Director of Restaurant Operations Salary in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

Annual Mean Wage of Directors of Restaurant Operations by State

[Calculated using ZipRecruiter, Salary.com and Indeed data]

This map is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the map to see detailed data. 

The annual earnings of Directors of Restaurant Operations vary across different states due to several factors.

For example, in states like New York and Connecticut that have higher costs of living, Directors of Restaurant Operations are more likely to receive higher pay to keep up with those costs.

In contrast, Directors of Restaurant Operations might earn relatively lower salaries in states with lower costs of living, such as Oklahoma and West Virginia.

They may also receive competitive salaries in states or districts with reputable tourism industries, such as the District of Columbia and Hawaii.

Factors That Affect Average Director of Restaurant Operations Salary

Besides geographic location and living costs, other factors that influence the average Director of Restaurant Operations salary are:

Industry Experience

Directors of Restaurant Operations who have more years of experience — especially in particular types of establishments — may command higher salaries.

For instance, someone applying to be a Director of Restaurant Operations for a high-volume, luxury hotel and has prior managerial experience in a similar setting may receive a larger offer.

Education & Qualifications

Directors of Restaurant Operations with formal education and/or training in hospitality, food service management, business administration, culinary arts or a similar field have higher chances of earning competitive salaries.

Similarly, those who have obtained certifications or completed workshops relevant to restaurant operations may also have more advantage, as these showcase one’s qualifications and industry expertise.

Company Size, Type and Budget

The scale and type of restaurant operations can also impact Director of Restaurant Operations salary levels.

For example, a Director of Restaurant Operations working for a nationwide restaurant chain is likely to earn more than one who works in an independently owned, single-location restaurant.

Additionally, companies with better financial health are likely to have higher budget allocations for salaries of high-level employees such as a Director of Restaurant Operations.

Scope of Responsibilities

In conjunction with the previously mentioned factor, Directors of Restaurant Operations who oversee larger teams and/or more locations may also have better room to negotiate higher pay.

Employers tend to place more value on Directors of Restaurant Operations with the ability to take on a heavier workload, particularly in establishments with higher standards or more complex operations.

Negotiation Skills

Given the level of their role, Directors of Restaurant Operations can negotiate higher salaries in various stages, from the hiring process to performance reviews.

Directors of Restaurant Operations play a crucial role in the success of an establishment or company. As such, employers may be willing to offer higher pay candidates who have effectively proven their skills, experience and contributions.

Director of Restaurant Operations Salary in Major US Cities

[Calculated using Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter and Talent.com data]

Non-Monetary Benefits and Perks for Directors of Restaurant Operations

Aside from salary, both employers and candidates factor non-monetary benefits and perks into the overall compensation package. These benefits and perks are designed to boost job satisfaction, foster work-life balance and promote professional growth.

Paid time off, health insurance, employee assistance programs and 401(k) plans are among the most common non-monetary compensation for full-time employees of various roles in the U.S. hospitality industry.

However, higher-level employees like Directors of Restaurant Operations are more likely to be offered these additional benefits and perks:

• Performance-based bonuses: Bonuses tied to team or individual performance metrics incentivize Directors of Restaurant Operations to deliver exceptional results that further contribute to the restaurant’s success. These metrics may include operational efficiency goals, revenue targets or customer satisfaction scores.
• Profit-sharing or equity programs: These typically involve giving Directors of Restaurant Operations a share of the company’s profits or ownership in the business. They would then benefit directly from the company or establishment’s financial success.
• Company car or transportation allowance: These are especially applicable to Directors of Restaurant Operations who travel between establishment locations or business meetings. In most cases, they are also provided a secured parking space.
• Relocation assistance: This may be offered to attract top talent from outside the local area or to facilitate the relocation of a current Director of Restaurant Operations to a new location.
• Professional development opportunities: Directors of Restaurant Operations may receive reimbursement for professional certifications or access to leadership training programs. Additionally, the company may send them as a representative at industry conferences.
• Education assistance: Some companies offer education support to Directors of Restaurant Operations. These may come in the form of tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance or subsidized access to courses from partner educational institutions.
• Flexible work schedule or arrangement: Directors of Restaurant Operations may be allowed more control over their schedules through flexible work hours or even the option to work remotely on certain days.

Given that Directors of Restaurant Operations are exempt from minimum wage regulations, it’s important to remember that the benefits and perks might directly affect their base salary.

Top 5 Skills Needed for Directors of Restaurant Operations

To excel in their role, Directors of Restaurant Operations must develop and hone a diverse skill set that covers operational expertise and effective leadership qualities.

Below are the top five skills that a Director of Restaurant Operations needs to thrive in their career and help lead the company or establishment toward success.

1. Strategic Planning

This includes identifying opportunities for improvement, setting urgent priorities and long-term objectives and developing plans to achieve these. A Director of Restaurant Operation also analyzes market trends, assesses the competition and utilizes insights to strategically position the establishment for continual profitability and growth.

2. Decision-Making Skills

Similar to strategic planning, these are important for effective leadership. Directors of Restaurant Operations must be decisive and use critical thinking to make decisions that benefit the entire establishment or company.

That said, they should also be able to anticipate possible outcomes while navigating risks and uncertainties.

3. Operations Management

Directors of Restaurant Operations must have expertise in all aspects of restaurant operations — from financial management and inventory control to menu development, health and safety compliance and customer service.

Below is a video explaining the various aspects of restaurant operations.

Additionally, Directors of Restaurant Operations should constantly monitor and improve the company’s processes to ensure smooth operations and provide exceptional dining experiences for guests.

4. Computer Skills

Proficiency in various software and tools is essential in effectively managing multiple aspects of restaurant operations.

These typically include point-of-sale (POS) systems, restaurant management software and data analysis tools like spreadsheets — all of which help Directors of Restaurant Operations stay organized and on top of their tasks.

5. Relationship Building

Directors of Restaurant Operations must establish and maintain strong work relationships not only with their own staff but also with suppliers, partner organizations, customers and those in top management.

Relationship building involves proper communication, active listening and effective collaboration to achieve common goals. It may also involve negotiation skills and conflict resolution whenever necessary.

Education & Training Requirements for Directors of Restaurant Operations

Given that Directors of Restaurant Operations play a crucial, high-level role in the hospitality industry, they often need a mix of formal education and extensive on-the-job training.

The key education and training requirements for this role include:

• High school diploma or equivalent: This is the minimum level of educational attainment to be a Director of Restaurant Operations, as it shows that a candidate has fundamental literacy and mathematical and communication skills.
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree: Most employers highly prefer Directors of Restaurant Operations with a degree in hospitality management, business administration, culinary arts or a related field. Although not required, having a relevant degree often provides a solid foundation for success in this role.
• Managerial experience: Given the level of responsibility of a Director of Restaurant Operations, they must have prior experience in a managerial or supervisory role within the hospitality industry. The minimum is typically between three and five years, depending on the employer.
• Professional certifications: Obtaining certifications from reputable organizations or institutions can give Director of Restaurant Operations candidates a competitive advantage. Not only could certifications enhance their credibility within the hospitality industry, but these also demonstrate their commitment to ongoing learning and professional development — which are important qualities to have as a leader.

Programs and Certifications for Directors of Restaurant Operations

Below are some reputable organizations and institutions with programs and certifications for Directors of Restaurant Operations.

Labor Laws and Taxes for Directors of Restaurant Operations

As a Director of Restaurant Operations who oversees multiple employees, you need to be aware of the minimum wage, overtime pay and leave 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.