This overview provides valuable insights into the Assistant Restaurant Manager’s role, covering responsibilities, salary, career progression, frequently asked questions and more.
What Is an Assistant Restaurant Manager?
An Assistant Restaurant Manager helps the Manager run the restaurant smoothly. They hire and train new staff but also help manage inventory and budgets.
They are responsible for ensuring all employees follow regulatory guidelines in the food industry to avoid any potential penalties.
What Does an Assistant Restaurant Manager Do?
The daily responsibilities of an Assistant Restaurant Manager include:
- Supervise daily restaurant operations such as overseeing kitchen activities, managing dining area cleanliness and inventory control
- Aid in managing restaurant staff, including recruitment, training, scheduling and evaluations
- Work with the Restaurant Manager to devise and execute strategies for meeting revenue and profit targets
- Ensure compliance with health, safety and sanitation regulations
- Address customer inquiries, complaints and feedback
- Foster a positive work environment, encouraging teamwork, motivation and high morale
- Regularly inspect the restaurant for maintenance needs
- Assist in planning and executing promotional activities, marketing campaigns and special events
- Monitor financial performance, analyzing sales trends, expenses and profitability for improvement opportunities
- Support administrative tasks like payroll, budgeting and record-keeping
Assistant Restaurant Manager Salary in the US
According to the most recent data averaged from Glassdoor, Indeed and ZipRecruiter, the average base salary for an Assistant Restaurant Manager in the United States is $50,775 per year.
Massachusetts tops the list as the highest-paying state for Assistant Restaurant Managers, offering an average salary of $52,819, while South Carolina comes in at the bottom with the lowest average salary of $38,598.
Explore the varying compensation levels for this role across the U.S.
[Calculated using Salary.com, ZipRecruiter and Talent.com data]
This map is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the map to see detailed data.
Visit our Assistant Restaurant Manager salary page for more in-depth information.
What Is the Workplace of an Assistant Restaurant Manager Like?
The workplace of an Assistant Restaurant Manager largely depends on the type of establishment they work in.
In fast-paced casual dining restaurants, the atmosphere may be energetic, with a focus on efficiently serving a high volume of customers.
In upscale fine dining establishments, the ambiance is more sophisticated, and Assistant Restaurant Managers coordinate with kitchen staff, managing reservations and ensure impeccable customer service.
In chain restaurants or franchise establishments, Assistant Restaurant Managers work within a structured environment, implementing corporate policies and procedures while overseeing day-to-day operations.
Overall the workplace of an Assistant Restaurant Manager is dynamic and demanding no matter the establishment type.
Factors That Affect Average Assistant Restaurant Manager Salary
Several factors can influence salary ranges for Assistant Restaurant Managers, including:
- Location: Salaries can vary significantly based on the cost of living and demand for restaurant managers in different regions.
- Experience: More experienced Assistant Restaurant Managers may command higher salaries.
- Type of establishment: Salaries often differ between fast-food chains, casual dining restaurants, fine dining establishments or hotel restaurants.
- Size of the restaurant: Larger restaurants with higher revenue and more staff may offer higher salaries compared to smaller, independent establishments.
- Skills and qualifications: Additional certifications, such as food safety or hospitality management, or specialized skills like proficiency in inventory management or marketing, can lead to higher pay.
- Company policies: Some restaurant chains or individual establishments may have standardized salary structures or policies regarding salary negotiation and progression.
Here’s a look at the 2024 Assistant Restaurant Manager salary across four major U.S. cities:
Annual mean salary $45,422
Annual mean salary $58,416
Annual mean salary $54,028
Annual mean salary $56,428
[Calculated using Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Salary.com, Glassdoor and Talent.com data]
Take-Home Pay for Assistant Restaurant Managers
Employees’ paychecks are subject to deductions for payroll taxes, income tax and benefits such as retirement or health benefits. The amount they actually receive after these deductions is termed as their net income or take-home pay and Assistant Restaurant Managers are no exception to the rule.
Our Paycheck Calculator simplifies the process of estimating the net pay by following four steps:
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- Inputting gross earnings
- Selecting pay frequency
- Choosing the state of employment
- Pressing the Calculate Tax button
Total Tax
Net pay
Disclaimer: Please note that this paycheck calculator is designed to provide an estimate and should not be considered as professional tax advice. The actual withholding amounts and taxes owed may vary depending on individual circumstances and other factors. For accurate and personalized tax advice, we recommend consulting with a tax professional.
This user-friendly tool automatically adjusts based on pay frequency, offering net earnings for various time periods. State-specific calculators ensure accuracy by accounting for local tax laws, providing precise results within seconds for informed financial planning.
How Much Do Assistant Restaurant Managers Earn Compared to Other Supervisory Roles?
The Assistant Restaurant Manager role is often the stepping stone to higher positions in the restaurant industry.
Consequently, their average salary is lower compared to most supervisory roles, including Restaurant Manager, Kitchen Manager, Head Chef and Director of Restaurant Operations.
[Calculated using BLS, Glassdoor, Indeed, Salary.com, Talent.com, Glassdoor and ZipRecruiter data]
This bar graph is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the graph to see detailed data.
How to Become an Assistant Restaurant Manager
Becoming an Assistant Restaurant Manager typically requires a combination of education, experience and skills.
Here are steps to help you pursue a career in this role:
- Gain experience in the restaurant industry: Start by gaining experience working in various roles within the restaurant industry. This could include positions such as Server, Bartender, Host/Hostess or Line Cook.
- Complete relevant education or training: While formal education is not always required, completing a degree or certification program in hospitality management, culinary arts or a related field can provide valuable knowledge and skills.
- Seek opportunities for advancement: Express your interest in advancing to a management role to your supervisors or managers. Seek out opportunities for growth within your current organization, such as participating in management training programs or taking on additional responsibilities.
- Build a strong professional network: Networking with industry professionals can provide valuable insights, mentorship and job opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional associations and connect with professionals to expand your network.
- Apply for Assistant Restaurant Manager positions: Once you have gained relevant experience and developed the necessary skills, start applying for Assistant Restaurant Manager positions.
- Prepare for interviews: Be prepared to discuss your experience, skills and accomplishments in the restaurant industry during job interviews. Highlight your leadership abilities, problem-solving skills, and customer service orientation.
- Continue learning and growing: The restaurant industry is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay updated on industry trends, regulations and best practices. Take advantage of professional development opportunities, such as workshops, seminars and online courses, to continue learning and growing in your career.
Education and Experience Requirements for Assistant Restaurant Managers
We hand-picked five best certifications for Assistant Restaurant Managers you can enroll to gain valuable skills and knowledge.
| Certification | Description |
|---|---|
| Certified Restaurant Manager (CRM) | The CRM demonstrates proficiency in various aspects of restaurant management, including leadership, financial management, marketing and customer service. |
| ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification | This certification ensures that Assistant Restaurant Managers have the knowledge and skills necessary to handle food safely. |
| Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) | This certification focuses on supervisory skills specific to the hospitality industry, including leadership, communication, problem-solving and guest service. |
| Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP) | The CFPP is ideal for Assistant Restaurant Managers involved in food safety management systems. It demonstrates expertise in preventing foodborne illnesses, implementing sanitation practices and complying with regulatory requirements. |
| Certified Manager (CM) | CM is a professional certification that confirms an individual’s capacity to manage effectively and demonstrates their potential to lead with competency. |
Top Skills of the Best Assistant Restaurant Managers
Here are some top skills essential for the Assistant Restaurant Manager role:
- Leadership: Assistant Managers need strong leadership skills to supervise and motivate staff, delegate tasks and maintain a positive work environment.
- Communication: Effective communication skills are important for conveying instructions to staff and addressing customer concerns.
- Customer service: Assistant Managers should have excellent customer service skills to handle customer inquiries, resolve complaints and ensure an overall pleasant dining experience for guests
- Problem-solving: Quick thinking and problem-solving skills are essential for addressing issues that arise during service, such as resolving conflicts between staff or finding solutions to logistical problems.
- Organization: Assistant Managers must be well-organized to oversee daily operations, manage schedules, handle inventory and ensure that the restaurant runs smoothly.
- Time management: With various tasks to juggle, Assistant Managers need strong time management skills to prioritize tasks effectively and meet all deadlines.
- Teamwork: Assistant Managers should be adept at working in a team environment as they need to collaborate with all restaurant staff, including cooks, servers and bartenders.
- Financial management: A basic understanding of financial principles is necessary for tackling tasks such as managing budgets, tracking expenses and maximizing profitability.
- Attention to detail: Whether it’s ensuring food quality, maintaining cleanliness standards or handling paperwork, Assistant Managers need a keen eye for detail to uphold the restaurant’s standards.
Assistant Restaurant Manager Career Progression
One of the biggest advantages of being a Restaurant Assistant Manager is that you’ll have a lot of room to grow. Take a look at some of the career paths you can take as an Assistant Restaurant Manager.
Restaurant Manager
Restaurant Assistant General Manager
Restaurant Consultant
Director of Restaurant Operations
Restaurant Manager
Restaurant Assistant General Manager
Restaurant Consultant
Food and Beverage Manager
Assistant Restaurant Manager Career FAQs
The roles of a Restaurant Manager and an Assistant Restaurant Manager can vary depending on the specific establishment and its organizational structure. However, there are some general differences between these two positions.
Restaurant Manager:
- Role: Oversees overall operations of the restaurant
- Responsibilities: Sets goals, manages budgets, hires and trains staff, ensures customer satisfaction and handles administrative tasks
- Authority: Makes major decisions and strategic plans for the restaurant
- Experience: Typically requires more experience and expertise in restaurant management
- Supervision: Supervises Assistant Managers and other staff
Assistant Restaurant Manager:
- Role: Supports the Restaurant Manager in daily operations
- Responsibilities: Assists with staff management, customer service, administrative tasks and ensuring smooth operations
- Authority: Implements plans and policies set by the Restaurant Manager, often with limited decision-making power
- Experience: May have less experience or serve as a stepping stone to becoming a Restaurant Manager
- Supervision: Supervises staff in the absence of the Restaurant Manager and assists in their training and development
An Assistant Restaurant Manager typically operates at the middle-management level. They are positioned between frontline employees such as Servers, Cooks and Bartenders and the Restaurant Manager or General Manager.
While they have authority over staff and certain operational aspects, they report to and assist the Restaurant Manager in overseeing the restaurant’s day-to-day operations.
Yes, being an Assistant Restaurant Manager does count as management experience. In this role, individuals are responsible for supervising staff, assisting with operational tasks, handling customer service issues and supporting overall restaurant management.
These responsibilities involve decision-making, leadership and organizational skills, all of which are valuable components of management experience.
Additionally, Assistant Managers often gain insights into strategic planning, budget management and team leadership, further enhancing their management capabilities.
Therefore, experience as an Assistant Restaurant Manager is recognized and valued as relevant management experience in the restaurant industry and beyond.
Hard skills for an Assistant Manager role in a restaurant typically include:
- Inventory management: Ability to track inventory levels, order supplies efficiently and manage inventory costs
- POS system proficiency: Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems for processing orders, handling transactions and generating reports
- Financial management: Understanding of basic accounting principles, such as cash handling, budgeting and revenue tracking
- Food safety and sanitation: Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards in the kitchen and dining areas
- Menu knowledge: Understanding of the menu items, ingredients, preparation methods and ability to make recommendations to customers
- Computer skills: Proficiency in using computer software for tasks such as scheduling, inventory management and generating reports
- Health and safety compliance: Awareness of health and safety regulations, including proper handling of food, equipment and emergency procedures.
Formal education is not always a requirement for becoming an Assistant Restaurant Manager, as experience and skills are often considered more important in the restaurant industry.
Many Assistant Restaurant Managers start in entry-level positions and work their way up through on-the-job training and gaining experience in various roles within the restaurant.
However, having a formal education, such as a degree or certification in hospitality management, culinary arts, business administration or a related field, can be beneficial and may provide you with a competitive edge when applying for Assistant Manager positions.
Several key performance indicators (KPIs) are commonly used to evaluate the performance of Assistant Restaurant Managers, including:
- Sales performance: Assessing the Assistant Manager’s ability to drive sales and increase revenue through effective upselling, promotions and selling techniques
- Labor cost percentage: Monitoring the Assistant Manager’s management of labor costs by comparing total labor expenses to total sales revenue
- Customer satisfaction scores: Tracking customer feedback and satisfaction ratings to evaluate the Assistant Manager’s ability to deliver a positive dining experience
- Employee turnover rate: Measuring the rate at which employees leave their positions within the restaurant
- Table turnover rate: Tracking the average time it takes to turn over tables in the restaurant