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Business general manager vs business owner

The differences between business general managers and business owners can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a business general manager and a business owner. Additionally, a business general manager has an average salary of $72,676, which is higher than the $50,934 average annual salary of a business owner.

The top three skills for a business general manager include general business, CRM and human resources. The most important skills for a business owner are customer service, payroll, and financial statements.

Business general manager vs business owner overview

Business General ManagerBusiness Owner
Yearly salary$72,676$50,934
Hourly rate$34.94$24.49
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs411,126107,663
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Average age4444
Years of experience66

What does a business general manager do?

A business general manager oversees the daily operations in a business establishment or office. They are typically in charge of setting goals and objectives, establishing guidelines and schedules, assessing the performance of the workforce, coordinating departments, and developing strategies to optimize business procedures. They may also perform clerical tasks such as producing progress reports, answering calls and correspondence, and preparing documents and presentations. Furthermore, as a general manager, it is essential to lead and encourage the workforce to reach goals and sales targets, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

What does a business owner do?

Business owners, also known as Entrepreneurs, are responsible for their company and brand's success. There are many areas of responsibility when you're a business owner, such as in the aspects of planning and budgeting, arranging finances and legal documentation, and even hiring the workforce essential for the business to grow. However, these responsibilities will vary according to how a business owner will uphold them. Moreover, building a business from the ground up requires dedication and a vision and mission for the brand.

Business general manager vs business owner salary

Business general managers and business owners have different pay scales, as shown below.

Business General ManagerBusiness Owner
Average salary$72,676$50,934
Salary rangeBetween $46,000 And $112,000Between $27,000 And $94,000
Highest paying CityHoboken, NJSeattle, WA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyWashington
Best paying companyBlackRockBD
Best paying industryFinanceRetail

Differences between business general manager and business owner education

There are a few differences between a business general manager and a business owner in terms of educational background:

Business General ManagerBusiness Owner
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Business general manager vs business owner demographics

Here are the differences between business general managers' and business owners' demographics:

Business General ManagerBusiness Owner
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 71.9% Female, 28.1%Male, 51.4% Female, 48.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 6.4% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 6.4% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between business general manager and business owner duties and responsibilities

Business general manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage business start-up from formation including development of business and marketing plans, equipment selection/installation, staffing, and product offerings.
  • Manage business start-up from formation including development of business and marketing plans, equipment selection/installation, staffing, and product offerings.
  • File all Medicaid and commercial insurance prior authorizations with all the proper documentation.
  • Develop and implement standardized visual controls allowing faster response to production, TPM, safety and training abnormalities.
  • Optimize processing and ensure accuracy of accounts payable function using QuickBooks.

Business owner example responsibilities.

  • Manage the budget and insure operations run smoothly.
  • Create, own and manage a LLC for grind pet transportation.
  • Establish and manage a beading boutique via the Internet by utilizing Photoshop to post designs on a personal website.
  • Manage sales, customer service, billing, A/P, A/R, vendor relations, negotiations, repairs, and maintenance.
  • Manage end to end business operations including hiring, scheduling visits, conducting customer consultations and performing pet visits.
  • Handle all aspects from A/P to A/R, payroll, ordering and dealing with all distributors and city officials.
  • Show more

Business general manager vs business owner skills

Common business general manager skills
  • General Business, 28%
  • CRM, 19%
  • Human Resources, 10%
  • Business Processes, 10%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 3%
  • Business Operations, 3%
Common business owner skills
  • Customer Service, 31%
  • Payroll, 12%
  • Financial Statements, 9%
  • Business Plan, 7%
  • Business Model, 3%
  • Real Estate, 2%

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