Restaurant Manager Salary
by City (2026)
Manage day-to-day restaurant operations, staff, inventory, and customer experience. National median: $56K/year. See how your city compares.
Restaurant Manager salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $56K Restaurant Manager salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βRestaurant Manager Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a Restaurant Manager is $56,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $42,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $74,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Restaurant Managers nationally earn $98,000+.
Education and requirements
Associate's or Bachelor's in Hospitality; management experience. This role is 2% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
Restaurant Manager compensation is growing at 3.5% annually, above the national average wage growth rate.
Restaurant Manager salary FAQ
How much does a Restaurant Manager make?
The median Restaurant Manager salary in the US is $56,000 per year β about $27/hour. Most earn between $42,000 (25th percentile) and $74,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a Restaurant Manager?
Entry-level Restaurant Manager positions typically start around $42,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid Restaurant Managers earn?
The top 10% of Restaurant Managers earn $98,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays Restaurant Managers the most?
San Francisco has the highest median Restaurant Manager salary at $76K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are Restaurant Manager salaries going up?
Yes β Restaurant Manager pay is growing about 3.5% year over year, near the US average wage-growth rate.