Restaurant Manager Salary: How Much Can You Make in the US?

The word “Manager” conveys an impression-making authoritative position. Many believe that the higher the position, the greater the pay scale. This is true; however, the wage varies depending on the nature of the job. Some occupations pay well, whereas others don’t offer the salary one is anticipating, even if it is a managerial position. Sometimes managers working in similar industries have different wages. This is a common practice, particularly in the restaurant industry. If you are looking into the restaurant manager salary, you must understand that the salaries offered by different restaurants vary. Factors such as:

• location
• experience
• level of responsibility
• level of experience

play a vital role in setting the average salary.

This article will discuss the restaurant manager’s salary and how much one can make. It is primarily focused on the earning potential of restaurant managers in the United States.

What Do Restaurant Managers Do?

Restaurant managers are responsible for overseeing the daily operations, including managing staff, ensuring customer experience, and maintaining financial records. They also play a vital role in developing and implementing marketing strategies to increase revenue and profitability.

The right manager can make or break a restaurant. You may have wondered why some eateries have a high standard and presentation level compared to others. This is due to the expertise and leadership of a skilled restaurant manager. A good manager is able to balance the needs of the business with the desires of customers. Customer satisfaction is crucial. So the manager needs to create a welcoming atmosphere that keeps people coming back for more.

Managers work at the forefront as well as behind the scenes. They must look at the restaurant through the customer’s eyes and make sure everything is working smoothly. Other tasks that go unnoticed by the public are day-to-day operations.

Due to the nature of their duties, restaurant managers need to be proactive, adaptable, and capable of juggling multiple responsibilities.

Those who prove themselves worthy can expect a decent restaurant manager salary.

How Much Is a Restaurant Manager’s Salary?

If you are wondering how much is a restaurant manager’s salary, the answer varies. However, according to restaurant manager salary statistics from Salary.com, you can calculate and divide the average salary into five percentiles, which are:

• 10th percentile
• 25th percentile
• 50th percentile
• 75th percentile
• 90th percentile

Percentile means that a certain percentage of restaurant managers earn below that amount while the remaining earn above it. For example, the 10th percentile indicates that 10% of restaurant managers earn below that amount. The 90th percentile indicates that only 10% of restaurant managers earn above that amount. These percentiles were recently used to calculate the average base salary of restaurant managers located in the United States:

Restaurant Manager Salary: Hourly, Weekly, Month, and Annual Salary Percentile

Restaurant manager salaries can either be paid hourly, weekly, monthly or annually. To provide an overview, let’s look at the different types percentiles for restaurant managers:

Hourly Salary percentile: 10th percentile: $22 25th percentile: $25 50th percentile: $27 75th percentile: $30 90th percentile: $34

1. Weekly Salary Percentile: 10th percentile: $893 25th percentile: $984 50th percentile: $1,084 75th percentile: $1,219 90th percentile: $1,342

2. Monthly Salary Percentile: 10th percentile: $3,872 25th percentile: $4,264 50th percentile: $4,696 75th percentile: $5,282 90th percentile: $5,815

3. Annual Salary Percentile: 10th percentile: $46,458 25th percentile: $51,174 50th percentile: $56,353 75th percentile: $63,383 90th percentile: $69,784

These percentiles provide a clear understanding of the salary range for restaurant managers in the United States.

Average Restaurant General Manager Salary

The average restaurant general manager’s salary ranges vastly between $50,000 and $117,000. This is the annual salary calculated by various reliable sources. This salary range has a large gap because the pay depends on various factors. Also, it doesn’t guarantee that the salary range will not drop below or exceed the estimated high and low earnings. The surveys and reports gathered to provide a calculated guess that the average base salary fluctuates by this much on average.

According to a survey, the average base salary of a restaurant manager in the United States is $57,256 per year. The lowest annual salary a manager can earn is $43,124, and it can go up to $76,019 annually or more. This depends on factors such as skill, education, experience, and location.

Apart from the restaurant manager salary they receive, they are also entitled to certain benefits, such as:

• employee discounts
• insurances
• gym membership
• profit sharing
• health savings account
• partner benefits
• bonuses
• cash compensation

Some statistics even include bonuses and profit sharing in the annual salary calculation.

Due to this, many restaurant managers are satisfied with their salaries. However, there are some provinces in the United States where the average restaurant manager’s salary is higher compared to the national average.

Types of Restaurant Managers and Their Salary

Every restaurant employs different types of managers to fill various vacant positions. Depending on the restaurant’s needs, they may hire multiple managers and assign them different roles. Each of these managerial types will have a separate salary range depending on the job responsibilities, experience, education, etc.

Here is a list of high paying restaurant manager jobs in the United States. Starting with the highest paying position and working down to the lowest restaurant manager salary.

Restaurant District Manager Salary

Restaurant district managers are responsible for overseeing the operations of multiple restaurants, ensuring that they are profitable, and meeting targets. They must be able to manage a team of managers and staff, develop marketing strategies, and monitor customer satisfaction. Given the level of responsibility, it is not surprising that restaurant district managers earn a competitive salary. In addition to a base salary, they may also receive bonuses or other incentives.

The average base salary is a whopping $100,000 per year. Those in the 90th percentile may earn a staggering $125,000.

Restaurant Area Manager Salary

The restaurant area manager oversees multiple locations in a specific area, ensuring consistency in quality and service. They must also manage inventory, budgeting, and marketing strategies to drive business growth.

The responsibility involves managing not one but multiple restaurants that fall under the manager’s jurisdiction. With such a hefty burden, it is no surprise that the restaurant manager’s salary is approximately $79,000. A few top earners may even cross $100,000 per year.

Restaurant General Manager Salary

The restaurant’s general manager is responsible for overseeing the entire operation of the restaurant. These include managing staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maintaining financial records.

A restaurant general manager’s salary is $63,000 per year. This is the median salary that the majority of general managers earn in any restaurant. However, there are a few who have crossed this barrier and made it to the 90th percentile.

Food Service Manager Salary

A food service manager, sometimes referred to as a culinary manager, is responsible for the restaurant’s food operation. They ensure that:

• The customer is getting their money’s worth.
• Top-notch, freshly prepared ingredients go into the meal.
• The food reaches the hungry customer’s table in a timely manner.
• Food presentation is acceptable.
• The meal was delicious, and the patrons were happy with their experience.
• Hiring and training order takers, waiters, and chefs
• Planning menus and special offers.

Even though the position is vital and the manager carries a burden on his shoulders, the average restaurant manager salary for this rank is $55,000.

Restaurant Assistant General Manager Salary

The restaurant assistant general manager salary comes to approximately $45,000 per year. The title “Assistant” indicates that this position requires less experience and responsibility compared to that of a general manager. Due to this, the average base salary is also quite low. However, this position is not irrelevant. In fact, an assistant general manager plays a crucial role in the smooth functioning of a restaurant. With experience and proven success, an assistant general manager’s promotion to a general manager with a higher salary may be possible.

There are other categories of restaurant managers also, such as floor managers and operations managers. They almost have identical roles and responsibilities. It is difficult to say what exact level these managers fall into, but they are considered subordinates. They have an authoritative position among the staff and work below the assistant manager. Daily restaurant operations get distributed between them.

For example, the floor manager may oversee the dining area and ensure customer satisfaction. Whereas the operations manager may handle inventory and ordering supplies. Despite their different areas of focus, both managers work together to ensure smooth operations and profitability for the restaurant.

The restaurant manager salary for both ranges is very similar, ranging between $59,000 and $62,000 per year.

What Is the Restaurant Manager Salary by Experience Level?

The salary for restaurant managers can vary based on their level of experience which is usually classified into four categories:

1. Entry Level Managers

The salary of entry level managers is in the 10th percentile, earning approximately $39,000 per year. They are interns, but since they have a degree and a managerial position, the starting salary offered is good.

1. Junior Level Managers

Junior managers earn more than entry-level managers, approximately $44,000 per month. They don’t have much experience and require a helping hand and regular supervision from their superiors.

1. Mid Level Managers

Mid level managers fall in the 50th to 75th percentile salary range. The average base salary is $52,000. They are responsible for overseeing a team of entry and junior level managers. It is their duty to make sure that tasks delegated are properly completed on time and within budget.

1. Senior Level Managers

Senior-level managers are the top earners. They start at the 75th percentile with an average salary of $60,000. Senior managers with more experience, or those earning in 5-star restaurants, may even reach the 90th percentile.

Skills That Determine a Restaurant Manager’s Salary

Experience and education play a vital role in determining the salary of a restaurant manager. However, this job is also highly dependent on skills. A restaurant manager who has an impressive skill portfolio becomes an important tool for the organization. Restaurants need a manager who can effectively lead a team, communicate with customers and staff, and maintain the books. This person is likely to earn a higher salary than someone who lacks these skills.

Here are a few essential skills every manager must strive to possess:

• Leadership skills
• Customer service skills
• Time management skills
• Marketing skills
• Bookkeeping skills
• Analytics and analysis skills

How Much Is a Restaurant Manager’s Salary?

The restaurant manager’s salary depends on various factors, but the average annual salary is approximately $56,000. However, if you are asking the question, “How much is a restaurant manager’s salary?” You probably want to know how to calculate the manager’s estimated pay depending on these factors.

Salary.com provides a calculator that helps you discover how much is a restaurant manager’s salary by typing values into four categories:

• relevant job experience
• level of education
• I report to
• number of people I manage

After filling in these fields, you can generate a salary report by providing additional information about yourself and your job position. The report is on real-time market salary data. This helps restaurant managers negotiate a fair salary.

If you are looking to employ someone who possesses the necessary skills to run your eatery, Beambox can help you out. A restaurant manager’s salary is competitive in the United States. However, with Beambox in your corner, you can start growing your business. Start your free trial today.

---