What Does a Restaurant Manager Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a restaurant manager do?

Food service managers run restaurants and food operations, overseeing staff, guest service, food quality, inventory, budgets and health and safety compliance. The median pay is $69,390 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 2–5 years of restaurant experience, and employment is projected to grow +5.8% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$69,390
$33.36/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+5.8%
2025–35, faster than average
Openings per year
38,800
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS classification
Time to train
2–5 years of restaurant experience
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
344,300
Employment, 2025

What restaurant managers do

Restaurant managers keep everything running. They hire, train and schedule staff, manage labor and food costs, oversee service, handle guest concerns, order supplies, track sales and make sure the restaurant passes health inspections. In larger operations, general managers lead assistant, kitchen and bar managers.

Most managers have years of restaurant experience, and some have degrees in hospitality. Food protection manager and alcohol service certifications are standard. Strong leadership and business skills lead to multi-unit and ownership roles.

Typical duties

Hire, train and schedule staff
Oversee daily service and guest experience
Manage food, beverage and labor costs
Order supplies and manage inventory
Ensure health and safety compliance
Handle guest complaints
Track sales and financial results

Work environment and schedule

Managers work in restaurants, moving between the dining room, kitchen and office. The work is fast-paced and on your feet.

Schedule: Managers often work 50 or more hours a week, including nights, weekends and holidays.

A day in the life

9:00 AMReview yesterday’s sales and labor reports.
10:00 AMMeet the chef about inventory and specials.
11:00 AMLead the pre-shift meeting with servers.
12:00 PMWork the floor during lunch, checking on tables.

See a full day in the life of a restaurant manager →

Restaurant Manager salary

Half of restaurant managers earned more than $69,390 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $45,960 for the lowest 10% to $107,640 for the top 10%.

$45,96010th$69,390Median$107,64090th

Full restaurant manager pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a restaurant manager

Work in restaurants
Become a shift lead
Earn certifications
Become an assistant manager
Advance

A high school diploma plus restaurant experience is typical. Some managers have hospitality degrees. Food protection manager certification is commonly required.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a restaurant manager →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Labor scheduling
Cost control
Inventory management
Food safety compliance
POS systems

People skills

Leadership
Problem solving
Customer service
Calm under pressure

All restaurant manager skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Leadership without a degree
Fast-paced, varied days
Clear path to general and multi-unit manager
Bonuses tied to performance

Cons

Long hours and weekends
Staffing challenges
Pressure on costs
Handling unhappy guests

Certifications and licenses

ServSafe Food Protection Manager: Food safety manager certification.
Responsible alcohol service certification: Such as TIPS or ServSafe Alcohol.
Foodservice Management Professional (FMP): National Restaurant Association credential.
Hospitality degree or certificate: Formal hospitality management training.

Career path

Server, Host or Cook: Learn restaurant operations.
Shift Lead or Assistant Manager: Lead shifts.
Restaurant or General Manager: Run the restaurant.
Multi-Unit Manager or Owner: Lead several locations or own one.

Learn the job before day one

Our Restaurant Manager training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as build a weekly staff schedule and handle a guest complaint, safety and how to land your first job.

View Restaurant Manager training Is this career right for me?

Food Service Supervisor

Lead food service shifts, crews and quality at restaurants and cafeterias.

$44,080
6–12 months of experience

Chef

Lead kitchens, create menus and turn ingredients into memorable meals.

$62,470
2–5 years of kitchen experience

Hotel Manager

Run hotels and resorts, from guest service to profits.

$69,250
3–5 years of hotel experience

Bartender

Mix drinks, serve guests and create a great atmosphere at the bar.

$34,340
1–4 weeks

Compare: Restaurant Manager vs. Food Service Supervisor · Restaurant Manager vs. Chef · Restaurant Manager vs. Hotel Manager · Restaurant Manager vs. Bartender

Restaurant Manager FAQ

Do restaurant managers need a degree?

Not usually; experience is key.

What certification is needed?

Food protection manager certification is common.

What’s next after restaurant manager?

General manager, multi-unit manager or owner.

How much does a restaurant manager make?

The median annual wage for restaurant managers was $69,390 ($33.36 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $45,960 and the highest 10% earned more than $107,640.

How long does it take to become a restaurant manager?

Most people need about 2–5 years of restaurant experience of training. A high school diploma plus restaurant experience is typical. Some managers have hospitality degrees. Food protection manager certification is commonly required.

Do you need a degree to be a restaurant manager?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 11-9051 (Food service managers).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Food service managers (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Restaurant Manager