Assistant Restaurant Manager Salary in Santa Monica, CA
Assistant Restaurant Managers in Santa Monica, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $32.17 per hour, which translates to about $1,286.80 per week, $5,576.13 per month, and $66,913.60 per year.
The demand for Assistant Restaurant Managers in Santa Monica is growing positively at about 5% per year, reflecting a healthy employment outlook for this leadership role in the local restaurant industry.
How Much Does an Assistant Restaurant Manager Make in Santa Monica, CA?
The salary of an Assistant Restaurant Manager in Santa Monica varies by experience and expertise, but generally, it is a well-compensated position with room for growth.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $26.92 | $1,076.80 | $4,647.47 | $55,913.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $32.17 | $1,286.80 | $5,576.13 | $66,913.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $38.94 | $1,557.60 | $6,732.40 | $80,995.20 |
Do Assistant Restaurant Managers in Santa Monica Earn Tips?
Assistant Restaurant Managers typically do not earn tips as part of their compensation. Their income mainly comes from their salary or hourly wage, reflecting their managerial responsibilities rather than direct customer service roles.
Assistant Restaurant Manager Salary in Santa Monica vs. National Average
Nationally, Assistant Restaurant Managers earn an average of approximately $20.43 per hour or about $42,494.40 per year.
Compared to the national average, Assistant Restaurant Managers in Santa Monica make considerably more, earning about $32.17 per hour and $66,913.60 annually.
This difference reflects the higher cost of living in Santa Monica as well as the strong restaurant industry in the area that demands skilled management.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Santa Monica for Assistant Restaurant Managers
Nearby neighborhoods offer competitive salaries for Assistant Restaurant Managers, with:
- Downtown: $35 per hour
- Ocean Park: $34.50 per hour
These areas provide attractive opportunities for those seeking a higher salary near Santa Monica.
What Influences an Assistant Restaurant Manager’s Salary in Santa Monica?
Several factors can affect the salary range of Assistant Restaurant Managers in Santa Monica:
- Experience and Expertise: More experienced managers with proven leadership skills typically earn higher wages.
- Skills and Certifications: Additional certifications in food safety or hospitality management can contribute to better pay.
- Type of Establishment: Work environment matters; upscale restaurants and hotel-based dining venues tend to pay more than casual or fast-casual eateries.
- Size of the Restaurant: Larger restaurants with higher revenues often offer better compensation packages.
- Economic Trends: Local market demand, tourism levels, and economic health of Santa Monica influence salary levels.
How To Become an Assistant Restaurant Manager in Santa Monica
Becoming an Assistant Restaurant Manager involves a combination of education, experience, and certifications. Some effective steps include:
- Education: Santa Monica College offers a comprehensive Hospitality and Tourism Management Program covering essential industry knowledge to prepare for leadership roles.
- Professional Certificates: UCLA Extension provides a valuable Restaurant Management Certificate that teaches operations, marketing, and financial management skills relevant to restaurant roles.
- Food Safety Training: The ServSafe Manager Certification is nationally recognized and often required for restaurant management positions.
- Alcohol Service Certification: In California, the California Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Certification is mandatory for managers overseeing alcohol service.
- Work Experience: Gaining experience in various restaurant roles, including supervisory positions, strengthens candidacy for assistant management.
Top Employers Hiring Assistant Restaurant Managers in Santa Monica
Several prominent restaurants and groups actively seek qualified Assistant Restaurant Managers in Santa Monica, including:
- Hillstone Restaurant Group
- The Cheesecake Factory
- FIG Restaurant
- Huckleberry Bakery & Café
- Water Grill
Establishments That Assistant Restaurant Managers in Santa Monica Work At
Assistant Restaurant Managers can work across a variety of establishment types, each influencing the salary and work environment:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These usually offer steady work with moderate pay and less pressure than fine dining.
- Fast Casual Chains: These offer dynamic, fast-paced environments often with standardized procedures, which can sometimes limit salary growth.
- Fine Dining Venues: Higher-end restaurants may provide better pay and more complex managerial challenges, rewarding skilled managers accordingly.
- Hotels and Resorts: These establishments often need experienced management to oversee multiple outlets, sometimes with additional benefits.
The type and prestige of the establishment can substantially impact an Assistant Restaurant Manager's salary and advancement opportunities.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Santa Monica for Assistant Restaurant Managers
If you are interested in careers related to Assistant Restaurant Manager roles, consider these similar positions that also offer management and supervisory opportunities:
These include Restaurant Manager, Bar Manager, and Head Chef, roles that share managerial responsibilities within the hospitality sector.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Assistant Restaurant Managers in Santa Monica
Understanding labor laws and tax obligations is essential for Assistant Restaurant Managers to ensure compliance and protect their rights.
- Check federal labor laws on the Department of Labor website for regulations concerning wages, overtime, and workplace rights.
- California-specific labor laws and workplace standards are available on the California Department of Industrial Relations website.
- For local ordinances and resources, consult the City of Santa Monica official website which provides relevant information on labor regulations and compliance.