Restaurant Manager Salary in Seattle, WA
Restaurant Managers in Seattle, WA, in 2025, earn approximately $33.42 per hour, which equates to about $1,336.80 per week, $5,792.80 per month, and $69,513.60 per year.
The demand for Restaurant Managers in Seattle is growing at a steady rate of 2% per year, indicating a positive outlook for employment opportunities in the restaurant and hospitality sector in this vibrant city.
How Much Does a Restaurant Manager Make in Seattle, WA?
Restaurant Manager salaries in Seattle vary based on experience, skills, and the establishment's size and type. Here's a breakdown of typical salary ranges across different levels of experience.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $28.74 | $1,149.60 | $4,966.40 | $59,596.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $33.42 | $1,336.80 | $5,792.80 | $69,513.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $43.80 | $1,752.00 | $7,580.00 | $90,960.00 |
Do Restaurant Managers in Seattle Earn Tips?
Generally, Restaurant Managers in Seattle do not earn tips as part of their compensation. Their income primarily comes from a salary or hourly wage. Some managers in smaller or more informal establishments may receive bonuses or profit-sharing, but tips are not standard to this role.
Restaurant Manager Salary in Seattle vs. National Average
The national average hourly wage for Restaurant Managers is approximately $31.40, with a yearly salary around $65,312.
Compared to this, Restaurant Managers in Seattle earn slightly more, with an average of $33.42 per hour and an annual salary of about $69,513.60. This premium reflects Seattle's higher living costs and competitive restaurant market.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Seattle for Restaurant Managers
Nearby cities offer competitive salaries for Restaurant Managers, often matching or exceeding Seattle's averages.
- Bellevue: $35.35 per hour
- Redmond: $35.35 per hour
Managers willing to commute to Bellevue or Redmond may find slightly higher pay in these areas.
What Influences a Restaurant Manager’s Salary in Seattle?
Experience and expertise strongly influence Restaurant Manager salaries. Managers with years of successful operations and leadership are typically compensated more.
The type and size of the establishment also play a role. Fine dining or high-volume restaurants often pay higher salaries compared to smaller casual venues.
Skills such as financial management, team leadership, and customer service may boost earning potential. Additionally, having strong knowledge of local regulations and business practices is valuable.
Economic factors like local cost of living and competition also affect pay scales in Seattle.
How To Become a Restaurant Manager in Seattle
Becoming a Restaurant Manager in Seattle involves a combination of education, certifications, and practical experience.
Many successful managers start with formal education in hospitality or culinary management. Institutions such as the Seattle Culinary Academy offer comprehensive culinary arts and restaurant management programs that provide valuable hands-on training.
The University of Washington's Foster School of Business also provides hospitality management courses emphasizing leadership and operational skills, beneficial for aspiring managers.
Certifications are important for credibility and compliance. The Washington State Food Worker Card is mandatory for food service workers, ensuring food safety knowledge.
The ServSafe Manager Certification is nationally recognized and often preferred by employers, focusing on food safety and management principles.
Gaining experience by working in various restaurant roles helps develop practical management skills essential for advancement.
Top Employers Hiring Restaurant Managers in Seattle
Seattle has a thriving restaurant scene with several employers frequently hiring Restaurant Managers:
- Shake Shack
- Sweetgreen
- Mendocino Farms
Establishments That Restaurant Managers in Seattle Work At
Restaurant Managers in Seattle work across many types of establishments, including:
- Casual dining restaurants: These offer opportunities to manage busy operations with a diverse customer base.
- Fast casual venues: Managers here focus on efficient service and streamlined processes, often with lower salary ceilings compared to fine dining.
- Fine dining establishments: Often the highest-paying, requiring extensive experience and exceptional customer service skills.
- Hotel restaurants and resorts: These environments may offer benefits and opportunities for advancement, accompanied by higher salary ranges.
The nature and prestige of the establishment significantly impact salary levels, with fine dining and hotel venues typically offering the best compensation packages.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Seattle for Restaurant Managers
If you're interested in roles similar to Restaurant Manager, here are a few related careers you might consider:
These include Assistant Restaurant Manager, Food and Beverage Manager, and Bar Manager, roles that share management and operational responsibilities within hospitality.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Restaurant Managers in Seattle
Understanding labor laws and tax obligations is important for Restaurant Managers in Seattle to ensure compliance and financial planning.
- For comprehensive federal labor statistics and information, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
- For Washington State specific labor laws and regulations, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries is the official source.