Restaurant Manager Salary in San Jose, CA
Restaurant Managers in San Jose, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $36.90 per hour, which translates to about $1,476.00 per week, $6,396.00 per month, and $76,752.00 per year.
The demand for Restaurant Managers in San Jose is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for job opportunities in the local hospitality sector.
How Much Does a Restaurant Manager Make in San Jose, CA?
The salary of a Restaurant Manager in San Jose can vary based on experience and employer, but the following breakdown provides a general guide across experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $29.70 | $1,188.00 | $5,138.00 | $61,776.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $36.50 | $1,460.00 | $6,320.00 | $75,920.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $45.90 | $1,836.00 | $7,940.00 | $95,472.00 |
Do Restaurant Managers in San Jose Earn Tips?
Usually, Restaurant Managers do not earn tips as part of their compensation since their primary role is management and oversight rather than direct customer service. Their earnings typically come through salary or wages.
Restaurant Manager Salary in San Jose vs. National Average
Nationally, Restaurant Managers earn an average of around $29.10 per hour, translating to about $60,528.00 per year.
When compared to the national average, Restaurant Managers in San Jose earn significantly more, at about $36.90 per hour and $76,752.00 annually.
This difference is often due to San Jose's higher cost of living and a competitive hospitality market requiring skilled management.
Highest-Paying Areas Near San Jose for Restaurant Managers
Nearby areas offer varied pay rates for Restaurant Managers:
- Downtown San Jose: $38.50 per hour
- Santana Row: $40.20 per hour
Santana Row boasts the highest pay, likely due to its upscale dining establishments and higher customer volume.
What Influences a Restaurant Manager’s Salary in San Jose?
Several key factors influence the salary of a Restaurant Manager in San Jose:
- Experience: More seasoned managers with years of overseeing restaurant operations tend to earn higher wages.
- Skills: Strong leadership, financial management, and staff coordination skills enhance earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining or high-volume restaurants typically pay more than casual or fast-food establishments.
- Location: Premium locations or busy commercial districts often offer higher salaries due to increased responsibilities.
How To Become a Restaurant Manager in San Jose
To pursue a career as a Restaurant Manager in San Jose, consider these steps:
- Education: Enroll in hospitality management programs like the San Jose City College Hospitality Management Program or Mission College Hospitality Management Program, which offer courses on operations, finance, and customer service.
- Certifications: Obtain key certifications such as the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification, essential for food safety and sanitation, and the California Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Certification, required for managing alcohol service.
- Gain Experience: Start with positions such as Assistant Restaurant Manager or Supervisor to develop relevant skills.
- Networking: Engage with local industry groups and attend hospitality events to connect with potential employers.
Top Employers Hiring Restaurant Managers in San Jose
Major employers looking for skilled Restaurant Managers in San Jose include:
- Jack's Restaurant and Bar
- Goodwin Recruiting
- Urban Plates
- Morton's The Steakhouse
- Mendocino Farms
Establishments That Restaurant Managers in San Jose Work At
Restaurant Managers in San Jose commonly find employment in a variety of establishments, including:
- Casual Restaurants: Often have steady customer flow, offering moderate salaries and opportunities for advancement.
- Fast Casual: Tend to have faster-paced environments with possibly more managerial challenges; salaries can be competitive.
- Fine Dining: Require highly skilled managers and generally offer the highest salaries due to the complexity of operations and clientele expectations.
The type of establishment directly influences salary, with upscale and high-volume venues typically providing greater earning opportunities.
Related Hospitality Jobs in San Jose for Restaurant Managers
If you are interested in related careers, consider these roles:
These include Assistant Restaurant Manager, Food and Beverage Manager, and Kitchen Manager—positions that share similar operational responsibilities within the hospitality industry.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Restaurant Managers in San Jose
Restaurant Managers should familiarize themselves with relevant labor laws and tax requirements to ensure compliance and protect their rights.
- For state labor laws and regulations, visit the California Department of Industrial Relations.
- Employment services and tax information are available through the California Employment Development Department.
- Federal labor laws and resources can be found at the U.S. Department of Labor.