How much does a Food Service Director make?
A Food Service Director plays a key role in managing food services in various settings. This role often includes overseeing kitchen staff, managing budgets, and ensuring food safety. The average yearly salary for a Food Service Director is around $52,645. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and the type of facility they work in.
Food Service Directors can expect to see different salaries depending on their career stage. Entry-level positions may start around $28,000. With more experience, salaries can rise to over $95,000. Factors like working in a large hospital or a busy restaurant chain can also affect earnings. This role offers a stable income and opportunities for growth in the food service industry.
What are the highest paying cities for a Food Service Director?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $89,635
San Francisco offers a vibrant food scene with many high-end restaurants. Working here means managing top-tier dining experiences. Companies like Yelp and various Michelin-starred restaurants provide excellent opportunities.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $85,087
San Jose is a tech hub with a growing food industry. Leading tech firms offer unique dining experiences. This city provides a dynamic environment for culinary management.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $83,176
Sacramento is a political center with a diverse food culture. Working here means overseeing catering for events and government offices. It’s a chance to manage both formal and casual dining settings.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $77,808
Los Angeles is a major entertainment center with a rich food culture. This city offers many opportunities in diverse dining settings. From trendy restaurants to large-scale catering, the options are vast.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $76,275
Boulder is known for its health-conscious lifestyle. Working here means managing menus that focus on fresh, organic ingredients. The university and local businesses create a unique dining environment.
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Springfield, IL
Average Salary: $75,195
Springfield offers a mix of traditional and modern dining. Working here means managing a variety of settings, from family restaurants to corporate dining. The city’s central location makes it a hub for food service.
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New Haven, CT
Average Salary: $74,134
New Haven is a college town with a vibrant food scene. Working here means managing dining for students and faculty. The university and local businesses offer diverse opportunities.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $72,468
San Diego offers a laid-back coastal vibe with a strong food culture. Working here means managing beachside restaurants and catering for events. The city’s diverse population adds to the culinary richness.
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Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $71,688
Riverside is a growing city with a mix of urban and rural dining. Working here means managing a variety of dining settings. The city’s expanding population offers many opportunities for growth.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $68,268
Seattle is known for its coffee culture and seafood. Working here means managing trendy restaurants and catering for tech companies. The city’s vibrant food scene offers many exciting opportunities.
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What are the best companies a Food Service Director can work for?

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Restaurant Associates
Average Salary: $92,352
Restaurant Associates offers exciting Food Service Director jobs. They work in many cities across the U.S. Their teams manage dining services in restaurants, hotels, and other venues. They focus on creating a great dining experience for guests.
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FLIK Hospitality Group
Average Salary: $91,205
FLIK Hospitality Group provides top-notch Food Service Director positions. They operate in various locations, including urban and resort areas. They aim to deliver excellent food service and hospitality. Their directors work in hotels, resorts, and event spaces.
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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $89,013
Kaiser Permanente offers rewarding Food Service Director jobs. They have locations across several states. Their directors manage food services in medical centers and clinics. They focus on providing healthy and delicious meals to patients and staff.
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Bon Appétit
Average Salary: $88,694
Bon Appétit offers dynamic Food Service Director roles. They operate in many cities nationwide. Their directors oversee food services in schools, hospitals, and corporate settings. They aim to create a positive dining experience for everyone.
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Brightview Senior Living
Average Salary: $86,845
Brightview Senior Living provides excellent Food Service Director jobs. They have locations in several states. Their directors manage dining services in senior living communities. They focus on providing nutritious and enjoyable meals for residents.
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Meriwether Godsey
Average Salary: $84,860
Meriwether Godsey offers promising Food Service Director positions. They operate in many locations, including urban and suburban areas. Their directors manage food services in hotels, restaurants, and event venues. They focus on creating a great dining experience.
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HEALTHCARE NURSING
Average Salary: $83,076
HEALTHCARE NURSING provides rewarding Food Service Director jobs. They work in various healthcare facilities across the country. Their directors manage food services in hospitals and clinics. They focus on providing healthy meals to patients and staff.
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Compass Group
Average Salary: $82,297
Compass Group offers exciting Food Service Director roles. They operate in many locations, including schools, hospitals, and corporate settings. Their directors manage food services in various environments. They focus on delivering quality meals and service.
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ISS Facility Services
Average Salary: $82,003
ISS Facility Services provides promising Food Service Director jobs. They work in many cities across the U.S. Their directors manage food services in corporate offices, schools, and healthcare facilities. They focus on creating a positive dining experience.
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Eurest
Average Salary: $80,798
Eurest offers rewarding Food Service Director positions. They operate in many locations, including urban and suburban areas. Their directors manage food services in various settings. They focus on providing quality meals and excellent service.
How to earn more as a Food Service Director?
A Food Service Director can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. One important factor is gaining additional certifications. These can include certifications in food safety, nutrition, or management. They show a commitment to the profession and can make a candidate more attractive to employers. Another factor is gaining experience in different types of food service settings. This includes restaurants, hospitals, schools, and corporate cafeterias. Each setting has its own challenges and can provide valuable skills.
Networking also plays a big role in earning more. Building relationships with other professionals in the industry can lead to job opportunities and salary increases. Attending industry conferences and joining professional organizations can help with this. Another factor is taking on leadership roles. This can include managing larger teams or overseeing multiple locations. These roles often come with higher pay. Finally, staying up to date with industry trends can help a Food Service Director earn more. This includes new technologies, menu trends, and customer service practices. Keeping skills current can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries.
Here are some factors to consider:
- Gain additional certifications
- Gain experience in different settings
- Network with other professionals
- Take on leadership roles
- Stay up to date with industry trends



