How much does a Restaurant Manager make?
A Restaurant Manager plays a vital role in keeping a dining establishment running smoothly. This job often comes with a rewarding salary. On average, a Restaurant Manager earns about $53,330 per year. This figure can change based on experience, location, and the type of restaurant. Experienced managers at larger, upscale restaurants can earn even more.
Factors like geographic location and the specific kind of restaurant also affect salaries. Managers in big cities or trendy areas often earn higher wages. Fine-dining establishments, for example, may pay more than casual eateries. Factors such as tips and bonuses also play a part in a manager's total earnings.
What are the highest paying cities for a Restaurant Manager?

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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $78,831
Manage a vibrant restaurant in the nation's capital. With many government offices, you'll see a steady flow of visitors. Look for opportunities at iconic places like The Watergate or Ben's Chili Bowl.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $73,644
Lead a restaurant in Boston, where food lovers are everywhere. This city has many historic spots and trendy areas. Work at popular eateries like Legal Sea Foods or Union Oyster House.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $70,177
Run a restaurant in the Bay Area, a place known for great food and culture. You'll find a mix of tourists and locals. Great places include Tadich Grill or The Slanted Door.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $69,710
Oversee a restaurant in a city famous for coffee and seafood. Seattle has a lively food scene. Try working at The Pink Door or Canlis.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $66,136
Manage a restaurant in Chicago, known for its deep-dish pizza and steakhouses. The city is always bustling. Look at places like Au Cheval or Girl & The Goat.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $65,526
Lead a restaurant in LA, a city full of diverse flavors and cultures. You'll see a lot of celebrities and tourists. Work at places like Gjelina or Musso & Frank.
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Pueblo, CO
Average Salary: $65,013
Manage a restaurant in Pueblo, offering a mix of local and national cuisines. It's a smaller city with a friendly community. Try working at The Barley or Pueblo Brewing Company.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $64,595
Run a restaurant in Denver, a city with a strong craft beer scene. You'll find a mix of tourists and locals. Work at places like The Counter or The Little Dog Café.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $64,493
Manage a restaurant in Atlanta, known for its vibrant food scene. The city has a mix of traditional Southern and modern cuisines. Look at places like The Varsity or Sweet Teas & BBQ.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $64,450
Oversee a restaurant in San Diego, a city famous for its beaches and fresh seafood. The area attracts many tourists. Work at places like The Mission or Bird & Bottle.
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What are the best companies a Restaurant Manager can work for?

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Mastro's Steakhouse
Average Salary: $108,125
Mastro's Steakhouse provides a high-end dining experience with multiple locations across the United States. Restaurant Manager roles involve overseeing daily operations, ensuring customer satisfaction, and managing staff. Locations include Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and New York City.
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Boqueria
Average Salary: $99,674
Boqueria is a Spanish-inspired restaurant with several locations in the US. A Restaurant Manager here will lead teams, develop marketing strategies, and maintain high service standards. Key locations include Boston, Houston, and Washington, D.C.
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EVANS HOTELS
Average Salary: $96,321
EVANS HOTELS is a luxury hospitality group with properties across the US. Restaurant Managers work within hotel restaurants, focusing on creating memorable dining experiences. Locations include cities like Chicago, Dallas, and Miami.
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Del Frisco's Grille
Average Salary: $95,893
Del Frisco's Grille offers upscale dining with steakhouses and seafood restaurants. Managers here manage kitchen and front-of-house operations, ensuring excellent service. Locations include various cities like Denver and San Francisco.
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Rocket Farm Restaurants
Average Salary: $94,808
Rocket Farm Restaurants focuses on fresh, local ingredients with locations in select cities. Restaurant Managers oversee daily operations and menu development. Key locations include Portland and Seattle.
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Montage International
Average Salary: $92,200
Montage International manages luxury hotels and restaurants. Managers here handle staff training, customer service, and event planning. Key locations include California and Hawaii.
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Shake Shack
Average Salary: $91,823
Shake Shack is a popular burger chain with numerous locations globally. Restaurant Managers ensure operational efficiency and a welcoming atmosphere. Locations include major cities like New York, Chicago, and London.
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Mendocino Farms
Average Salary: $88,621
Mendocino Farms focuses on high-quality sandwiches and salads. Managers oversee daily operations, inventory management, and customer service. Locations include cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles.
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White Lodging
Average Salary: $87,879
White Lodging provides management services for restaurants in luxury hotels. Managers focus on guest satisfaction and staff training. Locations include various high-end hotels in cities like Boston and Miami.
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FirstService Residential
Average Salary: $87,763
FirstService Residential manages luxury apartment communities with on-site dining. Managers oversee kitchen operations, customer service, and staff management. Locations include major cities like Chicago and San Francisco.
How to earn more as a Restaurant Manager?
Aspiring to earn more as a Restaurant Manager requires dedication and the right strategies. Managers who excel in this role often do so by implementing effective practices that improve both their restaurant's performance and their own earnings. Engaging in continuous learning, improving operational efficiency, and fostering a positive team environment are key steps. By honing these skills, Restaurant Managers can significantly enhance their chances of a higher salary and career advancement.
Here are five important factors for increasing earnings as a Restaurant Manager:
- Customer Service Excellence: Outstanding customer service leads to higher customer satisfaction and repeat business. It also helps in obtaining positive reviews and word-of-mouth referrals, which can boost profits.
- Operational Efficiency: Streamline operations to reduce costs and increase profits. This includes managing inventory wisely, optimizing staff schedules, and minimizing waste.
- Staff Training: Invest time in training staff to perform their roles effectively. A well-trained team can serve more customers with higher satisfaction, leading to better financial results.
- Financial Management: Keep a close eye on financial reports. Understanding the numbers allows a manager to make smart decisions that can improve the restaurant's bottom line.
- Marketing Skills: Develop strong marketing strategies to attract more customers. Use social media, local advertising, and special promotions to keep the restaurant visible and popular.



