As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Restaurant Director in the United States is $119,946 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.
However, a Restaurant Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Restaurant Director's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Restaurant Director's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Restaurant Manager | 0-3 years | $42,404 |
| Restaurant Manager | 3-5 years | $57,247 |
| Regional Restaurant Manager | 5+ years | $86,173 |
| Restaurant Director | 5+ years | $119,946 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Restaurant Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 19.13% |
| Economics | 2.68% |
| Food Handling | 1.75% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Room Service
|
$133,140 |
11%
|
|
Commitment
|
$133,140 |
11%
|
|
Business Administration
|
$131,941 |
10%
|
|
Forecasting
|
$130,741 |
9%
|
|
Service Excellence
|
$130,741 |
9%
|
|
Accounting
|
$130,741 |
9%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Restaurant Directors enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Restaurant Director with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $108,962 and $126,128).
Restaurant Director Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 15.6% |
| High School | 15.6% |
| Associates | 31.3% |
| Bachelors | 40.6% |
| Masters | 12.5% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Restaurant Director'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 March 01, 2026
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A Restaurant Director's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Restaurant Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Restaurant Director is $151,288.
The highest pay for Restaurant Director is $142,046.
The lowest pay for Restaurant Director is $85,631.
Directs the operations in one or several restaurants. Designs sales plans, oversees restaurant revenue, and monitors customer satisfaction. May require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to senior management. Manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.
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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