How much does a Food Service Director make?
A Food Service Director plays a key role in managing the food services in various settings. This role often includes overseeing kitchen operations, managing staff, and ensuring food quality and safety. The average yearly salary for a Food Service Director is around $51,701. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the type of organization.
The salary range for Food Service Directors can be quite broad. Some directors earn as little as $28,000 per year, while others can make over $92,000. Most directors fall somewhere in the middle, with salaries ranging from $33,864 to $86,636. Higher salaries often come with more responsibility and experience. Directors in larger cities or high-end restaurants may also earn more. It's important to consider these factors when looking at salary data.
What are the highest paying cities for a Food Service Director?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $88,481
San Francisco offers a vibrant food scene. Working as a Food Service Director here means you'll manage top-tier restaurants and cater to a diverse clientele. Companies like Bon Appétit and Compass Group provide excellent opportunities.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $83,988
San Jose is a tech hub with a growing food industry. As a Food Service Director, you'll oversee dining services in corporate settings. Companies like Aramark and Sodexo are prominent here.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $80,854
Sacramento provides a mix of government and private dining services. As a Food Service Director, you'll manage both state facilities and private companies. Key employers include Aramark and Bon Appétit.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $76,188
Boulder is known for its healthy lifestyle. As a Food Service Director, you'll focus on organic and sustainable dining options. Companies like Bon Appétit and Sodexo are leaders in this field.
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New Haven, CT
Average Salary: $75,938
New Haven offers a rich culinary culture. Working as a Food Service Director here means you'll manage university dining and local restaurants. Yale University Dining Services is a notable employer.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $74,619
Los Angeles is a culinary hotspot. As a Food Service Director, you'll manage diverse dining options from casual cafes to high-end restaurants. Companies like Sodexo and Aramark are prominent here.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $70,845
San Diego offers a vibrant food scene with a focus on fresh seafood. As a Food Service Director, you'll manage dining services in both corporate and hospitality settings. Key employers include Bon Appétit and Compass Group.
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Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $70,638
Bakersfield has a growing food industry. As a Food Service Director, you'll manage dining services in both corporate and healthcare settings. Companies like Aramark and Sodexo are active here.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $68,515
Boston offers a rich culinary history. As a Food Service Director, you'll manage dining services in both academic and corporate settings. Harvard University Dining Services and Sodexo are notable employers.
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Springfield, IL
Average Salary: $66,607
Springfield provides a mix of government and private dining services. As a Food Service Director, you'll manage both state facilities and private companies. Key employers include Aramark and Bon Appétit.
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What are the best companies a Food Service Director can work for?

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FLIK Hospitality Group
Average Salary: $91,615
FLIK Hospitality Group offers exciting Food Service Director positions. They operate in many locations, including hotels and resorts. Their focus on quality service makes them a top choice for many professionals.
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CulinArt
Average Salary: $87,318
CulinArt provides rewarding Food Service Director jobs. They work in various locations, such as hospitals and schools. Their commitment to culinary excellence creates a dynamic work environment.
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Kaiser Permanente
Average Salary: $87,103
Kaiser Permanente offers competitive Food Service Director salaries. They operate in many states across the U.S. Their focus on health and wellness makes them a great place to work.
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Meriwether Godsey
Average Salary: $86,867
Meriwether Godsey provides attractive Food Service Director positions. They work in locations like universities and corporate offices. Their dedication to quality service makes them a top employer.
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United States Department of Justice
Average Salary: $86,544
The United States Department of Justice offers stable Food Service Director jobs. They operate in many locations, including federal buildings. Their focus on public service makes them a respected employer.
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Brightview Senior Living
Average Salary: $84,664
Brightview Senior Living provides rewarding Food Service Director positions. They operate in many locations, including senior living communities. Their focus on care makes them a great place to work.
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ISS Facility Services
Average Salary: $84,435
ISS Facility Services offers competitive Food Service Director salaries. They work in locations like office buildings and schools. Their focus on service excellence makes them a top employer.
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Compass Group
Average Salary: $80,643
Compass Group provides attractive Food Service Director positions. They operate in many locations, including hospitals and schools. Their focus on quality service makes them a great place to work.
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Eurest
Average Salary: $80,533
Eurest offers rewarding Food Service Director jobs. They work in locations like universities and corporate offices. Their focus on culinary excellence makes them a top employer.
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Unidine
Average Salary: $79,803
Unidine provides competitive Food Service Director salaries. They operate in many locations, including hospitals and schools. Their focus on quality service makes them a great place to work.
How to earn more as a Food Service Director?
To earn more as a Food Service Director, focus on enhancing skills and gaining experience. This role requires a blend of culinary expertise, management skills, and a keen understanding of the food industry. By improving these areas, a Food Service Director can increase their value to employers and open up opportunities for higher pay.
Consider these key factors to boost earnings:
- Advanced Certifications: Obtain certifications from recognized culinary institutions. These credentials can demonstrate a higher level of expertise and dedication to the profession.
- Leadership Experience: Gain experience managing large teams and overseeing multiple locations. This shows the ability to handle complex operations and can lead to higher-paying positions.
- Cost Management Skills: Develop skills in budgeting and cost control. Efficiently managing food costs and reducing waste can lead to significant savings and higher profitability for the business.
- Menu Development: Create innovative and popular menus that attract customers. A successful menu can increase revenue and improve the reputation of the establishment.
- Networking: Build a strong professional network. Connections can lead to job opportunities, partnerships, and insights into industry trends that can enhance career prospects.