How much does a Restaurant Manager make?
Restaurant managers lead busy kitchens and dining areas. They oversee staff and ensure everything runs smoothly. This important job has a solid pay, with many managers earning between $30,000 and $92,500 each year. The average yearly salary sits around $54,341. Most managers, about 48%, earn between $35,682 and $58,409.
The salary can change based on a few factors. Managers in larger cities or fancier restaurants might earn more. Experience also matters. A manager with a few years under their belt can earn more than one just starting out. Some managers also earn tips and bonuses, which can add extra money to their salary.
What are the highest paying cities for a Restaurant Manager?

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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $81,548
In Washington, DC, managing a restaurant means leading a vibrant team in a dynamic city. With many federal employees and tourists, the demand for quality dining is high. Companies like Chipotle and Panera Bread offer great opportunities.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $73,789
Boston is a bustling city with a rich culinary scene. Managing a restaurant here involves catering to both locals and visitors. Companies like Legal Sea Foods and Dunkin' offer exciting prospects for skilled managers.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $72,481
San Francisco's diverse population offers a unique dining experience. Managing a restaurant here means keeping up with the fast-paced culinary trends. Restaurants like Fog Harbor Fish House provide great opportunities for leadership.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $71,127
Seattle's love for coffee and fresh seafood creates a thriving restaurant environment. Managing a restaurant here involves understanding local tastes. Companies like IHOP and Starbucks offer diverse career paths.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $67,533
Los Angeles is a city of endless possibilities for restaurant management. With a mix of cultures and cuisines, managing here keeps things exciting. Restaurants like In-N-Out Burger and The Cheesecake Factory are prominent players.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $67,172
Chicago offers a vibrant dining scene with a mix of traditional and modern cuisines. Managing a restaurant here means engaging with a diverse clientele. Companies like Giordano's and Portillo's provide excellent career growth.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $66,983
San Diego's laid-back atmosphere provides a great setting for managing a restaurant. With a strong focus on fresh, local ingredients, managing here is both rewarding and dynamic. Local favorites like The Fish Market and Rubio's offer promising opportunities.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $65,928
Denver's growing population and diverse culinary tastes make it an exciting place for restaurant management. With many breweries and farm-to-table restaurants, managing here is both challenging and fulfilling.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $65,467
Atlanta is known for its southern hospitality and diverse food scene. Managing a restaurant here involves catering to a wide range of palates. Companies like Chick-fil-A and The Varsity offer robust career options.
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Pueblo, CO
Average Salary: $64,782
Pueblo offers a more relaxed pace compared to larger cities. Managing a restaurant here means connecting with the community. While the culinary scene is smaller, it provides a supportive environment for growth.
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What are the best companies a Restaurant Manager can work for?

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Mastro's Steakhouse
Average Salary: $112,083
Mastro's Steakhouse offers exciting opportunities for Restaurant Managers in Los Angeles and New York. This company is known for its upscale dining experience and elegant atmosphere. Managers here lead teams that serve premium cuts of meat and fine wines.
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EVANS HOTELS
Average Salary: $100,731
EVANS HOTELS seeks experienced Restaurant Managers to oversee operations in luxury hotels. With properties in Colorado and California, these managers ensure guests enjoy top-notch dining experiences. The role involves managing multiple dining venues and staff.
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Boqueria
Average Salary: $99,674
Boqueria offers Restaurant Manager positions in New York and Chicago. This company is famous for its vibrant Spanish dining experience. Managers here focus on creating an engaging atmosphere and providing excellent service to diners.
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Del Frisco's Grille
Average Salary: $95,909
Del Frisco's Grille, with locations across the U.S., offers a steakhouse experience. Managers here are responsible for maintaining the high standards of service and cuisine. The role involves staff management and ensuring a memorable dining experience for guests.
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Shake Shack
Average Salary: $91,835
Shake Shack has Restaurant Manager positions in cities across the U.S. and abroad. This fast-casual burger joint values team-oriented leadership. Managers here focus on delivering great customer service and keeping operations running smoothly.
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Montage International
Average Salary: $91,018
Montage International, with properties in California and Nevada, offers Restaurant Manager jobs in luxury resort settings. Managers here work to create a unique dining experience in a high-end environment, ensuring guest satisfaction.
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Hyde Park Restaurant Group
Average Salary: $89,545
Hyde Park Restaurant Group operates in several cities and offers Restaurant Manager roles in vibrant restaurant settings. Managers here focus on maintaining high standards of food and service. The company values innovation and customer experience.
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White Lodging
Average Salary: $89,096
White Lodging provides Restaurant Manager positions in various cities. This company manages multiple restaurant brands, and managers here ensure a consistent dining experience across different locations. The role involves overseeing operations and staff training.
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Mendocino Farms
Average Salary: $88,750
Mendocino Farms offers Restaurant Manager jobs in several U.S. cities. Known for its farm-to-table approach, managers here emphasize fresh ingredients and quality service. The role involves managing daily operations and leading a dedicated team.
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Water Grill
Average Salary: $87,500
Water Grill, with locations in California and New York, offers Restaurant Manager positions in upscale dining settings. Managers here focus on providing exceptional service and ensuring a memorable dining experience. The company emphasizes a family-friendly atmosphere.
How to earn more as a Restaurant Manager?
Working as a Restaurant Manager offers a rewarding career with many opportunities for advancement. With dedication and the right strategies, it is possible to earn more. This section explores key factors that can lead to higher earnings in this role.
Elevating earnings as a Restaurant Manager often involves improving performance and taking on more responsibilities. This can be achieved by focusing on several important areas. These include:
- Gaining More Experience: More experience leads to higher pay. Managers with a strong track record of success can earn more.
- Seeking Advanced Roles: Taking on more duties can increase earnings. This could mean managing multiple locations or overseeing larger teams.
- Improving Financial Acumen: Understanding financials can lead to better bonuses. Managers who improve revenue and cut costs often see higher pay.
- Pursuing Certifications: Certifications in hospitality management can boost a resume. They show a commitment to professional development.
- Networking: Building strong relationships can lead to higher-paying job opportunities. Networking can open doors to new and better positions.



