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Dietary Services Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Dietary Services Manager make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Dietary Services Manager in the United States is $83,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.

However, a Dietary Services Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $96,982
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $76,200 to $90,700
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $69,281

Key Factors That Influence Dietary Services Manager Salaries

A Dietary Services Manager's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

Top Paying Cities for Dietary Services Managers

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $105,600
  • San Francisco: $104,500
  • Oakland: $102,300

Dietary Services Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Dietary Services Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $89,402. While startup companies pay approximate $76,012.

Dietary Services Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $76,012
Growth Stage 51~500 $80,296
Established 501~5000 $86,425
Enterprise 5000+ $89,402

Dietary Services Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Dietary Services Manager roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Dietary Services Manager positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Dietary Services Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Dietary Services Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$92,180$44.010%

Dietary Services Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Dietary Services Manager's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$76,200
Average $83,800/year
$90,700
$6,350
Average $6,983/month
$7,558
$1,465
Average $1,612/week
$1,744
$37
Average $40/hour
$44
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $90,700 $7,558 $1,744 $44
Average $83,800 $6,983 $1,612 $40
25th Percentile $76,200 $6,350 $1,465 $37

Dietary Services Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Dietary Services Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Dietary Director role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $102,400 - a projected growth of 22% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Dietary Services Manager

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Dietary Services Manager

Here are companies hiring for Dietary Services Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Dietary Services Manager

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Dietary Services Manager?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Dietary Services Manager roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

2. What is the highest salary of CDM?

The highest salary for a Dietary Services Manager is $95,500 per year. This role typically offers a minimum salary of $73,200 and a mid-range salary of $84,100, reflecting the importance of effective dietary management in healthcare settings.

3. How much does it cost to become a certified dietary manager?

The costs to become a Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) include a $400 exam fee and a $99 annual membership fee to the Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals. Additionally, the salary for a Dietary Services Manager ranges from $73,200 to $95,500, with a median salary of $84,100, making it a worthwhile investment in your career.

4. How much do most managers make?

The pay range for Dietary Services Managers varies significantly. The minimum salary is approximately $73,200, with a mid-range salary of about $84,100, and a maximum salary reaching $95,500. This reflects the diverse compensation levels within the field, depending on experience and location.

5. How long does it take to get dietary manager certification?

To obtain dietary manager certification, you need to complete a program that includes 120 hours of didactic education and 150 hours of field experience. Once certified, Dietary Services Managers can expect salaries ranging from $73,200 to $95,500, with a median salary of $84,100, reflecting the importance of this role in healthcare settings.

6. How much do top money managers make?

Dietary Services Managers earned a median salary of $84,100 in 2023. The top 25% made up to $95,500, while the lowest 25% earned at least $73,200.

7. Do you have to be certified to be a dietary manager?

To become a Dietary Services Manager, obtaining certification is often essential. After completing the required education, you can take the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) exam through the ANFP. Employers frequently seek candidates with this certification, which can lead to salaries ranging from $73,200 to $95,500, with a median salary of $84,100.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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