How much does a Restaurant Manager make?
Being a Restaurant Manager can be both rewarding and challenging. It involves overseeing daily operations, managing staff, and ensuring customer satisfaction. The job often pays well and offers the chance to grow within the restaurant industry.
The salary for a Restaurant Manager varies based on experience, location, and the type of restaurant. On average, a Restaurant Manager earns about $60,383 per year. Here are the salary ranges for different experience levels:
- 10% earn $32,030 or less
- 25% earn between $32,030 and $44,145
- 50% earn between $44,145 and $62,319
- 75% earn between $62,319 and $80,492
- 90% earn $86,549 or less
What are the highest paying cities for a Restaurant Manager?

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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $86,621
In Washington, DC, leading a restaurant means navigating a busy schedule filled with events. Overseeing operations at prominent establishments, managers ensure smooth service and high customer satisfaction. Opportunities exist with well-known chains and exclusive dining venues.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $84,023
San Francisco offers a vibrant culinary scene for restaurant managers. They manage high-end dining and casual eateries alike. This city's diverse clientele demands exceptional service and innovative menus, making it an exciting place to work.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $80,221
Los Angeles provides a dynamic environment for restaurant managers. They handle a mix of high-traffic spots and trendy new openings. This city’s rich cultural diversity allows for unique dining experiences, attracting a varied customer base.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $76,766
Seattle’s restaurant scene offers a unique blend of seafood and farm-to-table dining. Managers here focus on creating memorable experiences. The city's emphasis on fresh, local ingredients provides exciting opportunities for innovation.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $76,546
In Boston, restaurant managers oversee a mix of historic and modern establishments. They cater to both locals and tourists. The city’s rich culinary history offers plenty of inspiration and variety in menus and operations.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $74,137
Atlanta’s growing culinary landscape provides diverse opportunities for restaurant managers. They lead everything from casual eateries to upscale dining. The city’s food culture is vibrant and always evolving, keeping things exciting.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $72,549
San Diego’s restaurant scene benefits from a mix of coastal and urban influences. Managers here enjoy a relaxed yet professional atmosphere. The city’s diverse population offers unique dining trends and preferences.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $72,421
Chicago offers a bustling restaurant market for managers to excel in. They oversee a wide range of dining experiences, from deep-dish pizza to fine dining. The city’s energetic food culture ensures there’s always something new to manage.
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Miami, FL
Average Salary: $71,008
Miami’s diverse population creates a lively dining scene for restaurant managers. They handle everything from beachside cafes to high-end restaurants. The city’s Latin influence adds a unique flavor to the culinary offerings.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $70,370
In Minneapolis, restaurant managers work in a city with a strong emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. They manage a range of establishments, from cozy bistros to upscale dining. The city’s foodie culture makes for a rewarding work environment.
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What are the best companies a Restaurant Manager can work for?

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P.F. Chang's
Average Salary: $103,442
P.F. Chang's offers a dynamic environment for restaurant managers. They manage daily operations across their numerous locations in the United States, including cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
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Wonder
Average Salary: $101,330
At Wonder, a restaurant manager oversees operations and customer service. They work in locations such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Austin, focusing on creating a memorable dining experience.
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Hilton
Average Salary: $100,000
Hilton offers restaurant managers a chance to manage luxury dining experiences. They operate in major cities across the country, ensuring high standards of service and customer satisfaction.
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Del Frisco's Grille
Average Salary: $98,958
Del Frisco's Grille seeks experienced restaurant managers to lead its upscale dining locations. They are located in cities such as Dallas, Houston, and Chicago, emphasizing a premium dining experience.
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Landry's
Average Salary: $98,333
Landry's provides restaurant managers with opportunities to manage their restaurants in lively settings. They operate in vibrant locations like New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Houston, offering a unique dining experience.
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Marriott International
Average Salary: $93,764
Marriott International offers restaurant managers a chance to manage their establishments in high-end hotels. They are located in major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., focusing on exceptional service.
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Shake Shack
Average Salary: $90,980
Shake Shack seeks restaurant managers to oversee its casual dining locations. They operate in busy areas such as New York, Boston, and Chicago, providing a fun and welcoming atmosphere.
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The Buona Companies
Average Salary: $90,000
The Buona Companies offers restaurant managers the chance to manage their diverse restaurants. They operate in cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Denver, focusing on quality and service.
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Hyde Park Restaurant Group
Average Salary: $89,545
Hyde Park Restaurant Group seeks restaurant managers to lead its dining locations. They operate in lively cities such as Boston and Chicago, providing a warm and inviting dining experience.
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Ugly Dumpling
Average Salary: $89,091
Ugly Dumpling offers restaurant managers the chance to manage their fast-casual restaurants. They operate in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York, focusing on modern and casual dining.
How to earn more as a Restaurant Manager?
Becoming a successful Restaurant Manager involves more than overseeing daily operations. It requires strategic planning, strong leadership, and an eye for detail. Job seekers aiming to earn more in this role should focus on enhancing their skill set and expanding their responsibilities. A professional Restaurant Manager knows that the right strategies can lead to higher earnings and career advancement.
Here are key factors to consider for increasing your income:
- Gain More Experience: Working in various roles within the restaurant can provide a deeper understanding of the industry. This includes positions such as server, bartender, or kitchen staff. Experience in different areas can make a manager more effective and valuable.
- Pursue Advanced Certifications: Obtaining certifications from reputable culinary or hospitality institutions can boost your credibility. These credentials can lead to higher positions and better pay.
- Develop Strong Leadership Skills: Being able to motivate and lead a team effectively can result in better performance and higher profits. Managers who excel at team management often earn more.
- Implement Cost-Saving Measures: Reducing waste and improving efficiency can directly impact the bottom line. Managers who can cut costs without sacrificing quality are highly valued.
- Expand Business Knowledge: Understanding financial reports, marketing strategies, and customer service can make a manager more versatile. These skills can open doors to higher-paying opportunities.



