As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a School Cafeteria Manager in the United States is $87,529 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, a School Cafeteria Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A School Cafeteria 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 School Cafeteria 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level School Cafeteria Manager | $82,585 |
| Intermediate Level School Cafeteria Manager | $83,065 |
| Senior Level School Cafeteria Manager | $84,666 |
| Specialist Level School Cafeteria Manager | $86,588 |
| Expert Level School Cafeteria Manager | $89,788 |
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 School Cafeteria Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 5.55% |
| Food Preparation | 2.4% |
| Inventory Management | 1.39% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Foodservice
|
$95,407 |
9%
|
|
Commitment
|
$94,532 |
8%
|
|
Microsoft Office
|
$92,781 |
6%
|
|
Initiative
|
$91,906 |
5%
|
|
Coordination
|
$91,906 |
5%
|
|
Dedication
|
$91,031 |
4%
|
For School Cafeteria Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 32% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 12% above the average. In contrast, School Cafeteria Manager positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view School Cafeteria Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $98,033 | $47.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $96,282 | $46.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $96,282 | $46.0 | 10% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $94,532 | $45.0 | 8% |
| Software & Networking | $94,532 | $45.0 | 8% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many School Cafeteria 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 School Cafeteria Manager with a No Diploma is between $73,585 and $80,263).
School Cafeteria Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.5% |
| High School | 45.0% |
| Associates | 22.5% |
| Bachelors | 21.3% |
| Masters | 8.8% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a School Cafeteria 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a School Cafeteria Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $65,935 in 2023 to around $64,163 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of School Cafeteria Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $65,935 |
| 2024 | $64,859 |
| 2025 | $64,163 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for School Cafeteria Manager roles, with salaries approximately 12% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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