As of February 01, 2026, the average salary for a Restaurant Manager in the United States is $57,250 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, a Restaurant Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Restaurant Manager'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 Manager'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 | $42,402 |
| Restaurant Manager | 3-5 years | $57,250 |
| Regional Restaurant Manager | 5+ years | $86,156 |
| Restaurant Director | 5+ years | $119,905 |
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 Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 10.4% |
| Service Quality | 2.08% |
| Catering | 1.18% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Security Policy
|
$65,265 |
14%
|
|
Motivating
|
$61,830 |
8%
|
|
Organizing
|
$61,258 |
7%
|
|
Interviewing
|
$61,258 |
7%
|
|
Catering
|
$61,258 |
7%
|
|
Planning
|
$60,685 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Restaurant Managers enter the field with a No Diploma 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 Manager with a No Diploma is between $55,093 and $58,234).
Restaurant Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.4% |
| High School | 35.0% |
| Associates | 18.1% |
| Bachelors | 40.7% |
| Masters | 4.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.2% |
Understanding how a Restaurant 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 February 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Restaurant Manager, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Food & Beverage Manager | $90,406 | 58% |
| Food Services Manager | $85,690 | 50% |
| Regional Restaurant Manager | $86,156 | 50% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Restaurant Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Restaurant Manager job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Restaurant Manager'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 Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Restaurant Manager is $72,209.
The highest pay for Restaurant Manager is $71,221.
The lowest pay for Restaurant Manager is $44,993.
Responsible for overall operations of the restaurant, which may include overseeing the staff, monitoring inventory, purchasing equipment and supplies, and ensuring quality customer service and compliance with all food and beverage regulations. Trains, hires, and schedules other employees. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a top management. Supervises a group of primarily para-professional level staffs. May also be a level above a supervisor within high volume administrative/ production environments. Makes day-to-day decisions within or for a group/small department. Has some authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 3-5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area and department processes.
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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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