How Much Does a Restaurant Manager Make?
The average Restaurant Manager salary in the United States is $69,580 per year or $5,798 per month, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
It’s worth noting that, while some Restaurant Managers earn only $42,990 a year (10th percentile), others earn as much as $101,240 a year (90th percentile).
[Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics]
This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data.
If you find yourself in the 90th percentile, it means you earn more than 90% of all the Restaurant Managers in the U.S. Conversely, being in the 10th percentile suggests that your earnings fall below those of 90% of your peers.
Restaurant Manager Salary by Year
The chart below shows the growth of Restaurant Manager salaries from 2019 to 2023.
[Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics]
This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data.
How Much Does a Restaurant Manager Make Hourly?
The average hourly wage for Restaurant Managers in the U.S. is $33.45.
How Much Does a Restaurant Manager Make Weekly?
The average weekly salary for Restaurant Managers in the U.S. is $1,338.
Restaurant Manager Salary by State
The map below shows the salaries of Restaurant Managers across the country. You can use it to determine which states offer the highest wages for Restaurant positions. Moreover, understanding the average wage in your state can help you negotiate your salary more effectively.
[Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics]
This map is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the map to see detailed data.
Restaurant Managers in Washington ($87,340), New Jersey ($85,800) and New York ($84,500) earn the highest average salaries. Meanwhile, those in Tennessee ($57,770), Mississippi ($56,470) and West Virginia ($51,880) earn the lowest.
| State | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $87,340 |
| New Jersey | $85,800 |
| New York | $84,500 |
| Colorado | $82,850 |
| Massachusetts | $81,860 |
| Delaware | $81,470 |
| District of Columbia | $81,330 |
| Connecticut | $79,720 |
| Hawaii | $79,320 |
| Vermont | $77,270 |
| Oregon | $76,210 |
| Maryland | $75,330 |
| New Hampshire | $75,090 |
| Minnesota | $74,970 |
| Florida | $72,630 |
| Nebraska | $72,210 |
| California | $71,970 |
| Rhode Island | $71,470 |
| North Carolina | $71,020 |
| Iowa | $69,730 |
| Pennsylvania | $69,540 |
| Nevada | $69,470 |
| Alaska | $69,310 |
| Kansas | $68,720 |
| South Carolina | $68,230 |
| Virginia | $68,070 |
| Maine | $67,990 |
| Ohio | $67,070 |
| Illinois | $66,830 |
| North Dakota | $66,130 |
| Georgia | $65,980 |
| Arkansas | $65,430 |
| Arizona | $65,430 |
| Texas | $65,430 |
| Wisconsin | $65,200 |
| Oklahoma | $64,570 |
| Missouri | $64,420 |
| Indiana | $63,800 |
| Michigan | $63,400 |
| Idaho | $63,390 |
| Kentucky | $62,980 |
| Wyoming | $62,610 |
| New Mexico | $62,170 |
| Louisiana | $61,300 |
| South Dakota | $59,050 |
| Utah | $58,720 |
| Montana | $58,560 |
| Tennessee | $57,770 |
| Mississippi | $56,470 |
| West Virginia | $51,880 |
Restaurant Manager Salary in Major US Cities
Out of the four major cities listed below, New York City pays Restaurant Managers the highest average salaries ($90,180), followed by Miami, Los Angeles and Chicago.
Annual mean wage $81,170 # of employees 5,530
Annual mean wage $90,180 # of employees 15,090
Annual mean wage $68,770 # of employees 9,320
Annual mean wage $69,120 # of employees 15,220
[Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics]
Factors Affecting a Restaurant Manager’s Pay
Beyond just the location, there are several other factors that affect the average pay for Restaurant Managers in the U.S. These include:
Experience
Restaurant Managers with more experience and a proven track record of success will often earn higher salaries than those who are newer to the role.
This is because experienced Restaurant Managers already know how to manage a restaurant efficiently and have well-developed leadership and problem-solving skills.
Thanks to their experience, experienced Restaurant Managers can better train junior staff and contribute to a more effective team. All these lead to the greater overall success of an establishment and justify a Restaurant Manager’s higher compensation.
Education and training
Restaurant Manager candidates with a college degree in culinary arts or hospitality management can increase their earning potential significantly.
Some employers may also give an advantage to candidates having certifications such as ServSafe Manager certification or the Certified Restaurant Manager (CRM) credential.
Restaurant type
Upscale, fine-dining establishments typically pay their Managers more than casual-dining restaurants or fast-food chains.
This is because they require more specialized skills and expertise and often have higher revenue and profit margins Clientele who dines at upscale establishments is also more affluent and expects exceptional service.
This also contributes to higher salaries for the staff working at such establishments.
Restaurant size and volume
Restaurant Managers who are in charge of bigger restaurants with a higher sales volume earn more than those managing smaller, lower-volume establishments.
Running a larger restaurant comes with more responsibilities such as managing a larger team, dealing with more complex operational matters and ensuring the satisfaction of a larger number of guests.
Higher sales volumes also often lead to increased revenue and profits, resulting in more competitive salaries for Restaurant Managers.
How To Estimate Your Take-Home Pay as a Restaurant Manager
If you are employed as a Restaurant Manager in the United States, use our Paycheck Calculator to know the amount of money you’ll have left after taxes in your state.
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.
Salary Negotiation Tips for Restaurant Managers
It goes without saying that the salary negotiating process is pretty stressful. Still, it’s an essential part of the job search process. Here are some tips to help you prepare for salary negotiation as a Restaurant Manager:
- Know your worth: Prior to negotiations, you need to research the salary rates for Restaurant Manager positions in your area. It is also important to check how these salaries differ based on the type of establishment.
- Highlight relevant skills and experience: Briefly describe your prior experience as a Restaurant Manager and mention relevant skills, such as leadership, problem-solving and budgeting. If you possess any certifications that might be advantageous, don’t forget to mention them as well.
- Consider other benefits: Besides just money, consider discussing other benefits such as vacation and sick days, parental leave, life insurance, healthcare coverage, retirement funds and meal discounts. These perks can significantly raise the value of your overall compensation package and are often negotiable.
- Be professional and project confidence: Clearly articulate your value to the prospective employer and explain in a professional manner why you deserve a higher salary. Confidence in your abilities and what you bring to the table can significantly influence the outcome of salary negotiations.
Beyond Pay: Perks & Benefits for Restaurant Managers
As we’ve mentioned in the previous section, Restaurant Managers also enjoy several perks and benefits. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Free meals during shifts
- Paid time off
- Medical, vision and dental insurance
- Parental leave
- 401(k) and 401(k) matching
- Life and disability insurance
- Employee assistance programs
- Commuter benefits
- Opportunities for advancement
How Much Do Similar Careers to a Restaurant Manager Get Paid?
Restaurant Managers earn more than Kitchen Managers and Assistant Restaurant Managers but less than Restaurant Consultants and Hotel Managers.
| Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Kitchen Manager | |
| Assistant Restaurant Manager | |
| Restaurant Consultant | |
| Hotel Manager |
Restaurant Manager Salary FAQs
You can boost your earning potential as a Restaurant Manager by:
- Building a strong track record by keeping track of your accomplishments
- Investing in education and training
- Developing your skillset
- Considering Restaurant Manager job opportunities in areas with a higher cost of living or different restaurant types
Yes, some establishments or companies offer bonuses to Restaurant Managers who excel at their jobs. These bonuses can be based on performance metrics like exceeding sales goals, achieving customer satisfaction targets or improving the overall profitability of the restaurant.
Yes, many Restaurant Managers receive performance-based bonuses or incentives tied to metrics such as customer satisfaction, revenue growth, profitability targets and operational efficiency.
The average salary for an Assistant Restaurant Manager in the U.S. is $50,775 a year, according to the most recent data averaged from Glassdoor, Indeed and ZipRecruiter. This means that Restaurant Managers earn $18,805 more on a yearly basis.
Restaurant Manager Salary Data Methodology
OysterLink prioritizes transparency in salary information. We take data from the government’s official job info source — BLS — and combine it with estimates from established online job boards to deliver the most current insights. Learn more about our methodology.
