What Does a Restaurant Manager Do?
A Restaurant Manager oversees the daily operations of a dining establishment, ensuring that guests receive excellent service and that the business runs profitably. They manage staff hiring and training, handle budgets and inventory, and resolve customer complaints. This role requires a balance of leadership, business acumen, and hospitality expertise.
Other Job Titles for This Work
Workers in this occupation report titles such as Banquet Manager, Catering Manager, CDM (Certified Dietary Manager), Dining Service Director, F and B Manager (Food and Beverage Manager), Food Service Director, Food Service Manager, Food Service Supervisor.
Restaurant Manager Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of a restaurant manager include:
- Recruit, hire, and train front-of-house and back-of-house staff to maintain a skilled workforce.
- Create weekly staff schedules that balance labor costs with adequate coverage during peak periods.
- Monitor daily sales, expenses, and labor costs to ensure the restaurant meets financial targets.
- Address customer complaints and feedback promptly to maintain a positive dining experience.
- Enforce health, safety, and sanitation standards throughout the restaurant at all times.
- Conduct regular inventory counts and coordinate with vendors to maintain adequate supply levels.
- Collaborate with the chef on menu pricing, promotions, and seasonal offerings.
- Perform regular staff performance evaluations and provide coaching to improve service quality.
- Oversee opening and closing procedures, including cash handling and securing the premises.
- Coordinate with marketing efforts to drive traffic through promotions, events, and social media presence.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as a restaurant manager, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Leadership and team management
- Financial analysis and budget management
- Customer service and conflict resolution
- Knowledge of health and safety regulations
- Staff scheduling and labor optimization
- Inventory management and vendor relations
- Point-of-sale system proficiency
- Strong verbal and written communication
Education and Training
A bachelor's degree in hospitality management, business administration, or a related field is preferred for Restaurant Manager positions, though many professionals reach this role through years of hands-on experience in the industry. Associate degree programs in restaurant management or food service management provide a solid foundation in operations, finance, and leadership. Industry certifications such as the ServSafe Manager Certification or the Certified Restaurant Manager credential from the National Restaurant Association can enhance a candidate's qualifications. Continuous learning through workshops and industry conferences is also valuable for staying current with trends and regulations.
Salary and Job Outlook
Typical pay: $56,870 - $86,800 per year, with a median of $69,390.
The range covers the middle half of earners nationwide. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Food Service Managers.
BLS projects employment of food service managers to grow about 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, with about 38,800 openings a year. The restaurant industry continues to be a significant employer in the United States, and experienced managers are in consistent demand. Growth in the full-service and fast-casual segments is expected to sustain opportunities for qualified professionals. Restaurant Managers who demonstrate strong financial performance and team leadership often advance to multi-unit management, regional director roles, or restaurant ownership. The ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences, including online ordering and delivery services, is increasingly important for career advancement.
Outlook source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035, Food service managers.
Restaurant Manager Pay Range
| Earners | Annual pay |
|---|---|
| Bottom 10% earn less than | $45,960 |
| Bottom 25% earn less than | $56,870 |
| Median (half earn more, half less) | $69,390 |
| Top 25% earn more than | $86,800 |
| Top 10% earn more than | $107,640 |
Highest-Paying States for Restaurant Managers
The states with the highest median pay for this occupation are Washington ($95,190), Massachusetts ($92,240), Hawaii ($87,800), New York ($84,200), Rhode Island ($82,850). Pay is lowest in Mississippi ($59,540), Arkansas ($55,120), West Virginia ($54,800).
Median pay in all 51 states with BLS data
| State | Median annual pay |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $63,010 |
| Alaska | $82,030 |
| Arizona | $70,180 |
| Arkansas | $55,120 |
| California | $78,260 |
| Colorado | $79,870 |
| Connecticut | $77,990 |
| Delaware | $74,430 |
| District of Columbia | $81,680 |
| Florida | $72,790 |
| Georgia | $65,280 |
| Hawaii | $87,800 |
| Idaho | $70,140 |
| Illinois | $63,930 |
| Indiana | $71,430 |
| Iowa | $66,700 |
| Kansas | $70,320 |
| Kentucky | $70,410 |
| Louisiana | $61,400 |
| Maine | $70,510 |
| Maryland | $72,850 |
| Massachusetts | $92,240 |
| Michigan | $60,790 |
| Minnesota | $79,820 |
| Mississippi | $59,540 |
| Missouri | $65,520 |
| Montana | $72,140 |
| Nebraska | $60,450 |
| Nevada | $65,320 |
| New Hampshire | $77,360 |
| New Jersey | $78,020 |
| New Mexico | $65,210 |
| New York | $84,200 |
| North Carolina | $74,080 |
| North Dakota | $72,210 |
| Ohio | $62,980 |
| Oklahoma | $63,840 |
| Oregon | $62,110 |
| Pennsylvania | $64,750 |
| Rhode Island | $82,850 |
| South Carolina | $66,190 |
| South Dakota | $60,640 |
| Tennessee | $64,410 |
| Texas | $60,770 |
| Utah | $69,480 |
| Vermont | $77,910 |
| Virginia | $71,230 |
| Washington | $95,190 |
| West Virginia | $54,800 |
| Wisconsin | $61,810 |
| Wyoming | $62,610 |
What the Work Is Like
O*NET surveys people who work as food service managers about their daily conditions. Of those surveyed:
- 99% say teamwork is very or extremely important in their job
- 91% work indoors in a climate-controlled space every day
- 82% spend more than half the workday on their feet
- 80% are on the phone every day
- 78% say being exact and accurate is very or extremely important
- 75% spend more than half the day walking or moving around
- 66% deal with rude or angry people at least once a week
Education Workers Say the Job Needs
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or GED | 30% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 21% |
| Associate's degree | 19% |
| Less than high school | 16% |
Tools and Software Restaurant Managers Use
Tools and equipment
Software
Is This Job a Good Fit for You?
People who do well in this job tend to enjoy leading, persuading and making business decisions as well as organized work with data, records and clear procedures.
Skills O*NET rates most important: Active Listening, Speaking, Monitoring, Coordination, Management of Personnel Resources, Reading Comprehension.
Knowledge areas used most: Customer and Personal Service, Administration and Management, Food Production, English Language, Personnel and Human Resources.
Preparation: O*NET places this occupation in Job Zone 2 of 5, which means some preparation.
Related Careers
These jobs use similar skills, according to O*NET's related-occupation data:
Applying for a Restaurant Manager Job
- Job application letter sample
- How to write the skills section of a resume
- How to describe your work experience
- Job interview tips
- Interview thank-you note
The Job Explorer never charges candidates any money. If someone asks you to pay to apply for a restaurant manager job or to get hired, treat it as a warning sign.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035.
- O*NET 30.1 Database, occupation 11-9051.00 (Food Service Managers). View on O*NET OnLine.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.1 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. The Job Explorer has modified some of the information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these changes.