General Manager Salary: Legal Minimums, Award Coverage, and What the Data Shows

What the General Manager Salary Data Tells Us

When searching for a "general manager salary" in Australia, the first thing to understand is that there is no single legal rate. The pay floor depends on whether the role is covered by a modern award, an enterprise agreement, or is award-free. For most general managers, especially those in senior leadership positions, the national minimum wage is the absolute legal minimum, but actual salaries are typically much higher.

The Legal Minimum: National Minimum Wage

For a general manager who is not covered by any award or registered agreement, the Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage. As of 1 July 2026, that rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time adult employee. This is before tax and before the employer's superannuation guarantee contribution of 12% on top. Casual employees receive a loading of 25%, bringing the casual minimum to $33.05 per hour.

It is important to note that junior employees, apprentices, and trainees may be paid less than the adult rate, but general managers are almost always adults. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that the national minimum wage applies only when no other instrument sets a higher rate.

Award Coverage for General Managers

Some general managers are covered by a modern award. For example, the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 includes a classification for Managerial Staff (Hotels) with a minimum annual salary of $63,617 as of 1 July 2026. This is higher than the national minimum wage. Other awards, such as the Clerks Award or the Manufacturing Award, may have classifications that cover managerial duties. If an award applies, the employer must pay at least the award rate, which may include allowances and penalty rates.

If a general manager is covered by an enterprise agreement, that agreement sets the minimum pay and conditions, provided it passes the Better Off Overall Test. The agreement rate cannot be lower than the relevant award or the national minimum wage.

What the ABS and Jobs and Skills Australia Show

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) collects earnings data for occupations, including General Managers (ANZSCO 1112). However, the median full-time weekly earnings for general managers are not published because the standard error is too high. Jobs and Skills Australia reports that median full-time earnings per week and median hourly earnings are both listed as "N/A" for this occupation. This means we cannot provide a reliable average or typical salary from official sources. The data that is available shows that general managers tend to be older (median age 48) and work longer hours (average 47 hours per week full-time), but their pay varies enormously by industry, company size, and experience.

The Weekly Packet: Tax, Medicare, and Super

When discussing a general manager salary, it helps to think of the "weekly packet" – what the employee takes home after tax and what the employer pays on top. The national minimum wage of $1,004.90 per week is gross. From that, the employer must withhold PAYG tax according to ATO tax tables. For the 2026-27 tax year, a single resident earning only the minimum wage would pay little to no tax after the tax-free threshold and low-income tax offset. Medicare levy of 2% applies once annualised ordinary gross income exceeds $30,000.

On top of the gross salary, the employer must pay superannuation guarantee at 12% of ordinary time earnings. So the total employment cost for a general manager on the minimum wage is at least $1,004.90 plus $120.59 in super = $1,125.49 per week. For higher-paid general managers, the super contribution is a significant additional cost.

How to Determine the Correct Pay Floor

To find the correct minimum for a specific general manager role, follow these steps:

1. Check if a modern award covers the industry and duties. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool or consult Which minimum wage applies on this site.
2. If no award applies, check if an enterprise agreement covers the workplace.
3. If neither applies, the national minimum wage is the floor.
4. Remember that the rate must be paid for all ordinary hours (38 per week for full-time). Overtime and penalty rates may apply under awards or agreements.

For more detailed rate information, see our Rate tables page.

Common Misconceptions

• "General managers always earn six figures." While many do, the legal minimum is much lower. Some general managers in small businesses or non-profit organisations may earn only slightly above the award rate.
• "The national minimum wage applies to everyone." No. Juniors, apprentices, and trainees can be paid less. Also, award rates may be higher.
• "Super is part of the salary." No. Super is an employer contribution on top of the salary. It cannot be counted towards meeting the minimum wage.

Summary

The search for a "general manager salary" in Australia reveals a range from the legal minimum of $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 per week) to much higher negotiated packages. Without reliable median data from the ABS, it is impossible to state a typical figure. The key takeaway is that the legal floor is clear, but actual pay depends on the applicable award, agreement, or market conditions. Always verify the correct instrument before setting or accepting a salary.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.