Restaurant Manager Salary.
Across 30 U.S. cities.
$56,000
national median salary
$42,000 to $76,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$74,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$58,000
Los Angeles, CA
Lowest Paying
$49,000
Detroit, MI
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Restaurant Manager salary in the United States is $56,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $42,000 at the 25th percentile to $76,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $74,000, while Los Angeles offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Restaurant category and revenue volume are the strongest pay factors.
Restaurant Manager salary by city
What you should know
Restaurant category and revenue volume are the strongest pay factors. Fine-dining and high-volume establishments pay substantially more than casual or fast-casual concepts. Multi-unit managers overseeing several locations earn premiums, and urban markets with higher costs of living offer elevated base salaries.
Assistant managers start at $36,000 to $42,000. General managers of single locations earn $50,000 to $65,000. Multi-unit or area managers overseeing three to five locations make $70,000 to $90,000. Regional directors of operations for large groups reach $95,000 to $130,000.
Bonus structures tied to revenue targets, food cost control, and guest satisfaction scores typically add 10 to 20% above base. Benefits often include meal allowances, health insurance, and for corporate chains, stock purchase plans.