Find a Job You Really Want In
General Managers continue to be one of the most prevalent job titles across the United States. With opportunities available in every state, this role is not solely concentrated in regions like California or the Southeast.
Given the significance of this profession, we at Zippia sought to identify the best states for general managers, focusing on areas with abundant job openings and competitive salaries throughout their careers.
To achieve this, we analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to determine which states offer the most promising opportunities for general managers.
After thorough analysis, we compiled a list of the top states for general managers in 2026:
These states represent the best options for those considering a career in general management.
Curious about how we generated this ranking? Read on to discover the methodology behind our research into the best states for general managers.
For additional insights, feel free to explore the job market in these states:
How We Determined the Best States for General Managers
At Zippia, our research involves engaging with diverse job seekers. We found that two primary factors dominate their search:
- Job availability
- Competitive salaries
To pinpoint the best states for general managers, we examined where job opportunities are plentiful and how well general managers are compensated. Our analysis utilized criteria from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics:
- Location Quotient: A measure of job prevalence in each state.
- Average Annual Salary.
- Entry-Level Average Annual Salary.
- Experienced Average Annual Salary.
To ensure equitable salary comparisons across states, we adjusted the salary data based on the state’s cost of living. This standardization accounts for the varying costs of essentials in different regions. For instance, while California’s average salary for general managers is $107,670, the same figure in Illinois reflects a more favorable cost of living.
To create an overall ranking, we evaluated each state across these criteria, assigning a rank from 1 to 50, with 1 being the best. We then averaged the rankings to derive a Job Score, with the lowest score designating the top state for general managers in America.
Now, let’s delve into what makes each of these states exceptional for general managers.
1. Wyoming
Total Jobs: 5,250
Average Annual Salary: $105,920
Average Entry Level Salary: $41,230
Average Experienced Salary: $187,630
Location Quotient: 1.23
2. Oklahoma
Total Jobs: 25,770
Average Annual Salary: $104,860
Average Entry Level Salary: $41,240
Average Experienced Salary: $199,990
Location Quotient: 1.02
3. Indiana
Total Jobs: 54,610
Average Annual Salary: $103,370
Average Entry Level Salary: $38,250
Average Experienced Salary: $196,670
Location Quotient: 1.13
4. Missouri
Total Jobs: 46,490
Average Annual Salary: $105,280
Average Entry Level Salary: $36,480
Average Experienced Salary: $204,180
Location Quotient: 1.05
5. Minnesota
Total Jobs: 46,440
Average Annual Salary: $112,120
Average Entry Level Salary: $46,800
Average Experienced Salary: $202,560
Location Quotient: 1.02
6. South Dakota
Total Jobs: 3,670
Average Annual Salary: $125,490
Average Entry Level Salary: $72,140
Average Experienced Salary: $197,630
Location Quotient: 0.55
7. Nebraska
Total Jobs: 16,950
Average Annual Salary: $96,900
Average Entry Level Salary: $36,550
Average Experienced Salary: $181,310
Location Quotient: 1.1
8. North Dakota
Total Jobs: 7,550
Average Annual Salary: $103,100
Average Entry Level Salary: $47,100
Average Experienced Salary: $174,300
Location Quotient: 1.15
9. Iowa
Total Jobs: 23,570
Average Annual Salary: $99,720
Average Entry Level Salary: $39,050
Average Experienced Salary: $183,090
Location Quotient: 0.97
10. Arizona
Total Jobs: 50,540
Average Annual Salary: $102,470
Average Entry Level Salary: $39,860
Average Experienced Salary: $181,770
Location Quotient: 1.15
Conclusion: The Best States for General Managers
If you are launching your career as a general manager, these states should be at the forefront of your job search. They offer lucrative salaries, a wealth of job opportunities, and substantial potential for career progression.
On the flip side, here are the states where general managers may face challenges:
Detailed List of the Best States for General Managers
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wyoming | $105,920 |
| 2 | Oklahoma | $104,860 |
| 3 | Indiana | $103,370 |
| 4 | Missouri | $105,280 |
| 5 | Minnesota | $112,120 |
| 6 | South Dakota | $125,490 |
| 7 | Nebraska | $96,900 |
| 8 | North Dakota | $103,100 |
| 9 | Iowa | $99,720 |
| 10 | Arizona | $102,470 |
| 11 | Kansas | $97,920 |
| 12 | New Mexico | $101,720 |
| 13 | South Carolina | $101,400 |
| 14 | Arkansas | $87,650 |
| 15 | Mississippi | $77,800 |
| 16 | Kentucky | $89,750 |
| 17 | Alaska | $112,580 |
| 18 | Utah | $82,370 |
| 19 | Oregon | $107,670 |
| 20 | Montana | $98,990 |
| 21 | Maine | $98,100 |
| 22 | Idaho | $79,370 |
| 23 | West Virginia | $87,430 |
| 24 | Vermont | $96,950 |
| 25 | Hawaii | $114,040 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
