Restaurant Manager Salary in Fort-Collins, CO
Restaurant Managers in Fort-Collins, CO, in 2025, earn approximately $27.40 per hour, which translates to about $1,096.00 per week, $4,749.33 per month, and $56,992.00 per year.
The job market for Restaurant Managers in Fort-Collins is showing positive growth at about 2% per year, indicating a stable demand for leadership positions within the city's hospitality and food service industries.
How Much Does a Restaurant Manager Make in Fort-Collins, CO?
A Restaurant Manager's salary in Fort-Collins can vary based on experience, skills, and the type of establishment they manage. Below is a breakdown of earnings by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $22.00 | $880.00 | $3,813.33 | $45,760.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $27.40 | $1,096.00 | $4,749.33 | $56,992.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $36.00 | $1,440.00 | $6,240.00 | $74,880.00 |
Do Restaurant Managers in Fort-Collins Earn Tips?
Restaurant Managers typically do not earn tips as part of their compensation. Their earnings are usually based on their salary or hourly wage. While they may occasionally receive bonuses or incentives depending on the establishment, tips are generally reserved for front-of-house staff such as servers or bartenders.
Restaurant Manager Salary in Fort-Collins, CO vs. National Average
Nationally, Restaurant Managers earn an average of around $31.40 per hour, translating to about $65,312 per year.
Compared to the national average, Restaurant Managers in Fort-Collins earn slightly less, with an average hourly wage of $27.40 and an annual salary of about $56,992.
This difference can be influenced by local cost of living, the size of restaurants, and regional economic factors.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Fort-Collins for Restaurant Managers
When considering nearby areas, compensation for Restaurant Managers can vary:
- Downtown Fort Collins: $28.50 per hour
- South Fort Collins: $27.00 per hour
These variations reflect the economic activity and dining market dynamics in these neighborhoods, with Downtown typically offering higher wages due to the concentration of upscale and busy restaurants.
What Influences a Restaurant Manager’s Salary in Fort-Collins, CO?
Restaurant Manager salaries can be influenced by several factors, each impacting the earning potential:
- Experience and Leadership Skills: More experienced managers with proven leadership skills tend to command higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: High-end restaurants, resorts, or corporate chains often offer higher salaries compared to casual or fast food eateries.
- Location: Salaries can vary within different parts of Fort-Collins and surrounding areas.
- Certifications and Education: Managers with hospitality or culinary management certification can be more competitive for higher-paying roles.
- Size and Revenue of the Restaurant: Managing larger establishments or those with higher revenue usually corresponds with better compensation packages.
How To Become a Restaurant Manager in Fort-Collins, CO
To pursue a career as a Restaurant Manager in Fort-Collins, consider the following steps:
- Obtain Relevant Education: Programs such as the Front Range Community College Culinary Arts Program and the Colorado State University Hospitality Management Program offer comprehensive training in culinary arts and hospitality management, which provide a strong foundation.
- Earn Certifications: Certifications like the ServSafe Manager Certification and the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) are often required and valued for ensuring knowledge of food safety regulations.
- Gain Experience: Working in various restaurant roles, such as assistant manager or supervisor, builds practical skills essential for managing operations effectively.
- Develop Leadership Skills: Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills are critical for success as a Restaurant Manager.
Top Employers Hiring Restaurant Managers in Fort-Collins, CO
Several notable employers in Fort-Collins actively hire skilled Restaurant Managers:
- BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
- Smashburger
- Steamboat Ski Resort
Establishments That Restaurant Managers in Fort-Collins, CO Work At
Restaurant Managers work across a variety of establishment types in Fort-Collins, each offering different compensation levels:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These venues provide opportunities for mid-range salaries and diverse managerial experience.
- Fast Casual and Quick Service Establishments: Typically offering slightly lower salaries but often with faster career progression opportunities.
- Fine Dining and Upscale Restaurants: Tend to pay higher salaries due to the complexity and higher customer expectations.
- Resorts and Hotel Restaurants: These settings often provide competitive pay along with additional benefits.
The type of establishment significantly influences the salary, with upscale and high-volume venues generally providing better compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Fort-Collins, CO for Restaurant Managers
If you're exploring careers similar to Restaurant Manager, consider these roles that share related skills and industry connections:
These are Assistant Restaurant Manager, Hotel General Manager, and Food and Beverage Manager—all roles that involve overlapping skills and provide alternative career paths within hospitality management.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Restaurant Managers in Fort-Collins, CO
Understanding labor laws and tax obligations is important for Restaurant Managers working in Fort-Collins.
- For state-specific labor laws, minimum wage requirements, and workplace rights, visit the Official website of the State of Colorado.
- Federal labor laws and workplace standards can be reviewed at the U.S. Department of Labor's official website.