A restaurant manager is a crucial job. It involves many different business functions, and all of them play a key role in the smooth operations and success of the business.
The job title of restaurant manager is pretty broad, which means salaries can vary greatly across restaurant types and regions. If you’re considering a restaurant manager career path, here’s what you could expect to earn.
What Does a Restaurant Manager Earn?
The average restaurant manager’s salary in the US is somewhere between $55,000 and $70,000 per year, before taxes. This range varies depending on experience, location, and the size of the restaurant.
Let’s break down the numbers from different sources:
- Comparably.com reports that managers earn between $38,922 and $248,710, with the US average salary of $70,000.
- Based on job ads, Talent.com reports that restaurant manager salaries range from $51,041 to $80,000, with a median salary of $60,000.
- Glassdoor reports that restaurant managers earn $63,006 per year, with an average salary of $53,330 per year.
Factors Influencing Restaurant Manager Salaries
Clearly, a restaurant manager can earn vastly different salaries. Here are some of the key factors that influence a restaurant manager's earning potential:
- Experience level: Experience is one of the biggest factors. The more experience you have, the higher your pay.
- Restaurant profitability: Profitable restaurants can afford to pay their managers more. General managers are responsible for meeting sales goals and controlling costs like labor and food. So, if a manager helps a restaurant make more money, there’s often more room for raises or bonuses.
- Education and training: Education can also play an important role. Managers with a degree in hospitality management or culinary training may have an edge in demanding a higher salary.
- Career path: Most general managers start at entry-level positions, like being a server or cook. Over time, they work their way up through roles like Shift Supervisor, Assistant Manager, and General Manager. Having patience and gaining experience in similar careers or working in every area of the restaurant will help you earn a higher salary.
- Bonuses and performance: Some general managers can earn bonuses if the restaurant performs well or if their performance is exemplary.
- State: Employers in different regions tend to pay different salaries. For example, a state or city with higher living expenses may pay more per hour compared to a more rural location.
Salary Breakdown by Restaurant Type
There are many different types of restaurant manager roles, which influence the salaries on offer.
Managers at fast-food or quick-service restaurants typically earn on the lower end, around $55,000 – $69,000 annually. Those in casual dining chains or mid-level establishments generally earn around $50,000 – $55,000. Managers at fine dining restaurants or large, high-end chains often make the most, with salaries ranging from around $77,000 to $93,000 or more, depending on experience and location.
How to Maximize Your Restaurant Manager Salary
To maximize your restaurant manager's salary, focus on gaining experience and developing key skills like leadership, budgeting, and problem-solving.
For example, take on extra responsibilities in your current role, such as overseeing staff schedules or managing inventory, to show your leadership and organizational abilities. Participating in workshops or online courses on financial planning for restaurants can also help strengthen your budgeting skills.
Getting a certification or a degree in hospitality management will also help you stand out.
Of course, working for more profitable or high-end restaurants, such as fine dining or large chains, means salaries tend to be higher.
This often starts with excelling in smaller or mid-tier restaurants. Build a strong reputation by consistently delivering results, networking with industry professionals, and looking for mentorship from experienced managers.
Over time, your track record can open doors to opportunities at fine dining restaurants, luxury venues, or large chains, where salaries tend to be higher.
When you get the job, always negotiate your pay by highlighting your achievements.
Conclusion
Restaurant managers have a fairly wide scope of earning potential. As we’ve uncovered, salaries can vary greatly depending on experience, restaurant type, and location. So, if you’re starting a restaurant manager career, there are many opportunities available to consistently increase your earning potential.
If you’re a venue owner looking to optimize costs with a restaurant manager, another important consideration is the technology you use. Try Perfect Venue to see how the platform can optimize your operations.
