The food service industry in the United States is projected to reach $997 billion in sales in 2025, creating strong demand for skilled restaurant workers at all levels. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, there are plenty of opportunities to earn a solid paycheck in restaurants.
In fact, while one can expect big salaries from management and specialized roles, some of the best-paying restaurant jobs don’t require years of working in the industry.
So, let’s take a look at 15 top-paying restaurant roles, their respective average salaries and the education and experience required to land a job in each. Plus, we’ll compare salaries across four major cities with a high concentration of restaurant career opportunities: New York City, Miami, Chicago and Los Angeles.
15 Best-Paying Restaurant Jobs (US Salaries)
Whether you’re aiming for a front-of-house management role or a back-of-house culinary position, here’s a look at the top-paying jobs in the industry!
1. Director of Restaurant Operations
This high-level role involves overseeing multiple restaurant locations or an entire brand’s operations. The responsibilities of a Director of Restaurant Operations include managing budgets, optimizing profitability, improving service standards and ensuring operational efficiency.
- Average annual salary: $102,697
- Education required: At least a high school diploma; relevant bachelor’s or associate’s degree is a plus.
- Experience: Prior management experience is required, typically between three and five years.
2. Restaurant Consultant
Restaurant Consultants help owners and operators improve their businesses by offering expertise in aspects like menu development, operations, marketing and profitability strategies. They work with both upcoming and existing restaurants to refine their concepts and boost success.
Some Restaurant Consultants have particular areas of specialty like branding, efficiency optimization or culinary concept development.
- Average annual salary: $81,376
- Education required: Bachelor’s or associate’s degree highly preferred
- Experience: Prior restaurant experience, preferably in a management role.
3. Executive Chef
An Executive Chef is the one who creates or modifies menus, plans and manages food preparation and adds the final touch to the dishes.
In addition, an Executive Chef recruits and trains kitchen staff, manages budgets, orders kitchen equipment and more.
- Average annual salary: $80,040
- Education required: An associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts is often highly preferred.
- Experience: Prior experience in an Executive Chef position (or similar) is typically required.
4. Head Chef
Head Chefs oversee kitchen operations, manage culinary staff, and create menus while ensuring food quality and consistency. They are responsible for maintaining food costs, inventory and kitchen efficiency.
Unlike Executive Chefs, who typically focus more on overarching management and may rarely cook, Head Chefs are directly involved in daily food preparation and kitchen supervision.
- Average annual salary: $73,632
- Education required: A culinary degree or diploma is often highly preferred.
- Experience: Prior experience in a senior-level Chef position is required.
See also: How Chefs Find Inspiration Everywhere – Even in Things You’d Ignore
5. Restaurant Manager
The duties of a Restaurant Manager include hiring and training staff, planning menus, managing budgets, creating staffing rotas, handling customer complaints and promoting the business.
A Restaurant Manager also makes sure employees follow health and safety regulations, manages inventory and creates financial reports. In larger restaurant chains, they may report to the Director of Restaurant Operations.
- Average annual salary: $69,580
- Education required: At least a GED or a high school diploma; a degree in hospitality management degree can give you an advantage over the other candidates.
- Experience: Prior managerial or supervisory experience is typically required.
6. Sommelier
An expert in both wine and food pairing, a Sommelier selects wines, creates wine lists, presents wine to customers, manages stock and negotiates prices with vendors.
They also organize and manage wine-tasting events, select the proper glasses for different types of wines, ensure wine is served at the right temperature and supervise proper storage of open wine bottles.
- Average annual salary: $65,581
- Education required: Although there are no strict educational prerequisites to apply for a Sommelier position, a credential from a professional association like the International Sommelier Guild or an associate degree in wine technology are seen as advantages.
- Experience: Prior experience in hospitality is preferred.
7. Sushi Chef
Sushi Chefs specialize in preparing sushi and sashimi, mastering precise knife skills, rice preparation and traditional Japanese techniques. In some more upscale restaurants, they also interact with guests while working behind the sushi bar.
- Average annual salary: $58,909
- Education required: Culinary degree or diploma highly preferred
- Experience: Prior specialized training in Japanese cuisine is often required.
8. Fine Dining Server
Fine Dining Servers provide top-tier service in upscale restaurants, guiding guests through high-end menus and extensive wine lists while delivering an elevated dining experience.
- Average annual salary: $56,584
- Education required: High school diploma or GED
- Experience: Prior fine dining serving experience is typically required.
See also: What Restaurants Do Servers Make the Most Money At?
9. Kitchen Manager
Kitchen Managers supervise the entire kitchen operation, including food preparation and cooking, storage and deliveries. They also coordinate food orders, manage inventory and plan kitchen staff schedules.
However, unlike senior-level Chefs, Kitchen Managers focus primarily on administrative and operational tasks rather than cooking. That said, while culinary experience is beneficial, it is not always a requirement for this role
- Average annual salary: $56,460
- Education required: A high school diploma, a culinary school certificate or a bachelor’s degree in restaurant management.
- Experience: Prior experience in kitchen management and health and safety regulations is required.
10. Sous Chef
Combining cooking and managerial responsibilities, a Sous Chef works directly with the executive chef in the kitchen.
A Sous Chef helps design the food and drink menu, manages inventory and supplies and makes sure kitchen employees follow food hygiene regulations.
- Average annual salary: $56,013
- Education required: An associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts
- Experience: Prior experience as a restaurant manager or a food service manager is required.
11. Pastry Chef
A Pastry Chef is in charge of preparing and decorating baked goods, cookies and desserts, whether in a restaurant, coffee shop or bakery.
This type of Chef may also create new recipes, provide tasting samples for events and handle inventory.
- Average annual salary: $54,995
- Education required: GED certificate or a high school diploma for an entry-level role; a certification in baking, culinary arts or pastry-making for non-entry-level positions
- Experience: Prior experience as a Baker or a Pastry Chef is preferred.
12. Bartender
Bartenders are all about recommending beverages, preparing and serving classic or modern alcoholic drinks for guests, restocking bar supplies, managing inventory and processing transactions behind a bar.
A Bartender is also responsible for verifying age requirements before serving alcohol and observing customers for signs of excessive drinking.
- Average annual salary: $37,000
- Education required: Although it is not necessary to have a degree to become a Bartender, courses or classes can be beneficial for your job application.
- Experience: Knowledge and skills in preparing and serving drinks is required.
13. Waiter/Waitress
A Waiter/Waitress’s job involves answering questions about the restaurant’s menu, recommending specials, taking drink and food orders, delivering food to guests and running the payment at the end of the meal.
When needed, a Waiter/Waitress also helps with table rearrangement and restaurant cleaning.
- Average annual salary: $36,530
- Education required: No specific education is required, although high-end restaurants may request a high school diploma.
- Experience: Prior experience in hospitality or retail is considered an advantage.
14. Line Cook
A Line Cook manages a specific station in the process of food preparation, such as grilling, frying, roasting or saucing, following a restaurant’s recipes.
In addition, a Line Cook makes sure all food sanitation laws for storing and handling food are closely observed.
- Average annual salary: $33,829
- Education required: A high school diploma and a culinary school certificate. Some states may require a handler safety certificate.
- Experience: Prior experience in cooking and food preparation is preferred.
A kitchen includes several types of Cooks. Check out our guide on the difference between Line Cooks and Prep Cooks to determine which position you’d prefer.
15. Host/Hostess
Serving as the first point of interaction with customers in a restaurant, a Host/Hostess welcomes guests, leads them to their tables, addresses their requests, manages the seating chart, distributes tables evenly among servers and oversees wait times.
In addition, they also handle takeaway orders and payments and assist with other restaurant activities, including silverware folding, cleaning or stocking.
- Average annual salary: $30,750
- Education required: High school diploma
- Experience: Prior hotel or restaurant experience is a plus when applying for the position.
See also: How To Be a Good Hostess at a Restaurant
High-Paying Restaurant Jobs in New York City, NY
With over 28,100 restaurants as of 2025, New York is heavily dependent on restaurant employees.
Compared to the national average base salary, employers in New York City offer 19% higher pay.
| Restaurant role/position | Average yearly salary in NYC |
| Director of Restaurant Operations | $110,220 |
| Restaurant Consultant | $82,076 |
| Executive Chef | $104,902 |
| Head Chef | $83,631 |
| Restaurant Manager | $90,180 |
| Sommelier | $59,982 |
| Sushi Chef | $53,080 |
| Fine Dining Server | $62,882 |
| Kitchen Manager | $66,760 |
| Sous Chef | $67,503 |
| Pastry Chef | $63,099 |
| Bartender | $58,050 |
| Waiter/Waitress | $50,860 |
| Line Cook | $48,007 |
| Host/Hostess | $39,120 |
High-Paying Restaurant Jobs in Miami, FL
Foodies from all over the world travel to Miami for its culinary scene. The salaries for restaurant jobs in Miami are about equal to the national average.
| Restaurant role/position | Average yearly salary in Miami |
| Director of Restaurant Operations | $102,694 |
| Restaurant Consultant | $90,497 |
| Executive Chef | $89,396 |
| Head Chef | $71,677 |
| Restaurant Manager | $81,170 |
| Sommelier | $71,153 |
| Sushi Chef | $45,586 |
| Fine Dining Server | $55,052 |
| Kitchen Manager | $56,380 |
| Sous Chef | $60,151 |
| Pastry Chef | $54,714 |
| Bartender | $39,270 |
| Waiter/Waitress | $37,360 |
| Line Cook | $41,643 |
| Host/Hostess | $31,380 |
High-Paying Restaurant Jobs in Chicago, IL
Chicago boasts approximately 7,300 restaurants, including 26 Michelin-starred restaurants, 7 AAA Diamond-rated restaurants and 54 Bib Gourmand winners.
The restaurant salaries in Chicago are about 11% higher than the average salary across the U.S.
| Restaurant role/position | Average yearly salary in Chicago |
| Director of Restaurant Operations | $101,125 |
| Restaurant Consultant | $83,487 |
| Executive Chef | $93,483 |
| Head Chef | $60,135 |
| Restaurant Manager | $68,770 |
| Sommelier | $57,666 |
| Sushi Chef | $65,919 |
| Fine Dining Server | $58,539 |
| Kitchen Manager | $59,828 |
| Sous Chef | $58,638 |
| Pastry Chef | $51,530 |
| Bartender | $35,630 |
| Waiter/Waitress | $34,340 |
| Line Cook | $39,089 |
| Host/Hostess | $31,900 |
High-Paying Restaurant Jobs in Los Angeles, CA
There are over 24,000 restaurants in Los Angeles, which makes the city popular among both foodies and restaurant professionals alike.
In Los Angeles, you can earn a salary that is 12% higher than the national average income for the same positions.
| Restaurant role/position | Average yearly salary in Los Angeles |
| Director of Restaurant Operations | $109,566 |
| Restaurant Consultant | $95,944 |
| Executive Chef | $97,949 |
| Head Chef | $81,149 |
| Restaurant Manager | $69,120 |
| Sommelier | $64,387 |
| Sushi Chef | $52,018 |
| Fine Dining Server | $57,968 |
| Kitchen Manager | $64,634 |
| Sous Chef | $62,954 |
| Pastry Chef | $63,061 |
| Bartender | $40,080 |
| Waiter/Waitress | $40,520 |
| Line Cook | $46,082 |
| Host/Hostess | $39,570 |
Factors Affecting Salaries for Restaurant Jobs
Restaurant salaries are influenced by various factors that contribute to the diversity in compensation across the industry. Understanding these elements can provide valuable insights for individuals seeking to maximize their earning potential.
Type of restaurant
The nature of the establishment significantly impacts salary levels.
For instance, fine dining restaurants typically offer higher wages compared to casual or fast-food venues. This disparity arises from the elevated service standards, specialized skills, and extensive experience required in upscale settings.
Consequently, positions in fine dining often come with greater responsibilities and expectations, justifying the increased compensation.
Geographic location
Geographic location plays a crucial role in determining restaurant salaries.
Major metropolitan areas or regions with a high cost of living tend to offer higher wages to attract and retain talent. Conversely, rural or less affluent areas may provide lower compensation due to differing economic conditions.
Therefore, professionals should consider location when evaluating salary prospects within the restaurant industry.
Experience and skill level
An individual’s experience and skill set also significantly influence their earning potential. Seasoned professionals with a proven track record and specialized expertise can command higher salaries.
Employers value such individuals for their ability to enhance service quality, streamline operations and contribute to the establishment’s success.
Therefore, continuous skill development and accumulating relevant experience are essential for career advancement in the restaurant sector.
Skills for Restaurant Success
Achieving success in high-paying restaurant roles requires a blend of technical expertise and essential soft skills. While culinary knowledge and operational proficiency are fundamental, the following soft skills are equally critical:
- Communication: Clear and effective interactions with team members and patrons ensure smooth operations and enhance the dining experience. Strong communication skills facilitate accurate order-taking, efficient service delivery and the ability to address customer concerns promptly.
- Teamwork: Given the collaborative nature of restaurant work, it’s crucial to be a reliable team player, build a positive work environment and offer support to colleagues. Effective teamwork ensures that all aspects of service run seamlessly, contributing to overall success.
- Leadership and management: For higher-level positions, leadership and management skills are paramount. Success hinges on the ability to wear multiple hats: a strategic thinker, a financial whiz, a motivational leader and a champion of exceptional hospitality. Strong leaders inspire their teams, manage resources efficiently and drive the establishment toward its goals.
- Time management and work ethic: The restaurant industry demands excellent time management due to its fast-paced nature. Employees must juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, work efficiently under pressure and meet deadlines consistently. A strong work ethic, characterized by reliability, initiative and a willingness to go the extra mile, is essential in ensuring smooth operations and a positive customer experience.
By cultivating these soft skills, individuals can enhance their effectiveness in their roles and position themselves for advancement into even higher-paying positions within the restaurant industry.
Check out our full guide on 40 restaurant positions & their descriptions.
Find the Best-Paying Restaurant Jobs With OysterLink
Are restaurants a good career path? Our list of the best-paying jobs in the industry gives you a glimpse of what a restaurant career offers. If you’re also interested in working for hotels, check out another list we curated.
From casual dining to upscale fine dining restaurants, you can build the career you want—with us.
If you’re looking for new job listings in the restaurant industry, or you’re an employer searching for new talent, you’ve come to the right place. OysterLink connects restaurant talent with employers looking to fill roles.
