General Manager Salary: Debunking Myths About Hourly Pay and Overtime

When you see a general manager salary advertised, it’s easy to assume you know exactly what you’ll take home. But the gap between annual salary and actual hourly earnings can be wider than you think. Many UK employees fall into common traps around overtime, contract hours, and London weighting. Let’s separate fact from fiction using the latest official data.

Myth 1: Annual Salary Equals Hourly Rate × 40 Hours × 52 Weeks

The classic conversion rule is simple: annual salary ÷ (hours per week × 52) = hourly rate. But this assumes every week is identical and you never work unpaid overtime. For a general manager, that’s rarely the case.

According to the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2025, the median full-time employee in the UK earns £39,039 per year. That works out at roughly £19.67 per hour based on a 38-hour week (the typical full-time hours used by ONS). But if your general manager role demands 50 hours a week, your effective hourly rate drops to around £15.00. Always calculate using your actual contracted hours, not the headline figure.

Myth 2: Overtime Is Always Paid

Many salaried managers assume they’ll get overtime pay for extra hours. In reality, most general manager positions are ‘exempt’ from overtime rules. Your contract may state that your salary covers all hours worked, regardless of how many. The ONS data shows that overtime pay is more common in lower-paid occupations. For managerial roles, it’s the exception, not the rule.

Before accepting a job, check your contract’s overtime policy. If you regularly work 45+ hours, your hourly rate may be far lower than the advertised salary suggests. Use our hourly calculator to see the real figure.

Myth 3: London Weighting Is Included in the Base Salary

London weighting is an additional allowance to offset higher living costs. Some employers include it in the annual salary figure; others list it separately. A general manager salary of £60,000 in London might actually be £55,000 base plus £5,000 weighting. If you move outside London, that allowance disappears.

Always ask recruiters: “Is London weighting included in the advertised figure?” The ONS data shows that median earnings in London are higher than the UK average, but that’s partly due to weighting. For accurate comparisons, strip out location allowances.

Myth 4: The National Living Wage Is the Same for Everyone

The UK government sets different minimum wage rates by age. From April 2025, the National Living Wage (for employees aged 21+) is £12.21 per hour. For 18-20 year olds it’s £10.00, and for 16-17 year olds it’s £7.55. Apprentices have their own rate.

If you’re a general manager under 21, your legal minimum is lower, but most managerial roles pay well above these thresholds. However, the ONS notes that low-paid jobs are concentrated among younger workers in elementary occupations. For a general manager, the risk of being paid below NLW is minimal, but always verify your age band.

Myth 5: Hourly Rate Is the Only Measure of Pay

Annual salary and hourly rate are just two pieces of the puzzle. Benefits like pension contributions, bonus potential, private medical insurance, and company car can significantly boost total compensation. The ONS annual earnings figures include bonuses and incentive pay, but not benefits in kind.

When comparing a general manager salary offer, look at the total package. A lower base salary with a generous bonus scheme might beat a higher base with no extras. Use our salary articles to learn how to evaluate job offers holistically.

How to Convert Your General Manager Salary Accurately

To get a true hourly rate:

1. Find your contracted weekly hours (not the hours you actually work).
2. Multiply by 52 to get annual contracted hours.
3. Divide your annual salary by that number.
4. If you receive London weighting, add it to the salary before dividing.
5. Remember that unpaid overtime reduces your effective hourly rate.

Example: A £50,000 general manager salary with a 40-hour week gives £24.04 per hour. If you work 50 hours, it’s £19.23. That’s a big difference.

The Bottom Line

The ONS data provides a reliable benchmark: median full-time hourly pay of £19.67 and annual pay of £39,039. But a general manager salary can range from £30,000 in small hospitality businesses to over £100,000 in corporate roles. Don’t let myths about overtime and contract hours fool you. Always do the maths with your own numbers.

For more guidance, visit our Hourly to Salary homepage for tools and resources to understand your true earnings.