FAQ
Restaurant Manager FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a restaurant manager.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a restaurant manager: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about restaurant managers
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.
Is restaurant manager a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +5.8% from 2025–35 (faster than average), with about 38,800 openings each year. Upsides include leadership without a degree; a common challenge is that long hours and weekends.
What skills does a restaurant manager need?
Key technical skills include labor scheduling, cost control, inventory management, and food safety compliance. Employers also value leadership, problem solving, and customer service.
What certifications are available for restaurant managers?
Common credentials include ServSafe Food Protection Manager, Responsible alcohol service certification, Foodservice Management Professional (FMP), and Hospitality degree or certificate. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Restaurant Manager fit quiz, compare with Food Service Supervisor, or explore Restaurant Manager 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.