How Much Does an Assistant Restaurant Manager Make in the United States?
The average base salary for an Assistant Restaurant Manager in the United States is a month or $50,775 per year, according to the most recent data averaged from Glassdoor, Indeed and ZipRecruiter.
Average Assistant Restaurant Manager Base Salary:
The average wage for an Assistant Restaurant Manager is per hour.
It’s important to note that Assistant Restaurant Managers generally don’t receive tips, as those are usually reserved for front-of-house staff like Servers.
Annual Mean Wage of Assistant Restaurant Managers by State
[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.
The average annual salary for Assistant Restaurant Managers can significantly vary across different states due to various factors.
For instance, states with higher living costs, such as Washington and New York, may offer Assistant Restaurant Managers higher wages to align with the demand for their expertise.
Conversely, states with lower living expenses, like Mississippi or Arkansas, might provide comparatively lower salaries.
Moreover, states with vibrant tourism sectors or thriving entertainment hubs or busy entertainment districts, like Florida or Hawaii, may offer higher wages to attract skilled individuals, especially during peak visitor seasons.
Factors That Affect Average Assistant Restaurant Manager Salary
Aside from geographic location, several other factors influence the average salary of Assistant restaurant managers:
Type of Establishment
The type of restaurant an Assistant Restaurant Manager works in can significantly impact their salary. Assistant Restaurant Managers in upscale dining establishments, fine dining restaurants or large restaurant chains may earn higher wages than those in smaller, casual dining venues.
Experience
Assistant Restaurant Managers with more experience and a proven track record of effective leadership, organizational skills and restaurant management expertise may command higher salaries than entry-level Assistant Restaurant Managers.
Local Economic Conditions
Local economic conditions, such as the overall prosperity of the area or the competitiveness of the restaurant market, can also impact Assistant Restaurant Managers’ salaries. In areas with a thriving restaurant scene or strong economic growth, they may have more opportunities for higher wages due to increased demand for their expertise.
Education and Certifications
Assistant Restaurant Managers with relevant degrees or certifications in hospitality management, culinary arts or business administration may command higher salaries due to their specialized knowledge and qualifications.
Performance Bonuses and Incentives
Some restaurants offer performance-based bonuses or incentives to Assistant Restaurant Managers based on achieving key performance indicators (KPIs) such as revenue targets, customer satisfaction scores or cost control measures. These additional incentives can significantly increase their overall earnings.
Negotiation Skills
Assistant Restaurant Managers who are skilled negotiators and advocates for their own worth may be able to secure higher salaries during the hiring process or performance reviews.
Assistant Restaurant Manager Salary in Major US Cities
Among these four major U.S. cities, New York City is the top-paying city for Assistant Restaurant Managers, followed by Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami.
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]
High-Paying Cities for Assistant Restaurant Managers
| City | Avg Salary | Avg Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | 54,028 | 25.98 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 56,428 | 27.13 |
| Miami, FL | 45,422 | 21.84 |
| NYC, NY | 58,416 | 28.08 |
Average Assistant Restaurant Manager Salary by State
Assistant Restaurant Managers in Hawaii, Massachusetts and Washington State earn the highest average salaries, while those in South Carolina, Arkansas and West Virginia earn the lowest.
| State | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $53,942 |
| California | $51,239 |
| Massachusetts | $52,819 |
| New York | $50,842 |
| Washington | $51,481 |
| New Jersey | $50,262 |
| Alaska | $46,835 |
| Connecticut | $48,987 |
| New Hampshire | $49,926 |
| Maine | $49,082 |
| Nevada | $48,190 |
| Delaware | $48,791 |
| Colorado | $48,501 |
| Oregon | $48,503 |
| Maryland | $45,850 |
| Rhode Island | $44,981 |
| Indiana | $45,691 |
| Minnesota | $46,876 |
| Wisconsin | $46,745 |
| New Mexico | $46,765 |
| Virginia | $46,406 |
| North Dakota | $45,659 |
| Michigan | $43,154 |
| Illinois | $47,769 |
| Arizona | $45,479 |
| Vermont | $45,689 |
| Ohio | $43,787 |
| Montana | $42,408 |
| Kansas | $42,978 |
| Texas | $43,034 |
| Iowa | $43,789 |
| Utah | $45,107 |
| Nebraska | $42,630 |
| Missouri | $43,372 |
| Idaho | $43,629 |
| Wyoming | $43,358 |
| Tennessee | $43,138 |
| Louisiana | $43,268 |
| Kentucky | $43,135 |
| Oklahoma | $42,902 |
| North Carolina | $43,537 |
| South Dakota | $43,008 |
| Mississippi | $41,799 |
| Georgia | $39,213 |
| West Virginia | $39,013 |
| Arkansas | $39,665 |
| Florida | $40,207 |
| Pennsylvania | $45,402 |
| South Carolina | $38,598 |
| Alabama | $44,151 |
Non-Monetary Benefits and Perks for Assistant Restaurant Managers
In addition to salary, Assistant Restaurant Managers often receive a range of non-monetary benefits and perks that contribute to their overall compensation package. These benefits are designed to enhance job satisfaction, promote work-life balance and support professional growth.
Here are some common non-monetary benefits and perks that Assistant Restaurant Managers may receive:
- Flexible scheduling: Many restaurants offer Assistant Restaurant Managers flexibility in scheduling, allowing them to balance work responsibilities with personal commitments and preferences.
- Professional development opportunities: Restaurants may provide Assistant Restaurant Managers with opportunities for professional development, such as attending industry conferences, workshops or training programs.
- Career advancement pathways: Assistant Restaurant Managers often have access to clear career advancement pathways within the restaurant or hospitality industry. Employers may offer opportunities for promotion to higher-level management positions, such as Restaurant Manager, Restaurant General Manager or even Regional Manager, based on performance and tenure.
- Employee discounts: Assistant Restaurant Managers may receive discounts on meals, beverages or other services offered by the restaurant. These discounts not only provide financial savings but also foster a sense of belonging and appreciation among employees.
- Healthcare benefits: Some restaurants extend comprehensive healthcare benefits to Assistant Restaurant Managers, including medical, dental and vision insurance coverage.
- Paid time off (PTO): Assistant Restaurant Managers typically receive paid time off, including vacation days and sick leaves, as part of their compensation package.
- 401(k) retirement plan: Many restaurants offer Assistant Restaurant Managers access to a 401(k) retirement plan, allowing them to contribute a portion of their earnings towards long-term savings for retirement. Employer contributions or matching may also be available, providing additional financial security for the future.
- Recognition and rewards programs: Restaurants may implement recognition and rewards programs to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of Assistant Restaurant Managers. These programs can include incentives such as employee of the month awards, performance bonuses or special recognition events.
- Uniform allowance or reimbursement: Some restaurants provide Assistant Restaurant Managers with a uniform allowance or reimbursement to cover the cost of purchasing and maintaining uniforms.
According to Statista, these are the benefits employees change jobs for:
[Source: Statista]
This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data.
Top 5 Skills Needed for Assistant Restaurant Managers
To excel in this multifaceted role, Assistant Restaurant Managers must possess a diverse skill set that goes beyond basic managerial duties.
Here are the top five essential skills necessary for Assistant Restaurant Managers to thrive in their roles and contribute to the success of their establishments:
1. Leadership Skills
Assistant Restaurant Managers must possess strong leadership skills to effectively oversee staff, delegate tasks and ensure smooth operations within the restaurant. They should inspire and motivate team members to achieve performance goals while maintaining a positive work environment.
2. Communication Skills
Effective communication is essential for Assistant Restaurant Managers to convey instructions clearly to staff, listen to concerns or feedback from both customers and employees and coordinate with other members of management. Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings and promotes teamwork.
3. Problem-Solving Skills
Assistant Restaurant Managers encounter various challenges daily, from resolving customer complaints to addressing staffing issues or operational inefficiencies. They need to be adept at identifying problems, analyzing root causes and implementing effective solutions promptly to ensure the restaurant runs smoothly.
4. Customer Service Skills
Exceptional customer service skills are vital for Assistant Restaurant Managers to ensure that guests have positive dining experiences. They should be able to interact courteously with customers, address any issues or complaints promptly and strive to exceed customer expectations to build loyalty and drive repeat business.
5. Organizational Skills
Assistant Restaurant Managers are responsible for managing multiple tasks simultaneously, such as scheduling shifts, ordering supplies, overseeing inventory and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Strong organizational skills enable them to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively and maintain orderliness in the restaurant’s operations.
Education Requirements for Assistant Restaurant Managers
While formal education requirements may vary depending on the employer and specific job responsibilities, Assistant Restaurant Managers typically benefit from a combination of formal education and practical experience in the hospitality industry.
Key education requirements for this role include:
- High school diploma or equivalent: Many Assistant Restaurant Manager positions require candidates to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. This foundational level of education demonstrates basic literacy, numeracy and communication skills, which are essential for success in the role.
- Post-secondary education: While not always mandatory, obtaining a degree or certificate in hospitality management, restaurant management or a related field can enhance a candidate’s qualifications for Assistant Restaurant Manager positions. Programs may cover topics such as food and beverage management, hospitality law, marketing and financial management.
- Hospitality management courses: Assistant Restaurant Managers may benefit from completing specific courses or training programs focused on hospitality management. These courses provide valuable insights into industry best practices, customer service strategies, food safety protocols and leadership skills.
- On-the-job training and experience: Practical experience gained through entry-level positions in the hospitality industry, such as Waiter/Waitress, Bartender or Host/Hostess roles, is often highly valued by employers when hiring Assistant Restaurant Managers. This hands-on experience provides candidates with a deep understanding of restaurant operations, customer service, and teamwork.
- Professional certifications: Obtaining industry-recognized certifications can demonstrate a candidate’s commitment to professional development and enhance their qualifications for Assistant Restaurant Manager roles.
According to research conducted by Zippia, the most common level of educational attainment for Assistant Restaurant Managers is a bachelor’s degree:
[Source: Zippia]
This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data.
How Much Do Similar Careers to an Assistant Restaurant Manager Get Paid?
Assistant Restaurant Managers earn less than Kitchen Managers, Restaurant Managers and Restaurant Consultants.
However, a common advancement path for Assistant Restaurant Managers is to move up to the role of Restaurant Manager, where they can leverage their experience and skills to earn higher salaries.
| Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Kitchen Manager | |
| Restaurant Manager | |
| Restaurant Consultant |
Assistant Restaurant Manager Career Progression
One of the greatest perks of being a Restaurant Assistant Manager is the vast room for career growth. 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
Labor Laws and Taxes for Assistant Restaurant Managers
As an Assistant Restaurant Manager, you need to be aware of the minimum wage, overtime pay, leave and tipping policies in your state.
Check out the guides below or view more labor laws:
- New York Labor Law Guide
- Illinois Labor Law Guide
- California Labor Law Guide
- Florida Labor Law Guide
To easily calculate federal, state and local taxes in your state, use our free Paycheck Calculator.
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.
Assistant Restaurant Manager Salary FAQ
As an Assistant Restaurant Manager, you can negotiate your salary effectively by following several key steps:
- Thoroughly research salary benchmarks in your local area to gain insight into the typical salary range for the position.
- During the negotiation process, highlight relevant experience and skills, such as previous management roles, certifications in food safety or hospitality management or exceptional customer service skills, to strengthen your position.
- Approach the conversation with confidence and assertiveness, expressing enthusiasm for the position while advocating for your worth based on skills and contributions.
- Consider the total compensation package, including benefits such as healthcare, bonuses, vacation days, and opportunities for advancement.
- Regardless of the outcome, express appreciation for the opportunity and the employer’s consideration, leaving a positive impression for potential future negotiations or opportunities within the company.
It depends on the restaurant and company policies. While some Assistant Restaurant Managers may receive bonuses or additional compensation based on performance or achieving certain targets, others may not have such incentives.
Experience often correlates with higher salaries for Assistant Restaurant Managers. Those with more years of experience in the role or in the hospitality industry generally command higher compensation due to their expertise and proven track record of success.
Salary advancement and promotion opportunities for Assistant Restaurant Managers may include moving up to higher-level management positions such as Restaurant Manager, regional management roles or even opening their own restaurant.
Additionally, obtaining additional certifications or furthering education may enhance prospects for salary advancement.
Assistant Restaurant Manager salaries can vary between independent restaurants and chain establishments based on factors such as company size, location and market competitiveness.
In some cases, chain establishments may offer higher salaries due to their larger budgets and standardized pay structures, while independent restaurants may offer greater flexibility or potential for bonuses.
Yes, there can be seasonal fluctuations in Assistant Restaurant Manager salaries, especially in tourist-heavy areas where business may peak during certain seasons.
During high-demand periods, Assistant Restaurant Managers may receive bonuses or higher compensation to accommodate increased workload and responsibilities.
