Olive Garden Salary

As of July 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Olive Garden in the United States is $54,043. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $26. Salaries at Olive Garden typically range from $47,342 to $62,118 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Olive Garden Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Olive Garden. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Bartender / Host / Togo Specialist / Busser (1772), with an annual salary of $118,800. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.

Bartender

$24,106 / year

Salary Range: $21,292 - $27,439

Food and Beverage

Bartender (1055)

$24,106 / year

Salary Range: $21,292 - $27,439

Food and Beverage

Bartender (1403)

$24,106 / year

Salary Range: $21,292 - $27,439

Food and Beverage

Bartender (4472)

$24,106 / year

Salary Range: $21,292 - $27,439

Food and Beverage

Bartender / Host / Togo Specialist / Busser (1772)

$118,800 / year

Salary Range: $105,737 - $133,049

Fitness and Wellness

Busser

$23,985 / year

Salary Range: $21,469 - $27,084

Hospitality

Turn Insight into Opportunity: Current Job Openings

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at Olive Garden.
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Job Title Location Release Date

About Olive Garden: Company Profile

Website
www.olivegarden.com
Founded In
1993
Employees
15,000 - 50,000 employees
Industry
Hospitality & Leisure
Headquarter Location
THOUSAND OAKS
Revenue
$3B - $5B
Phone Number
-
Social Media
About OLIVE GARDEN
Olive Garden owns and operates a chain of Italian casual dining restaurants.

Employee Reviews: Insights on Salary, Culture & Work-Life

Gain authentic perspectives from current and former employees. These anonymous reviews offer invaluable insights into Olive Garden's culture, work-life balance, management, and employee sentiment regarding salary satisfaction, bonus payouts, and benefits.
The company offers skill development programs, which have helped me advance. Management listens to feedback. The policies are clear, and the teams are well-coordinated. The company follows industry norms, and the daily operations run smoothly.
The company operates efficiently with clear policies. It’s a solid choice for those looking for steady employment in hospitality. Training is straightforward, and management is fair.
Management listens to feedback and implements positive changes. It’s a great place to build a career in hospitality. The pay is competitive, and overtime is optional. The company also supports internal promotions, which is motivating. The work environment is supportive, and benefits are generous. The work atmosphere is energetic and welcoming.
I highly recommend this employer to anyone looking for a fulfilling career in hospitality. It’s a great place to build a career with a team that feels like family. I appreciate how the company invests in its people. Management is supportive, and the benefits are competitive.
Overall, it’s a great place to build a career in hospitality. The workplace culture is inclusive, and employee feedback is taken seriously. Fast-paced but enjoyable. The leadership is forward-thinking, always looking for ways to improve operations.

Is Olive Garden’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Olive Garden's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
O'BRIEN'S AT BERGHEIM, INC. $39,914
-26.1%
O'BRIEN'S AT BERGHEIM, INC. likely leverages performance bonuses over the high base salary shown here.
O'BRIEN'S INN $41,134
-23.9%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
O'BANKS CAFE $43,036
-20.4%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where O'BANKS CAFE primarily operates.
S O A P DEL DIA INC $40,408
-25.2%
S O A P DEL DIA INC focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
Hospitality & Leisure Industry $122,562
+126.8%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

What Is the Cost of Living Near Thousand Oaks?

Understanding the cost of living near Thousand Oaks is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Olive Garden.
Thousand Oaks' Cost of Living Index is approximately 165.8 (65.8% more expensive than US average; 18.6% more than CA average). Affluent Ventura County city, very high housing costs, safe, good schools. When planning your budget based on a salary from Olive Garden, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $2,500 - $3,600+ A significant portion of Olive Garden salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $180 - $290 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $60 (TOT monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $470 - $700 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $450 - $850+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $410 - $780+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $4,070 - $6,220+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

Most Common Questions About Olive Garden

FAQ 1: What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Olive Garden?
The typical annual salary range for most roles at Olive Garden is approximately from $47,342 to $62,118. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.
FAQ 2: How much does Olive Garden pay compared to O'BRIEN'S AT BERGHEIM, INC.?
The average annual salary at Olive Garden is $54,043, or an hourly wage of $26, in comparison to O'BRIEN'S AT BERGHEIM, INC. which pays $39,913 per year or $19 per hour.
FAQ 3: How does experience level affect salary at Olive Garden?
Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Olive Garden, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.
FAQ 4: How can I determine if a salary offer from Olive Garden in Thousand Oaks is fair given the local cost of living?
To determine if a salary offer from Olive Garden in Thousand Oaks is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Olive Garden and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Thousand Oaks" to understand its purchasing power.
FAQ 5: Why might an individual's actual salary at Olive Garden differ from the ranges shown here?
An individual's actual salary at Olive Garden can differ from our estimated ranges due to various factors. These include their specific years of experience in the role, unique skills or certifications, educational background, performance record, the specific team or department they join, negotiation outcomes, and even the precise timing of when they were hired relative to market fluctuations. Our ranges represent typical compensation.