With the employment growth of restaurant assistant managers at the highest rate among all occupations, it’s important to know just how much their earning potential is in major United States cities.
In this article, we break down the average restaurant assistant manager salary in New York, Miami, Chicago and Los Angeles, together with some insights into the restaurant assistant manager role, top-paying companies for the position, and some tips for negotiating higher salaries.
Restaurant Assistant Manager Salary in the U.S.
A restaurant assistant manager’s salary in the United States falls between $40,000 and $50,000 per year. It’s important to note that this doesn’t include tips and additional compensation or overtime pay.
Restaurant assistant managers can also enjoy various perks and benefits aside from their salary. These include employee discounts, health insurance, paid time off and even performance-based bonuses.
Remember that these benefits may vary depending on the restaurant’s policies and the specific employment agreement.
New York City
A restaurant assistant manager salary in New York brings around $50,000 per year, which is 14% higher than the national average.
Notably, New York City currently employs about 13,000 fewer employees than before the pandemic, making the demand for restaurant workers still at an all-time high.
Miami
A restaurant assistant manager salary in Miami brings 5% higher than the national average at $42,000 annually.
With Miami’s growing dining culture and expanding employment opportunities beyond the beach areas, it has become an attractive destination for those passionate about the food industry. The city’s strong sense of community further adds to its appeal as a place for employment in the restaurant sector.
Chicago
Restaurant assistant managers earn an annual salary of around $46,000, which is approximately 5% higher than the national average.
The restaurant industry holds a prominent position in the city, representing 10% of employment in the state, with restaurants contributing greatly to its tourism and local economy.
Los Angeles
A restaurant assistant manager’s salary in Los Angeles brings $48,000 annually, 9% above the national average.
Los Angeles invests an average of $4,414 per employee for training, which is 11% higher than the national average, emphasizing the city’s dedication to job growth, according to TouchBistro’s Los Angeles Restaurant Trends 2023 Report.
What Factors Impact a Restaurant Assistant Manager Salary?
It’s essential to consider different factors when applying for a restaurant assistant manager role, as they can provide valuable insights into restaurant assistant manager salary expectations and potential opportunities for career growth.
Assessing these factors within your desired location can help you make informed decisions and negotiate a fair salary package.
1. Geographic Location
A restaurant assistant manager salary can vary depending on the location of the restaurant, considering the cost of living, market demands and competition levels in various regions or cities.
For example, urban areas with a higher cost of living may offer higher salaries than rural or less populated areas.
2. Establishment Type
The type of establishment you work for can also affect a restaurant assistant manager’s salary. Fine dining restaurants, upscale establishments and well-known chains often offer higher wages than fast-food or casual dining establishments.
The restaurant’s size, reputation, clientele and revenue can also influence the salary range.
3. Shifts and Hours
Restaurant assistant managers frequently work extended hours, including late nights, weekends and holidays. However, these additional hours can come with benefits such as overtime pay or extra compensation, contributing to a higher overall salary.
4. Work Performance
Your performance and contributions to the restaurant’s success can impact your salary as an assistant manager.
Demonstrating strong leadership, effective management skills and the ability to drive sales, improve customer satisfaction and control costs can lead to performance-based bonuses or salary increases.
5. Experience and Background
Having extensive experience in the restaurant industry, especially in managerial positions, increases the likelihood of receiving a more competitive salary as a restaurant assistant manager.
Any specialized training, certifications or relevant qualifications you hold can also further impact your overall compensation.
How To Negotiate a Higher Restaurant Assistant Manager Salary
Negotiating a higher restaurant assistant manager salary requires a strategic approach and an understanding of your value and market dynamics. Here are key steps to help you navigate the negotiation process.
- Research the market: Before entering salary negotiations, gather information on the average salary range for restaurant assistant managers in your area. Online salary databases, industry reports, and networking with industry professionals can provide valuable insights.
This research will give you a benchmark to assess how reasonable your salary expectations are.
- Highlight your experience and skills: Emphasize your relevant experience, qualifications and accomplishments in the restaurant industry. Showcase your leadership abilities, problem-solving skills and positive impact in previous roles.
- Quantify your achievements: Use concrete examples to quantify your contributions and their impact on the restaurant’s success. Discuss how you improved operational efficiency, increased customer satisfaction or positively influenced sales and profitability with tangible results.
- Emphasize unique skills or certifications: If you possess specialized skills or certificates valuable in the restaurant industry, such as knowledge of specific cuisines or techniques and food safety certifications, highlight them during negotiations.
- Demonstrate your commitment: Express your dedication and commitment to the restaurant’s success. Highlight your long-term goals and how investing in your professional growth aligns with the restaurant’s objectives.
- Consider the total compensation package: Remember that your salary is just one aspect of the overall compensation package. Evaluate other benefits, including training opportunities, and if the salary offer is not as high as expected, negotiate for improvements in these areas to enhance the overall value of the package.
- Practice effective communication: Clearly articulate your value proposition and salary expectations during negotiations. Be confident but respectful, focusing on the evidence of your qualifications and accomplishments.
Active listening and understanding the employer’s perspective can help you find common ground and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. - Be prepared to compromise: While aiming for a higher salary, be open to compromise and consider the employer’s constraints.
Explore options such as performance-based salary reviews, additional responsibilities or a trial period to demonstrate your capabilities and potentially secure a higher salary in the future.
Remember, negotiating a higher salary requires preparation, confidence and effective communication.
By showcasing your skills, quantifying your achievements and understanding the market, you can position yourself for a successful negotiation and potentially secure a higher restaurant assistant manager salary.
10 Top-Paying Companies for Restaurant Assistant Managers in the U.S.
Set your expectations by knowing your options. Here are some of the top-paying companies for restaurant assistant managers across the U.S.
- Darden, $58,000
- Four Seasons, $57,000
- Nordstrom, $52,000
- Applebee’s, $52,000
- Panera Bread, $51,000
- McAlister’s, $51,000
- Chili’s Grill and Bar, $50,000
- SSP America, $49,000
- Hyatt, $47,000
- Marriott International, $46,000
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