Many people wonder, what is the average restaurant assistant manager’s salary, and what factors influence how much restaurant assistant managers earn?
In this article, we will explore the typical salary range for this role, analyze the key factors that affect pay, and provide insights for those seeking assistant restaurant manager jobs or aiming to advance their careers in restaurant management.
Key Takeaways
Restaurant Assistant Manager Role: Restaurant assistant managers ensure smooth restaurant operations by overseeing daily activities and staff.
Average Salary: The average assistant restaurant manager salary in the U.S. is typically between $46,000 and $48,300, with top earners making up to $57,143.
Professional Growth: Negotiation and continuous professional development are essential for increasing earning potential and advancing in this field.
Skills for Success: Mastery of management and customer service skills is crucial for success as a restaurant assistant manager.
Compensation Package: Benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and training opportunities are key components of a restaurant assistant manager’s compensation.
Career Path: The journey of a restaurant assistant manager involves continuous learning and dedication, offering substantial earning potential for those who excel.
How Much Do Restaurant Assistant Managers Make?
According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for an Assistant Restaurant Manager is $55,117 per year in the United States, with an average base salary of $46,386 per year.
In comparison, Salary.com reports that the national average salary for an Assistant Restaurant Manager is $48,301 as of August 2024, with a typical range between $40,327 and $57,143.
Taking these sources into account, the average assistant restaurant manager salary in the U.S. generally falls around $46,000 to $48,300 annually, depending on experience and location.
Factors that influence Restaurant Assistant Manager salaries
- Location: Geographical location significantly impacts salary, with some states offering higher compensation due to the cost of living and demand.
- Experience: More years in the restaurant usually translate to higher pay due to enhanced skills and knowledge.
- Education: Formal hospitality education can potentially lead to better-paying opportunities.
- Establishment Type: High-end restaurants and hotels usually offer higher salaries compared to casual dining establishments. (Learn more about types of restaurants.)
- Restaurant Profitability: The restaurant profit margin and average restaurant revenue directly impact an assistant manager’s salary, as more profitable establishments are typically able to offer higher compensation due to their financial success.
- Management Skills: Effective management and leadership skills can influence earning potential.
- Reputation: A well-regarded and recognized assistant manager can demand higher compensation.
- Customer Service Skills: Proficiency in customer service can lead to better job opportunities and higher pay.
Tips for Negotiating Higher Restaurant Assistant Manager Salary
Let’s see how to increase earnings and advance your career as a restaurant assistant manager.
- Market Research: Understanding the average salary in your location and field can strengthen your negotiating position.
- Highlight Experience: Emphasizing your experience and skills can justify a higher salary.
- Showcase Achievements: Demonstrating your accomplishments and contributions can bolster your case.
- Be Flexible: Being open to additional responsibilities or varied work hours can be advantageous.
- Professional Development: Continuous learning and acquiring new management skills can enhance your value.
- Timing: Wait for the right moment, such as during a performance review or after a significant achievement, to discuss a salary increase.
- Performance Examples: Provide specific examples where you exceeded expectations to strengthen your case.
Critical Restaurant Assistant Manager Skills and Qualifications that Pay Well
To excel as an assistant restaurant manager and command a higher salary, mastering a variety of operational and management skills is essential.
- Leadership: Strong leadership helps manage staff and ensures smooth day-to-day operations under the restaurant manager’s supervision.
- Communication: Clear and effective communication is key for coordinating with staff, addressing customer concerns, and ensuring team cohesion.
- Customer Service: Providing exceptional service is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction, which directly impacts the restaurant’s profitability.
- Conflict Resolution: Effectively resolving disputes between staff or handling restaurant complaints promptly is critical to maintaining a positive work environment.
- Time Management: Juggling multiple tasks like scheduling, overseeing staff, and addressing guest needs in a fast-paced environment is crucial.
- Organizational Skills: Ensuring smooth operations through well-organized schedules and workflows is a key responsibility for this role.
- Financial Management: While the role focuses on day-to-day operations, contributing to financial oversight, such as managing payroll or assisting with budgets, is important.
- Problem Solving: Quickly identifying and resolving operational issues helps ensure smooth restaurant functioning.
- Teamwork: Collaborating with staff and the restaurant manager to meet restaurant goals is essential.
- Adaptability: Being flexible and able to adapt to changing circumstances, such as a busy shift or an unexpected event, is critical in the restaurant environment.
Mastering these skills can significantly enhance your career growth and earning potential as an assistant restaurant manager, while also preparing you for future promotions to senior roles like restaurant manager.
Learn more about what is a restaurant-manager.
The Most Common Benefits for Restaurant Assistant Managers
Benefits are an integral part of compensation, and restaurant assistant managers often receive a variety of perks.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage is a common benefit.
- Paid Time Off: Many employers offer paid vacation and sick leave.
- Meal Discounts: Reduced prices or free meals are often provided.
- Flexible Schedule: Some restaurants offer flexible working hours.
- Uniform Allowance: Financial assistance for purchasing required uniforms may be provided.
- Training Opportunities: Ongoing restaurant training and development are often available.
- Retirement Plans: Some employers offer retirement saving options.
- Performance Bonuses: Additional compensation based on performance is sometimes provided.
- Career Advancement: Opportunities for growth and promotion are often available.
- Work-Life Balance: Supportive work environments may offer a balanced lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much do most assistant managers make?
Most assistant restaurant managers earn salaries within a broad range, depending on factors like location, experience, and the type of establishment. According to multiple sources:
- Indeed reports the average base salary for assistant restaurant managers in the U.S. at around is $36,065 per year.
- Salary.com lists the average salary as $48,301, with a typical range between $40,327 and $57,143 as of August 2024.
- Glassdoor estimates the total pay, including bonuses and additional compensation, to range from $46,000 to $66,000 per year.
In summary, most assistant managers earn between $46,000 and $55,000 annually, with top earners reaching up to $66,000 depending on experience, location, and the restaurant’s profitability.
What does an assistant manager do in a restaurant?
An assistant restaurant manager oversees staff, ensures excellent customer service, manages restaurant inventory, handles scheduling and training, maintains health and safety standards, and helps track restaurant profit margins. They work closely with the general manager to ensure smooth operations and financial success in the restaurant industry.
Learn more by checking out our article on the restaurant assistant manager job description.