Restaurant Manager Jobs in Los Angeles, CA
Looking for Restaurant Manager jobs in Los Angeles, CA? Los Angeles’s vibrant dining and hospitality scene offers a wealth of opportunities for experienced managers and aspiring leaders.
Our OysterLink jobs portal has compiled a comprehensive list of Los Angeles restaurant manager positions – with dozens of open roles – and detailed info on requirements, qualifications and benefits.
Whether you’re searching for “restaurant manager jobs near me” or exploring “restaurant management careers in Los Angeles,” you’ll find listings for everything from Assistant Restaurant Manager and Floor Manager roles to high-end Executive Manager positions.
Use this guide to learn how to land a restaurant manager job, what makes Los Angeles unique for managers, and what to expect in terms of pay and legal requirements.
How to Apply for Restaurant Manager Jobs in Los Angeles, CA
Applying for a restaurant manager job in Los Angeles can be competitive, but following these steps can greatly improve your chances.
Start by polishing your credentials and building experience, then use industry-specific job boards and networking to connect with employers.
Finally, prepare thoroughly for interviews to stand out from other candidates.
Build a Professional Restaurant Manager Resume
Create a strong manager resume that highlights your leadership, business, and customer-service skills.
List your relevant experience (such as Assistant Manager, Shift Leader, or Supervisory roles) in reverse-chronological order, emphasizing achievements like improved sales or successful team management.
Include any degrees or certifications (hospitality management degrees, ServSafe Manager, or food safety training) that demonstrate your expertise.
Tailor your resume to each job by mentioning specific skills the employer seeks (for example, experience with high-volume service, catering events, or managing diverse staff). Use clear section headings and bullet points so it’s easy to scan.
A polished, targeted resume shows professionalism and prepares you to be considered among the top restaurant manager candidates in Los Angeles.
Gain Restaurant Management Experience
Practical experience is crucial. If you’re new to management, start in supervisory roles such as Assistant Manager, Shift Supervisor, or even Senior Server.
These positions teach the fundamentals of restaurant operations – like scheduling, staff training, and customer satisfaction – that are essential for a manager.
Volunteer for extra duties (for example, helping to organize a large event or training new team members) to build your resume. Consider internships or management training programs at local restaurants or hotels; many chains and fine dining venues in LA offer management development programs.
As you gain experience, look for promotions to full Manager or General Manager roles. Keep a record of any accomplishments (like meeting sales goals or reducing food costs) that you can cite in applications.
Demonstrating growing management experience – from supervising staff to running a shift – makes your application stand out to hiring managers.
Search on Hospitality Job Boards
Use specialized hospitality and restaurant-industry job platforms to find manager positions in Los Angeles. In particular, our OysterLink jobs portal lists many local restaurant manager openings.
On our site, filter searches by location (enter “Los Angeles, CA” or specific neighborhoods) and job title (Restaurant Manager, Dining Room Manager, etc.) to narrow results. Set up email alerts or push notifications for new postings labeled “Restaurant Manager” or “General Manager” so you hear about opportunities immediately.
Be persistent: check for new job postings daily and apply promptly, as in-demand positions fill quickly in LA’s competitive market. When applying, follow the employer’s instructions carefully (some may require an online form, others an email with resume and cover letter).
Aside from our portal, you can also visit local restaurant and hotel websites directly for career pages or join LinkedIn and industry-specific forums to find openings.
Focus on hospitality-specific resources and local industry networks for the most relevant Restaurant Manager jobs near you.
Network in the Restaurant Industry
Building relationships is key in the Los Angeles food and hospitality scene. Attend local industry events like restaurant openings, LA Restaurant Week, and hospitality conferences.
Join Los Angeles branch events of the California Restaurant Association (CRA) or similar professional groups. Introduce yourself to managers and owners at events – express your interest and ask if they know of any openings.
Volunteer at food festivals, charity galas or community events where restaurant professionals gather; even helping with catering at a charity function can let you meet hiring managers. You can also join online communities (like LinkedIn groups or hospitality-focused Slack channels) for LA restaurant professionals.
Networking can give you an edge beyond just applying online – a personal recommendation can lead you to “hidden” job openings in town.
Remember to follow up on leads, keep your online profile (on OysterLink and elsewhere) up to date, and let your contacts know you’re looking for a Restaurant Manager position in Los Angeles.
Prepare for Restaurant Manager Interviews
Before any interview, practice talking about your management experience and philosophy.
Be ready to answer common questions such as: “How do you handle a busy dinner rush with staff shortages?” or “Describe a time you resolved a conflict between team members.”
You may be asked how you would increase sales (e.g., upselling or promotions), how you ensure quality service, or how you manage scheduling and payroll.
Review the job description beforehand so you can align your strengths to what that establishment needs (for instance, emphasize your banquet planning skills if it’s a hotel with large events).
Have examples ready that demonstrate your leadership (for example, training a new team) and operational skills (for example, tracking inventory to reduce waste). Dress neatly (business casual is usually fine, or a pressed shirt and slacks) and arrive early to show reliability.
During the interview, ask thoughtful questions about the restaurant’s challenges and goals – this shows genuine interest.
Emphasize your flexibility and teamwork ability, since LA managers often work long hours and adapt to a diverse, fast-paced environment. A strong interview can turn your resume into a job offer.
Top Areas to Find Restaurant Manager Jobs in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is a sprawling metro with many distinct neighborhoods, each with its own dining culture. Depending on your interests, you can focus your job search on certain areas where restaurant management jobs are plentiful:
Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown LA (DTLA) is the city’s business and cultural hub. Here you’ll find corporate hotel restaurants, trendy loft-style eateries in the Arts District, and high-end dining in the Financial District and Entertainment District.
Managers in DTLA often oversee restaurants that serve business lunches and upscale dinner crowds.
The area includes major venues like Staples Center, The Broad Museum, and L.A. Live, which all have nearby restaurants and bars.
For managers, Downtown offers a mix of fine dining and casual spots, and the chance to work in venues catering to both locals and out-of-town professionals.
Hollywood & West Hollywood
Hollywood and West Hollywood (WeHo) form LA’s entertainment corridor. This area is famous for nightlife, celebrity hotspots, and themed restaurants.
Here you’ll find many clubs, late-night kitchens, and trendy eateries that stay open late for movie premieres and nightlife crowds.
Managers in Hollywood/WeHo often handle high-volume, fast-paced service and diverse menus (from classic steakhouse fare to vegan and fusion concepts).
The area’s restaurants cater to tourists and locals alike, so expect busy weekend nights and creative dining concepts.
If you want to manage a lively restaurant that mixes innovation with service, Hollywood and WeHo have many opportunities.
Beverly Hills & Century City
Beverly Hills and neighboring Century City are known for luxury. Think upscale hotel restaurants, elegant steakhouses, sushi bars, and high-end brunch spots.
Managers here often oversee fine dining venues that serve well-heeled locals and international visitors.
This area also includes hotels like The Beverly Wilshire or W Hotel, which have fine dining rooms and banquet facilities.
In Century City you’ll find newer hotels and corporate dining rooms (business lunch hotspots). These neighborhoods tend to offer stable, full-time manager positions with strong salaries and benefits, reflecting the luxury clientele.
If you’re aiming for a prestigious resume and top-tier dining environments, Beverly Hills and Century City have some of the best-paying management jobs in LA.
Santa Monica & Venice
Along the coast, Santa Monica and Venice offer a more laid-back, casual vibe mixed with high-tech lunch crowds. Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place mall have many cafes and casual chains, as well as healthy and vegan restaurants.
Managers here often deal with a mix of tourists and remote workers. Venice (Abbot Kinney, Main Street) is hip and eclectic, featuring fusion cafes, sushi spots, and beachfront bars.
The area’s restaurants focus on fresh, California-style ingredients and often have an outdoor, open-air feel. These beachside communities attract managers who enjoy a fun, energetic environment and local California cuisine.
Koreatown & Mid-Wilshire
Just west of Downtown, Koreatown (around Wilshire Blvd) and the broader Mid-Wilshire area have a dense restaurant scene full of Korean BBQ, izakayas, and fusion brunch spots.
Managers in Koreatown oversee fast-paced, late-night kitchens and often bicultural staff. The area around the Miracle Mile (Mid-Wilshire) has many casual eateries and lounge bars that cater to a diverse crowd.
This central location also has a lot of residential apartments, so managers may see a steady flow of neighborhood customers.
If you are comfortable with high-energy service and a mix of international cuisines, Koreatown/Mid-Wilshire can be a great place to find a management role.
Other Notable LA Areas
Other parts of Los Angeles also have specific dining scenes. Westside neighborhoods like Culver City and Century City (already mentioned) have growing restaurant districts serving tech and corporate clients.
The San Gabriel Valley (Pasadena, Arcadia) is known for Chinese and Asian cuisine, with many large banquet venues and dim sum brunch spots.
Near the airport (El Segundo, Manhattan Beach) and in Orange County (just south of L.A.), there are also hotel restaurants and family chains.
When searching, use location keywords like “Downtown LA restaurant manager” or “Santa Monica dining manager” on job boards to find opportunities in your preferred area.
Many managers search for “restaurant manager jobs in Los Angeles” or “restaurant general manager Los Angeles” to cover all neighborhoods.
Restaurant Manager Job Opportunities: Where Can a Restaurant Manager Work in Los Angeles, CA?
A restaurant manager in Los Angeles isn’t limited to traditional sit-down restaurants. The culinary field offers a range of environments:
Restaurants (Fine Dining, Casual, and Chains)
This is the most obvious venue. From Michelin-rated fine dining rooms to casual neighborhood bistros and national chains, restaurant manager jobs are everywhere in LA.
For example, Beverly Hills and Hollywood host many luxury steakhouses and sushi bars (great for experienced managers), while areas like Koreatown and Silver Lake feature dynamic cafes, taverns, and brunch spots (suitable for mid-level managers).
Ethnic restaurants (Mexican, Korean, Italian, etc.) are abundant throughout LA, and managers might specialize in one cuisine or learn to run multi-cuisine kitchens.
Managing a restaurant means overseeing all aspects of service and operations, regardless of cuisine or style.
Hotels, Resorts, and Venues
Los Angeles’s tourism and convention industries create big opportunities in hospitality. Large hotels and resorts have onsite restaurants, room-service kitchens, and banquet dining that all need managers.
For example, downtown and Century City have many business hotels, while Santa Monica and downtown host beachfront resorts with dining venues.
These positions often offer room and board perks and regular schedules. Even film studios and luxury apartment complexes sometimes hire restaurant managers to oversee food outlets or corporate cafeterias.
In short, if you enjoy a stable, multi-faceted role, hotel restaurants and venue dining can be rewarding – often with better benefits packages.
Catering and Event Services
LA’s endless supply of events (weddings, conventions, corporate galas) means catering companies and event venues hire managers to oversee large-scale food production.
As a catering or banquet manager, you might work in a commercial kitchen prepping meals for big events, or travel to venues to coordinate on-site service.
These roles are great if you enjoy menu planning for large groups, contract negotiations with vendors, and managing teams in high-pressure situations.
Many managers find that experience in catering or banquets can lead to higher pay due to the scale of operations.
Event planners and hotels often post such positions when planning conferences or large party seasons.
Institutional Food Service
Restaurant managers can also work in institutional settings like universities, hospitals, or corporate cafeterias.
For example, a college campus might hire a dining services manager to oversee student meal plans across multiple cafeterias.
Large hospitals (like UCLA or Cedars-Sinai) employ food service managers to run patient and staff dining. Similarly, big companies in areas like Century City or Burbank have in-house cafes and need managers.
These jobs focus on high-volume, predictable service and may involve working with nutrition guidelines and budgets.
They often come with set hours and good benefits, though the food concepts may be simpler. Institutional roles are a solid choice if you like structured environments and ensuring service for large organizations.
Private Clubs and Lounges
Exclusive private clubs, country clubs, and member-based lounges are another venue. Los Angeles has many country clubs (e.g., in Bel Air, Palos Verdes) and private social clubs that feature dining rooms and events.
These organizations often hire food and beverage managers or general managers to oversee restaurant and bar operations for members.
This can include managing semi-formal dining services, coordinating social events, and sometimes overseeing catering for club events.
Working in a club environment can be lucrative and offers a tight-knit team, but often expects high service standards and a professional demeanor.
Bakeries, Cafés, and Specialty Food Outlets
If you have pastry or coffee expertise, bakeries and cafes are viable workplaces. Los Angeles’s coffeehouse scene and artisan bakeries need managers to run their shops, oversee baristas or bakers, and ensure consistent quality.
Similarly, specialty shops (cheese shops, wine bars, artisanal delis) sometimes hire managers to run their daily operations.
These positions can be less hectic than a full-scale restaurant and are important for managers who enjoy a quieter pace and product-focused environment.
The organizational and customer-service skills are the same, but the menu scope is narrower.
Food Trucks, Pop-Ups, and Other Concepts
LA’s food truck and pop-up scene is vibrant. Some food trucks grow large enough to have operations managers who handle supply logistics and daily routes.
Pop-up restaurants (temporary or seasonal kitchens) also hire managers to oversee their limited-time operations.
While these can be lower-paying starting points, they offer creative freedom and entrepreneurship experience.
In some cases, a successful food truck manager can transition to opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant.
Why Work as a Restaurant Manager in Los Angeles, CA?
Los Angeles is one of America’s most exciting culinary cities, making it an attractive place to build a restaurant management career. Here are some top reasons to consider manager opportunities in Los Angeles:
Career Advancement
LA’s dynamic food scene means lots of potential for growth. Many restaurants and hotels hire from within, so an entry-level assistant manager can advance to General Manager or Director of Restaurant Operations at the same venue.
Because Los Angeles is a hub for tourism and entertainment, new restaurants and hotels open regularly, creating fresh leadership roles.
The variety of dining concepts – from fine dining to street tacos – gives you room to learn new skills and rise through the ranks. In short, if you want to move up fast in restaurant management, Los Angeles offers an environment rich with opportunities.
Competitive Salaries
Managers in Los Angeles tend to earn strong pay. According to BLS data, a Restaurant Manager in Los Angeles makes about $69,120 per year on average (around $33.23 per hour).
This is slightly above the national average for this role. Entry-level assistant managers often start closer to the lower end ($50–$60K), whereas experienced general managers at upscale restaurants or hotels can earn $80K+.
For example, acclaimed LA venues like Providence or luxury hotel restaurants are known for paying premium wages to skilled managers. The presence of lucrative events (awards shows, conventions) and high-volume eateries in Los Angeles means many businesses can afford competitive salaries and benefits.
If you land a manager role at a renowned restaurant or hotel chain, your LA salary can be very rewarding.
Diverse Culinary Scene
Los Angeles’s cultural diversity translates into a rich culinary landscape – something managers take full advantage of. As a manager here, you’ll oversee restaurants serving Latin American, Asian, European, and fusion cuisines all in one city.
You might wake up planning a Mexican brunch menu and by dinner be managing a French-inspired steakhouse.
This variety keeps the work exciting and broadens your skill set. Many LA kitchens source local California ingredients (fresh produce, Pacific seafood, farm-to-table products), so you’ll learn to run kitchens that use top-tier, regional supplies.
Working in Los Angeles means exposure to many restaurant concepts beyond standard fare – everything from sushi bars and vegan eateries to gourmet food halls and luxury dessert cafes.
This diversity not only enriches your experience but also makes your resume stand out to employers.
Networking & Exposure
Los Angeles is home to many celebrity chefs and high-profile restaurateurs, offering great networking opportunities. The city hosts year-round culinary events and food festivals (like the Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival or Eater LA events).
Managers often attend or even speak at panels and trade shows. By being in LA, you’ll meet mentors and peers who can connect you to new job openings or partnerships.
The city also has a strong media presence (food blogs, lifestyle magazines, local TV), so a successful restaurant can quickly gain publicity. In a city this large and connected, making your name known can really advance your career.
Lifestyle and Climate
In addition to work, Los Angeles offers a desirable lifestyle. The warm climate means year-round dining opportunities (patio season never ends!), and many neighborhoods have active outdoor scenes.
The city’s entertainment options – from beaches and hiking trails to Hollywood events – also make living here appealing.
Many managers appreciate that they can enjoy a diverse, vibrant city after work hours.
The cost of living is high, but salaries here generally reflect that, especially if you advance to senior roles. For many, the chance to live in an iconic city while doing rewarding restaurant work makes LA an attractive career base.
Legal Requirements & California Employment Laws for Restaurant Managers
As a manager in Los Angeles, you must follow California and local labor and health regulations. Key legal requirements include:
Minimum Wage and Overtime
California and Los Angeles set higher minimum wages than the federal rate. As of 2024, the Los Angeles minimum wage is $17.28 per hour for most employers (and will rise to $17.87 in 2025).
All workers in your restaurant must be paid at least the local minimum wage. Additionally, California and federal law require overtime pay: under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), hourly employees must earn 1.5× their regular rate for any hours over 40 per week (and California requires overtime after 8 hours in a day).
As a manager, make sure schedules and payroll comply with these rules.
Tip: even if you hire management-level staff on salary, ensure they still meet salary thresholds to be exempt from overtime.
Meal and Rest Breaks
California law mandates meal and rest breaks for adult employees. A 30-minute unpaid meal break is required for shifts over 5 hours (and a second meal break if over 10 hours), and a paid 10-minute rest break is required for every 4 hours of work.
Unlike some states, California strictly enforces these breaks. As a manager, you should build breaks into the schedule to stay compliant (and to keep staff safe and alert).
Note that if a shift is 6 hours or less, employees and employers can mutually waive the meal break, but breaks shorter than 20 minutes must always be paid.
Food Safety Training
California law requires food safety training for all employees in food-service establishments. Specifically, at least one person in charge (PIC) during every shift must have a valid food safety certification (typically a California Food Manager Certification) within 30 days of starting, and all other employees must complete approved food handler training under Assembly Bill 241 (usually a short online course and exam) within 30 days.
Many managers hold a ServSafe Manager’s certificate or equivalent to meet this requirement. As a restaurant manager, it’s your responsibility to ensure your team is properly certified and that safe food handling procedures are followed (correct temperatures, cross-contamination prevention, sanitation, etc.).
Inspections by the health department will check for this compliance, so keep certifications on file and train your staff accordingly.
Permits and Licenses
Every food-service business in LA must obtain and display a Food Facility Health Permit from the County Health Department.
As a manager, ensure that your restaurant’s health permit is current and that the facility meets health and safety codes (approved equipment, regular cleaning, waste disposal, etc.). If your establishment serves alcohol, you or your licensee will also need a responsible beverage service certification (such as the state-approved 3-hour training).
Be aware of occupancy rules and fire codes as well. While these permits are typically the owner’s responsibility, a knowledgeable manager will verify that all licenses (food, alcohol, occupancy) are up to date.
Demonstrating that you understand these requirements shows employers you take safety seriously.
Employment Laws and Worker Rights
California provides strong employee protections. Your workers must never be paid below the legal minimum wage or denied overtime pay.
Los Angeles also has ordinances on paid sick leave (LA requires employers to provide accrued paid sick days). State and federal anti-discrimination and harassment laws apply, so employees have the right to a workplace free of unlawful harassment or bias.
As a manager, you are the front line enforcing these policies and ensuring a fair, respectful environment.
Resources like the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and the California Restaurant Association can help clarify specific rules for your workplace.
In short, know the basics of labor law and your restaurant’s policies – it keeps your team safe and the restaurant out of legal trouble.
Key Responsibilities of a Restaurant Manager in Los Angeles, CA
As a restaurant manager in Los Angeles, you oversee all aspects of the establishment. Your duties can be grouped into key areas:
Managing Daily Operations
You ensure each shift runs smoothly. This includes setting up the dining room and kitchen before service, coordinating reservations or walk-ins, overseeing service flow, and addressing issues on the fly (for example, solving a staffing shortage or equipment breakdown).
You also handle opening or closing procedures, cash-outs, and ensuring all tasks (cleaning, prep, paperwork) are completed. In LA’s fast-paced market, being organized and proactive is crucial to keep operations efficient.
Hiring, Training and Leading Staff
One of your main roles is staff management. You hire and train employees (from servers and cooks to bussers), develop schedules to cover all shifts, and build a cohesive team.
You teach new hires the restaurant’s standards (menu knowledge, service protocols, safety rules) and continue training to improve skills.
Motivating the team and maintaining morale – for example, by recognizing good performance – is also important. If conflicts or issues arise among staff, you step in to resolve them diplomatically.
Good communication and leadership keep the team working together, which is essential in a diverse city like LA.
Ensuring Health and Safety Compliance
You enforce all health, sanitation, and safety standards. This means daily checks like confirming foods are stored at proper temperatures, the kitchen and dining areas are clean, and employees follow hygiene rules (washing hands, wearing gloves/hairnets).
You ensure that food is prepared safely to prevent any risk of foodborne illness. You will also be familiar with emergency and workplace safety procedures (for example, knowing evacuation routes, proper fire-suppression use, and first-aid basics).
By maintaining strict hygiene and safety in the restaurant, you protect customers and keep the restaurant compliant with health inspections.
Managing Inventory, Costs, and Budgets
Controlling costs is a major responsibility. You estimate how much food and beverage inventory is needed based on expected covers, order supplies from vendors, and check deliveries for accuracy.
You track inventory usage to minimize waste (for example, using perishable items first) and adjust purchasing if needed. You also handle ordering and forecasting for non-food supplies (cleaning chemicals, linens).
On the financial side, you create budgets for the restaurant or specific events, monitor labor costs by optimizing schedules, and may analyze sales reports to identify profitable or slow menu items.
Working closely with owners or corporate finance teams, you help ensure the restaurant meets its financial goals while delivering quality.
Delivering Excellent Customer Service
Ultimately, the manager’s job is to ensure guests have a great dining experience. You may greet VIP guests, handle special requests, and make sure any customer complaints are resolved quickly. You’ll oversee table turn times, quality of food and presentation, and maintain the ambiance of the restaurant.
If customers have special dietary needs or preferences, you train staff on how to accommodate them. In some high-end Los Angeles restaurants, managers interact with customers to gather feedback or explain menu items – this personal touch can boost satisfaction.
By staying attentive to guests and empowering your staff to do the same, you help build the restaurant’s reputation and encourage repeat business.
Restaurant Manager Salary & Top Paying Restaurant Manager Jobs in Los Angeles, CA
How much can you earn as a restaurant manager in Los Angeles? On average, managers here earn solid wages thanks to the strong dining market. As noted above, the average restaurant manager salary in LA is about $69,120 per year.
Of course, actual pay varies widely: entry-level assistant managers or managers at casual chains might earn closer to the lower end (around $50K per year), whereas experienced general managers at popular fine-dining restaurants or large hotels often see $80K–$100K+ annually.
Many full-time management jobs come with benefits like health insurance and paid vacation, especially at larger properties or franchise groups.
Entry-Level vs. Executive Manager Pay
A line cook or lead server taking their first manager role will earn less than a veteran. Typically, an assistant manager or shift manager might start around $15–$20 per hour (roughly $30–$40K/year) and work up to $25–$30/hour as they gain experience.
In contrast, a general manager or multi-unit manager at a luxury venue can command $40/hour or more (above $80K/year) plus performance bonuses. Executive positions (like Director of Operations in a restaurant group) pay even higher.
Keep in mind that in California many restaurants also practice tip pooling or charge service fees, which can supplement earnings for front-of-house managers (though management tips are regulated by state law).
Top Paying Venues
The highest salaries typically come from top-tier establishments and large operations.
For example, managers at award-winning Los Angeles restaurants (like Providence or Spago) or upscale hotel restaurants (Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton) are known to earn more.
Large catering companies and event venues also pay well due to the scale of their business.
Even some upscale casual concepts (trendy gastropubs or celebrity chef eateries) offer strong wages to experienced managers. In general, fine-dining and luxury venues pay more than casual chains, but often demand more experience and longer hours.
Industry Factors
Several factors influence restaurant manager pay. Cuisine and service type matter – a gourmet steakhouse or sushi restaurant in Hollywood often has a larger budget than a small neighborhood cafe.
Location within LA also plays a role: central business districts (DTLA, Century City) and tourist areas (Hollywood, Santa Monica) tend to pay more to meet demand. Certified and highly-trained managers (for example, those with wine or sommelier certifications for steak houses) can also command higher salaries.
High-volume restaurants with many seats usually have bigger payroll budgets. Finally, chain restaurants or hotel restaurants sometimes have standardized pay scales, while independent restaurants may negotiate salaries individually.
Cost of Living Consideration
Keep in mind that Los Angeles has a higher cost of living than many U.S. cities (especially housing and transportation). Many managers find that a full-time LA salary is just enough to live comfortably in the city.
Fortunately, LA wages for managers are generally strong enough to cover expenses, and advancing in your career can quickly improve your salary.
Some managers supplement income with part-time consulting or event management on the side, but a well-paying management role alone can provide a good standard of living in LA.
Outlook for Restaurant Manager Careers in Los Angeles, CA
The future looks bright for managers in Los Angeles. Nationally, BLS data projects little change in the number of restaurant manager jobs over the next decade, but the industry has already recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
In fact, OysterLink research notes that employment of restaurant managers has surpassed its pre-COVID peak, and Los Angeles remains one of the top hiring hotspots for this role.
As tourism and the local economy grow, new restaurants and hotels are expected to open, sustaining demand for skilled managers. The city’s focus on food, entertainment, and diverse dining means that managers who continue to learn new trends and aim for leadership roles can expect solid career prospects.
Whether you’re just entering the field or looking to move up to Executive Manager positions, the Los Angeles market is likely to have opportunities that fit your goals.
Restaurant Manager Jobs – FAQs
- What qualifications do I need to become a restaurant manager? Typically, employers look for several years of restaurant experience and proven leadership ability. Many managers have a bachelor’s degree in hospitality or business, but it’s often not mandatory. More important are skills like staff management, customer service, and knowledge of restaurant operations. Most restaurants also expect food safety certification (e.g. ServSafe Manager) and often a responsible beverage service certificate if you manage alcohol service.
- How much can I earn as a restaurant manager in Los Angeles? Salaries vary by venue and experience, but the average Los Angeles restaurant manager salary is about $69,120/year ($33/hour). ZipRecruiter reports that most managers in LA make between $46,400 and $65,500 annually, with top earners around $73,700. Entry-level assistant managers may start closer to the low end ($50–$60K), while general managers at high-end restaurants or hotels often earn $80K–$100K or more.
- How do I find restaurant manager jobs near me in Los Angeles? Search on industry-focused job sites like our OysterLink portal, filtering for “Los Angeles, CA” and “Restaurant Manager.” You can also set up alerts for terms like “Restaurant Manager jobs near me” or “Los Angeles restaurant general manager.” Networking is key as well: reach out to local industry groups, attend restaurant events, and let contacts know you’re looking. Check restaurant chains and hotel career pages directly, and consider local recruitment events or college job fairs focused on hospitality. Persistence is important – check listings daily and apply quickly when opportunities arise.
- What should I highlight on my resume or cover letter for a manager position? Emphasize any leadership or supervisory experience you have. List roles where you managed shifts, trained staff, controlled budgets, or dealt with customers. Include any quantifiable achievements (for example, “increased sales by 10%” or “reduced waste by improving inventory”). Mention relevant certifications (ServSafe Manager, TIPS, hospitality degree) and specialized skills (multi-unit management, a second language). Tailor your resume to the job by mirroring keywords from the posting (like “team leader” or “food cost control”). A concise cover letter should briefly explain your career goals and why you fit that specific restaurant or company culture.
- Do I need a hospitality degree to become a restaurant manager? Not necessarily. Many successful managers are promoted from service or kitchen roles without a formal degree. However, a degree in hospitality, business, or culinary arts can give you useful knowledge and may make you more competitive for some jobs. More importantly, practical experience and demonstrated management skills usually carry more weight. If you lack a degree, consider shorter certifications (like a restaurant management diploma or ServSafe) to bolster your qualifications.
- What questions should I be prepared to answer in a restaurant manager interview? Common questions include: “How do you handle a busy service with unexpected staff shortages?” or “Can you give an example of how you handled a dissatisfied customer?” Be ready to discuss your experience managing schedules, dealing with vendors, controlling inventory, and motivating employees. Interviewers also often ask situational questions like “How would you increase sales?” or “Tell us about a time you improved a team’s performance.” Prepare specific examples that show your leadership, problem-solving, and customer service skills. Finally, know something about the restaurant itself (their cuisine, style, and clientele) so you can tie your answers to what they need.
- How do labor laws affect my role as a restaurant manager? As a manager, you must ensure your restaurant complies with labor laws. This includes paying at least the minimum wage ($17.28 in L.A. as of 2024) and overtime when required. You must also provide mandated breaks, sick leave, and maintain a safe work environment. Many restaurants make a manager the “person in charge” for food safety and labor compliance. It helps to be familiar with basic California labor laws and local ordinances. Resources like the California Restaurant Association or the state Labor Commission’s website can provide guidance. Knowing and following the rules will protect you and your employees from legal issues.