What a General Manager Salary Looks Like on the Australian Salary Index

General Manager Salary: Where It Sits on the Australian Salary Index

When you search for a general manager salary in Australia, you quickly find that official sources are cautious about publishing a single figure. That’s because the role covers so much ground—from running a small manufacturing plant to overseeing a large healthcare network. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Jobs and Skills Australia both note that the median weekly earnings for General Managers (ANZSCO 1112) are not available due to a high standard error. But we can still get a useful picture by looking at the broader ‘Managers’ category and understanding where that pay sits on the Salary Index.

What the Data Says

The ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey for May 2025 reports that the ‘Managers’ occupation group (which includes general managers, chief executives, and other senior roles) had average weekly total cash earnings of $2,800.90 for all employees. For full-time non-managerial adult rate managers, the average was $2,688.70 per week, and the average hourly rate was $69.20. These figures are averages, not medians, but they give a solid benchmark.

Jobs and Skills Australia adds context: 91% of general managers work full-time, averaging 47 hours per week. The median age is 48, and only 33% are women. Common industries include Health Care and Social Assistance, Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, and Manufacturing.

Where That Sits on the Index

The Salary Index uses a baseline of 100, which equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week (annualised $108,352) from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings series. To find the index for a given salary, divide the annual gross pay by $108,352 and multiply by 100.

Using the average weekly earnings for managers ($2,800.90), the annual figure is about $145,647. That gives an index of 134—well above the national line. Even the full-time non-managerial adult rate average of $2,688.70 ($139,812 annualised) yields an index of 129. For comparison, the national minimum wage sits at index 48.2, and the average for all occupations is around index 77 (based on $1,611.10 per week).

Industry and Location Matter

A general manager’s salary can vary dramatically by industry. The industries page shows that Mining has an index of 154.7, while Accommodation and Food Services is at 72.5. A general manager in mining could easily earn double what one in hospitality earns. Similarly, location plays a role: the states page shows that the ACT has an index of 109.9, while Tasmania is at 88.6. General managers in Sydney or Canberra often command higher pay than those in Hobart or Adelaide.

Awards, Super, and Tax

Most general managers are not covered by modern awards—they are typically employed under individual contracts or enterprise agreements. However, if a general manager falls under an award (for example, in some community services), the minimum rates are set by the Fair Work Commission. The pay guides on this site can help you check award classifications.

Superannuation is mandatory at 12% from 1 July 2026, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a general manager earning $145,647, the super contribution would be about $17,478 per year.

Tax for the 2026–27 year (excluding Medicare) is progressive: nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above that. Add the 2% Medicare levy. A general manager on $145,647 would pay roughly $34,000 in tax plus Medicare, leaving a take-home of about $108,000. That’s still well above the national median.

Why the Median Is Missing

You might wonder why the ABS doesn’t publish a median for general managers. The reason is statistical reliability. The Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours uses a sample, and for occupations with a wide pay range or a small sample size, the margin of error becomes too large. That’s why the data for ANZSCO 1112 is marked N/A. It doesn’t mean general managers are underpaid—quite the opposite. The variability is high because some general managers earn $120,000 while others earn $300,000 or more.

Putting It All Together

If you’re researching a general manager salary for a job offer or a budget, use the broader managers average as a starting point but adjust for your industry and location. The how the index works page explains how to calculate your own index. For more context on related roles, see the topics page.

Remember that the figures here are benchmarks, not quotes. A general manager in a small regional business might earn less than the average, while one in a multinational could earn much more. The key takeaway is that a general manager’s pay typically sits well above the national line, often in the 120–150 index range, reflecting the responsibility and experience the role demands.