Restaurant Manager Salary in Charleston, WV
Restaurant Managers in Charleston, WV, in 2025, earn approximately $25.63 per hour, which amounts to about $1,025.20 per week, $4,442.53 per month, and $53,310.40 per year.
The demand for Restaurant Managers is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive job market and increasing opportunities for leadership roles in the local restaurant industry.
How Much Does a Restaurant Manager Make in Charleston, WV?
Restaurant Managers' salaries in Charleston vary based on experience and skills, but here is a breakdown of typical earnings across levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $19.04 | $761.60 | $3,290.13 | $39,539.20 |
| Mid-level (average) | $25.63 | $1,025.20 | $4,442.53 | $53,310.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $33.17 | $1,326.80 | $5,738.53 | $68,993.60 |
Do Restaurant Managers in Charleston Earn Tips?
Restaurant Managers usually do not earn tips as part of their compensation since their role focuses on overseeing operations rather than directly serving customers. Their income primarily comes from their salary or hourly wage.
Restaurant Manager Salary in Charleston vs. National Average
Nationally, Restaurant Managers earn an average of around $28.85 per hour, or about $60,008 per year.
Compared to the national average, Charleston’s Restaurant Managers earn slightly less, at about $25.63 per hour and $53,310 annually. This difference can be attributed to regional cost of living and market demand.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Charleston for Restaurant Managers
Looking at nearby neighborhoods, salaries for Restaurant Managers can vary slightly:
- Downtown Charleston: $27.50 per hour
- South Hills: $26.75 per hour
Those working in Downtown Charleston may earn a modest premium compared to South Hills, reflecting the area's business activity and clientele.
What Influences a Restaurant Manager’s Salary in Charleston?
Several factors affect the salary of a Restaurant Manager in Charleston:
- Experience and Leadership Skills: More experienced managers with proven leadership abilities tend to command higher salaries.
- Type of Establishment: Managing upscale or high-volume restaurants usually brings higher pay than managing casual dining or fast-food venues.
- Education and Certifications: Formal training and certifications, such as ServSafe Manager Certification, can enhance earning potential.
- Location: Working in prime locations with higher customer traffic often results in better compensation.
- Size and Reputation of Restaurant: Larger or well-known brands may offer more competitive salaries and benefits.
How To Become a Restaurant Manager in Charleston
Steps to starting a career as a Restaurant Manager in Charleston include:
- Gain Relevant Education: Programs like the Culinary Arts Program at Carver Career and Technical Education Center provide strong culinary skills that prepare candidates for management.
- Pursue Hospitality Management Studies: The Hospitality Management Program at West Virginia State University offers focused education to develop leadership and operational expertise in restaurant management.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as ServSafe Manager Certification and Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE) credential can improve job prospects and salary levels.
- Get Practical Experience: Working your way up through roles like Assistant Restaurant Manager or other entry-level positions is important to build management skills.
Top Employers Hiring Restaurant Managers in Charleston
The following are prominent employers hiring Restaurant Managers in Charleston:
- Outback Steakhouse
- Pies & Pints
- Longhorn Steakhouse
Establishments That Restaurant Managers in Charleston Work At
Restaurant Managers in Charleston typically work at a range of establishments including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often have moderate pay scales with steady hours.
- Fast Casual Chains: May offer slightly lower salaries but can provide faster career advancement.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Usually offer higher salaries reflecting the complexity and expectations of operations.
- Bar and Grill Venues: Place emphasis on customer experience and may offer competitive compensation.
The salary differences among these establishments reflect the scope of responsibility, customer volume, and prestige associated with each type.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Charleston for Restaurant Managers
If you’re interested in related career options to Restaurant Manager, here are some similar roles you might consider:
These include Assistant Restaurant Manager, Food and Beverage Manager, and Hotel General Manager — roles requiring strong leadership and operational skills within hospitality.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Restaurant Managers in Charleston
Understanding labor laws and tax responsibilities is key for Restaurant Managers working in Charleston.
- State employment standards, wage laws, and labor regulations can be found on the West Virginia official employment site.
- For federal labor laws and worker rights, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website which provides comprehensive information.