Restaurant Manager Salary in Memphis, TN
Restaurant Managers in Memphis, TN, in 2026, earn approximately $30.06 per hour, which translates to about $1,202.40 per week, $5,210.40 per month, and $62,524.80 per year.
The demand for Restaurant Managers in Memphis is growing moderately at about 2% per year, indicating a steady increase in opportunities and a stable job market for this profession within the city.
How Much Does a Restaurant Manager Make in Memphis, TN?
The salary of a Restaurant Manager in Memphis varies with experience, skills, and the specific establishment. Here's a breakdown of earnings at different levels:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $19.62 | $784.80 | $3,384.00 | $40,608.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $30.06 | $1,202.40 | $5,210.40 | $62,524.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $46.05 | $1,842.00 | $7,965.00 | $95,484.00 |
Do Restaurant Managers in Memphis Earn Tips?
Generally, Restaurant Managers do not earn tips as their role is more administrative and supervisory. However, in some cases, managers at smaller or family-run restaurants may receive a portion of tips. But typically, their income is based on salary or hourly wage rather than tips.
Restaurant Manager Salary in Memphis vs. National Average
Nationally, Restaurant Managers earn an average of about $31.40 per hour and about $65,312 per year.
Comparing this to Memphis salaries, Restaurant Managers in Memphis earn slightly less on average, with an hourly wage of $30.06 and annual pay around $62,524.80. The slight difference reflects Memphis's local cost of living and market factors.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Memphis for Restaurant Managers
Looking at some nearby areas around Memphis, here are the average hourly pays for Restaurant Managers:
- Downtown Memphis: $32.00 per hour
- East Memphis: $31.50 per hour
These areas offer slightly higher wages, likely due to the concentration of higher-end dining establishments and greater economic activity.
What Influences a Restaurant Manager’s Salary in Memphis?
The salary of a Restaurant Manager in Memphis can be influenced by several key factors that determine their earning potential.
- Experience and Skills: More years in restaurant management and skills in staff supervision, budgeting, and customer service generally lead to higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Managers at upscale, fine dining, or high-volume restaurants tend to earn more than those at casual or fast food venues.
- Location: Working in higher-paying neighborhoods such as Downtown Memphis or East Memphis can increase salary due to the clientele and business scale.
- Education and Certifications: Formal hospitality education and certifications, such as food safety certifications, can enhance qualifications and salary prospects.
- Company Size and Reputation: Larger restaurant chains or well-known brands typically offer better compensation packages.
How To Become a Restaurant Manager in Memphis
Building a successful career as a Restaurant Manager requires a combination of education, training, and experience.
Consider these steps:
- Attending hospitality programs: Institutions like Southwest Tennessee Community College offer a dedicated Hospitality Management Program with courses on restaurant operations and management.
- Higher education: The University of Memphis Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality & Resort Management provides comprehensive programs focused on hospitality and Restaurant Management.
- Acquiring certifications: Earning the ServSafe Manager Certification, recognized nationally, is essential as it covers food safety and sanitation standards.
- Obtaining licenses: For establishments serving alcohol, managers must acquire the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) Server Permit.
- Gaining work experience: Start with roles in hospitality or food service and progress into supervisory roles to learn leadership and management skills.
Top Employers Hiring Restaurant Managers in Memphis
Several prominent restaurant chains and eateries in Memphis actively seek experienced Restaurant Managers, including:
- Waffle House
- Olive Garden
- Chili's Grill & Bar
- KFC
Establishments That Restaurant Managers in Memphis Work At
Restaurant Managers in Memphis typically work across various types of establishments, such as:
- Casual Dining: These restaurants offer moderate pricing and atmosphere. Salaries may be average but can include bonuses or profit sharing.
- Fast Casual: These venues focus on quality food with quicker service, often offering managerial roles with competitive salaries due to volume.
- Fine Dining: Premium and upscale restaurants where managers command higher salaries reflecting the enhanced service level and clientele.
- Chain Restaurants and Franchises: Standardized processes with scopes for career growth and benefits, often with robust pay scales.
The type of establishment directly influences the salary range, with fine dining and larger chains offering the best pay.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Memphis for Restaurant Managers
For those interested in careers related to Restaurant Management, here are some similar roles that share overlapping skills and responsibilities:
These include Assistant Restaurant Manager, Bar Manager, and Kitchen Manager positions, offering diverse yet related career paths within hospitality.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Restaurant Managers in Memphis
Restaurant Managers should be well-informed about labor laws and tax regulations that affect their employment:
- For state-specific labor and workforce information, visit the State of Tennessee's official workforce website.
- Federal labor laws and regulations details are available on the U.S. Department of Labor official site.