How much does a Restaurant Manager make?
Becoming a restaurant manager can be a rewarding career choice. It offers good pay and lots of opportunities to grow. On average, a restaurant manager makes around $53,970 a year. This number can change based on experience, location, and the type of restaurant.
Some managers earn less, while others make more. Here is a breakdown of possible earnings:
- The lowest 10% earn about $30,000.
- The next 10% earn about $35,682.
- The middle 10% earn about $41,364.
- The next 10% earn about $47,045.
- The highest 10% earn about $92,500 or more.
This range shows that with experience and good performance, a restaurant manager can earn a very good salary.
What are the highest paying cities for a Restaurant Manager?

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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $80,543
A bustling city, Washington, DC, offers numerous dining options. Managers here oversee trendy spots and historic eateries. Companies like Marriott and Hilton have many locations needing skilled managers.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $73,442
Boston has a rich food scene, full of diverse cuisines. Managers here thrive in a city with many colleges and tourists. Boston’s top restaurants seek experienced leaders.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $72,025
San Francisco is a culinary hotspot with lots of food lovers. Managers here enjoy a vibrant atmosphere. Companies like Yelp and Eat24 look for top talent.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $70,830
Known for its coffee culture, Seattle offers many dining opportunities. Managers here manage both local cafes and fine dining spots. Companies like Starbucks often have openings.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $67,314
Chicago’s food scene is famous worldwide. Managers here enjoy a dynamic environment. Companies like P.F. Chang’s and Potluck cater to diverse crowds.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $67,243
LA has a diverse dining scene with many options. Managers here work in a fast-paced, creative environment. Companies like In-N-Out and Gen’s seek energetic leaders.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $66,012
San Diego offers a laid-back atmosphere with fresh seafood. Managers here enjoy beautiful surroundings. Companies like The Fish Market and Blue Point look for skilled managers.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $65,122
Atlanta has a growing food scene with southern charm. Managers here enjoy a mix of traditional and new cuisines. Companies like The Varsity and Chick-fil-A often have openings.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $64,778
Denver’s food scene is vibrant and diverse. Managers here enjoy beautiful mountain views. Companies like Flatbread and The Laughing Otter need experienced leaders.
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Pueblo, CO
Average Salary: $64,377
Pueblo offers a cozy dining experience with a friendly community. Managers here enjoy a slower pace. Local restaurants and chains like Olive Garden seek dependable managers.
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What are the best companies a Restaurant Manager can work for?

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Mastro's Steakhouse
Average Salary: $111,923
Mastro's Steakhouse offers a luxurious dining experience. They have multiple locations across California, from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Their Restaurant Managers lead teams to provide excellent customer service in upscale settings.
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Boqueria
Average Salary: $99,674
Boqueria is known for its vibrant atmosphere and Spanish cuisine. The company has locations in Chicago, Denver, and New York City. A Restaurant Manager at Boqueria focuses on creating a lively dining experience while managing a dynamic team.
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EVANS HOTELS
Average Salary: $99,615
EVANS HOTELS is part of a larger hospitality group with properties across the United States. Their Restaurant Managers ensure smooth operations and high-quality service in resort settings. Locations include places like Colorado and Florida.
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Del Frisco's Grille
Average Salary: $95,962
Del Frisco's Grille offers a fine dining experience with a focus on steak. With locations in various states, including Texas and New Jersey, Restaurant Managers here manage upscale dining areas and customer satisfaction.
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Montage International
Average Salary: $92,892
Montage International operates luxury resorts with high-end dining options. Their Restaurant Managers are key in delivering top-notch service in resort environments. Locations span from California to Hawaii.
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Shake Shack
Average Salary: $91,992
Shake Shack is famous for its burgers and fast-casual dining. Managers work in various locations, from Boston to Los Angeles. They focus on keeping the high-quality service and fast pace that Shake Shack is known for.
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White Lodging
Average Salary: $91,088
White Lodging manages restaurants in several hotels and resorts. Their Restaurant Managers ensure smooth operations and great service in locations across the country, including Colorado and California.
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Hyde Park Restaurant Group
Average Salary: $89,545
Hyde Park Restaurant Group operates multiple upscale restaurants in New York City. Managers here focus on providing excellent dining experiences in chic environments. They manage teams to keep the service top-notch.
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Mendocino Farms
Average Salary: $88,750
Mendocino Farms offers a fast-casual dining experience with healthy options. With locations in the Midwest and California, Restaurant Managers ensure quick service and high customer satisfaction.
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Water Grill
Average Salary: $87,500
Water Grill provides a seafood-focused dining experience. Their Restaurant Managers work in locations like New York and California, focusing on customer satisfaction and quality service.
How to earn more as a Restaurant Manager?
Becoming a Restaurant Manager offers many opportunities to earn more. Managers can increase their salary through various strategies. The first step is to gain experience in different restaurant roles. This experience helps managers understand all parts of the restaurant business.
Managers can also earn more by working in high-end restaurants or busy areas. These places often pay better because they have higher costs and more customers. Another way to increase earnings is by getting additional certifications. Certifications in food safety or hospitality can make a manager more valuable. Some managers also take on extra duties like marketing or event planning. These tasks can lead to higher pay or bonuses. Finally, managers can improve their earnings by networking with other professionals in the industry. Joining groups or attending events can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries.
Consider these key factors to boost earnings as a Restaurant Manager:
- Gain experience in different roles.
- Work in high-end or busy restaurants.
- Get additional certifications.
- Take on extra duties like marketing.
- Network with industry professionals.



