BusinessUpdated Q1 2025

General Manager Salary
in San Diego, CA

Manage all aspects of a business unit or location to achieve revenue and operational goals. Median salary in San Diego: $135K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$135K
per year
Take-home: $82K

Salary range in San Diego

Entry level (25th)$94,000
Median (50th)$135,000
Senior (75th)$190,000
Top earner (90th)$263,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in San Diego, California.

Key facts for San Diego

Median salary
$135K
annual
Take-home pay
$82K
after fed/state tax
COL index
148
100 = US avg
State income tax
9.3%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$2,400
per month
YoY growth
+2.8%
salary trend

Salary forecast: San Diego General Manager to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $135K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — San Diego

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
General Manager salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$113K$123K$133K$143K$153K201920212023202520272029
2026
$138K
projected
2027
$142K
projected
2028
$145K
projected
2029
$149K
projected
2030
$153K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$135,000+$0
2028 projected$135,000+$0
2029 projected$135,000+$0
2030 projected$135,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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General Manager Salary in San Diego, California: Complete Guide (2026)

The median General Manager salary in San Diego, CA is $135,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the San Diego–CA metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for General Manager in San Diego

Entry-level General Managers in San Diego with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $94,000 and $135,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $135,000 to $190,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $190,000 to $263,000 or more.

Cost of living in San Diego for General Managers

San Diego has a cost of living index of 148 compared to the US national average of 100. San Diego's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. California has a 9.3% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for General Manager

Bachelor's in Business; MBA at senior levels. 20% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

General Manager salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
San Diego (current)$135K148
Los Angeles163
San Jose210
San Francisco224
Fresno102
Sacramento128