The qualifications needed for a career as an automotive general manager start with experience as sales staff in a dealership. This background helps you have a strong understanding of the industry and what it takes for a dealership to function. You also need knowledge of the other departments, especially parts and service. While it is possible to work your way up through that department, most general managers come from sales. Strong communication skills are the key to this position. You also need an understanding of state and federal laws regarding safety and the automotive industry. You do not need a college education to become a general manager, although some dealerships may prefer candidates with a business degree.

If you are interested in a job related to Automotive General Manager, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Automotive General Manager Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Automotive General Manager positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Lube Shop Manager
Salary range: $45,500 - $57,500
Lube Shop Manager is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Lube Shop Manager jobs pay between $45,500 (25th percentile) and $57,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Lube Shop Manager job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Dealership General Manager
Salary range: $51,500 - $192,500
Dealership general managers (GMs) oversee the operations of all the various departments within the dealership. The most common type of dealership is an automotive dealership, but other examples include those that sell RVs, boats or other outdoor vehicles, and large equipment. As a dealership general manager, you set sales goals for the sales team, create and manage the company budget, and approve contracts made in the financing department. You manage inventory, oversee vehicle acquisitions operations, and develop strategies to increase sales and profits at the dealership. General managers also hire and train new employees and establish employee compensation and benefits.
Automotive Service Manager
Salary range: $56,000 - $81,000
Automotive Service Managers work within a dealership's Service department to repair cars. They are the ones who are responsible for the business duties and administrative tasks, and oversee staff hiring, training, and firing. Automotive Service Managers also oversee the mechanics and the parts departments and ensure that vehicles are fixed to the customers' satisfaction. When something goes wrong with a repair or service, they are usually tasked with interacting with customers to come up with a fair resolution. Some Automotive Service Managers may be responsible for the shop's financial, marketing, and business goals. Automotive Service Managers should possess great customer service skills, as well as demonstrated knowledge of the auto industry and vehicles.
Automotive General Sales Manager
Salary range: $100,500 - $142,000
The responsibilities of an automotive general sales manager are to lead the sales team or department at a car dealership. Their duties include assessing team performance, developing estimates for future vehicle sales, setting clear goals for the department, and collaborating with other departments, such as marketing. An automotive general sales manager may have additional duties, such as hiring and training new team members, approving budgets, and helping negotiate with each customer.
Rick Case Automotive Group
Salary range: $40,000 - $51,500
Rick Case Automotive Group is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Rick Case Automotive Group jobs pay between $40,000 (25th percentile) and $51,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Rick Case Automotive Group job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Automotive Dealership General Manager
Salary range: $60,000 - $94,500
Automotive Dealership General Manager is a popular job search query. Most salaries for Automotive Dealership General Manager jobs pay between $60,000 (25th percentile) and $94,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Automotive Dealership General Manager job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Automotive District Manager
Salary range: $64,500 - $92,000
Automotive District Manager is a typical job search query Most salaries for Automotive District Manager jobs pay between $64,500 (25th percentile) and $92,000 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Automotive District Manager job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Nascar Hauler
Salary range: $37,500 - $72,000
Nascar Hauler is a common job search query. Most salaries for Nascar Hauler jobs pay between $37,500 (25th percentile) and $72,000 (75th percentile) annually. There are lots of open positions nationwide for Nascar Hauler job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Customer Success Manager Automotive
Salary range: $59,500 - $99,000
Customer Success Manager Automotive is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Customer Success Manager Automotive jobs pay between $59,500 (25th percentile) and $99,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Customer Success Manager Automotive job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Porsche Manager Salary
Salary range: $42,000 - $68,500
Porsche Manager Salary is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Porsche Manager Salary jobs pay between $42,000 (25th percentile) and $68,500 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Porsche Manager Salary job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

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