4,594 | $115 |
| Average | $226,537 | $18,878 | $4,356 | $109 |
| 25th Percentile | $202,316 | $16,860 | $3,891 | $97 |
Sonic Automotive, Inc. - Santa Monica, CA
Go Auto - Los Angeles, CA
Carvana - Los Angeles, CA
Carvana - San Diego, CA
A General Manager Auto Dealership'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a General Manager Auto Dealership'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 |
|---|---|
| Financial... Level General Manager Auto Dealership | $122,065 |
| Financial... Level General Manager Auto Dealership | $132,006 |
| Financial... Level General Manager Auto Dealership | $146,018 |
| Financial... Level General Manager Auto Dealership | $196,140 |
| General M... Level General Manager Auto Dealership | $225,629 |
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 Auto Dealerships. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For General Manager Auto Dealership roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, General Manager Auto Dealership positions in MFG Nondurable or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view General Manager Auto Dealership as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $317,152 | $152.0 | 40% |
| Biotechnology | $283,172 | $136.0 | 25% |
| Software & Networking | $271,845 | $131.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $260,518 | $125.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $249,191 | $120.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a General Manager Auto Dealership'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $238,897 | $19,908 | $4,594 | $115 |
| Average | $226,537 | $18,878 | $4,356 | $109 |
| 25th Percentile | $202,316 | $16,860 | $3,891 | $97 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current General Manager Auto Dealership job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
CSN Collision
Gardena, CA
CSN Collision | Gardena, CA
Job Description. Job Description. The Body Shop General Manager is the leadership position for all body shop personnel. Responsible for shop operational pe... more
9 Days Ago
Sonic Automotive
Newport Beach, CA
Sonic Automotive | Newport Beach, CA
The General Manager at Sonic Automotive Newport Beach is fully responsible for the profitable operation of the dealership, leading all departments and ensu... more
7 Days Ago
Automotive Career Professionals
Fremont, CA
Automotive Career Professionals | Fremont, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Automotive Dealership Office Manager. Are you an automotive accounting professional who values accuracy, enjoys a steady ... more
7 Days Ago
Sonic Automotive
San Jose, CA
Sonic Automotive | San Jose, CA
Sonic Automotive is seeking a General Manager for the Jaguar/Land Rover dealership in San Jose, CA. This role requires a hands-on leader with proven succes... more
6 Days Ago
Gill Automotive Group
Madera, CA
Gill Automotive Group | Madera, CA
Job Description. Job Description. The General Sales Manager (GSM) is responsible for overseeing all sales operations within the dealership, including new a... more
8 Days Ago
Pep Boys
Palmdale, CA
Pep Boys | Palmdale, CA
Pep Boys - - Responsibilities: Perform basic automotive services including oil changes, tire mounting/balancing, and tire repairs. Inspect vehicles and com... more
7 Days Ago
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