Many people wonder what the restaurant general manager salary is and what factors influence their compensation.
In this article, we will explore the average salary for this role, the key factors affecting pay, and insights for employees and owners alike in the restaurant industry.
Key Takeaways
Average Salary: The average restaurant general manager salary in the U.S. typically ranges between $56,000 and $60,000 per year, with top earners reaching up to $79,000.
Experience and Skills: Experience and skills are key factors in determining the salary of a Restaurant General Manager.
Negotiation: Effective negotiation and understanding one’s value can significantly impact salary levels.
Benefits Package: Health insurance, paid time off, and other benefits are important components of the overall compensation for restaurant general managers.
Career Development: Continuous learning and professional development lead to career growth and higher earnings in the field.
How Much Do Restaurant General Managers Make?
The average restaurant general manager salary in the U.S. generally falls between $56,000 and $60,000 per year, with top earners making up to $79,000, depending on experience, location, and the specific restaurant.
How did we calculate it? According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a restaurant general manager in the United States is $72,518 per year, with an average base salary of $60,454.
Indeed reports a similar average base salary of $58,210 per year, ranging from $42,859 to $79,059.
Zippia places the average salary slightly lower at $56,521, with typical salaries ranging between $40,000 and $79,000 annually.
Additionally, the average hourly rate for restaurant general managers is approximately $27.17 per hour.
Factors that Influence Restaurant General Manager Salaries
- Location: The geographical location of the restaurant can significantly impact the salary due to the cost of living and demand for restaurants in the area.
- Restaurant Type: Upscale restaurants typically offer higher salaries due to increased restaurant manager responsibilities and required expertise. (Learn more about types of restaurants.)
- Experience-Based Salary: Restaurant general managers see their salaries increase significantly with experience. According to SalaryExpert, an entry-level manager (1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of $83,404. In contrast, a senior-level restaurant general manager (with over 8 years of experience) can earn an average salary of $148,788, reflecting the value of their extensive expertise and leadership skills in the role.
- Education: Higher educational qualifications in hospitality or business management can lead to better salary offers.
- Performance: Exceptional performance and achievements can result in salary increments and bonuses.
- Restaurant Profit Margin: A restaurant’s financial success plays a crucial role in determining a general manager’s salary. The higher the restaurant profit margin and average restaurant revenue, the more likely owners can offer higher compensation to their management staff.
- Size of the Restaurant: Larger restaurants with more staff may offer higher salaries due to the increased workload and responsibilities.
Tips for Negotiating Higher Restaurant General Manager Salary
Let’s see how to increase earnings and advance your career as a restaurant general manager.
- Research: Know the industry standards and average salaries for your role in your location.
- Highlight Achievements: Emphasize your accomplishments and how they have positively impacted the restaurant.
- Demonstrate Loyalty: Show your long-term commitment. Consistently showcasing leadership skills and loyalty can impress the owner, making them more likely to respond favorably to salary increase requests.
- Be Clear: Clearly state your salary expectations and be ready to justify them. Be confident in your skills and experience, as human connection and confidence can be persuasive during negotiations.
- Be Open to Compromise: Be flexible and willing to negotiate to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
Critical Restaurant General Manager Skills and Qualifications
Having the right set of skills and qualifications can significantly impact a restaurant general manager’s salary.
- Leadership: Ability to lead and motivate staff for smooth restaurant operations.
- Communication: Strong communication with employees, owners, and customers is key.
- Financial Acumen: Expertise in managing restaurant budgets, profit margins, and costs to ensure profitability.
- Customer Service: Delivering excellent customer service and resolving restaurant complaints.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to quickly resolve issues and maintain order under pressure.
- Time Management: Managing multiple responsibilities efficiently.
- Team Collaboration: Fostering a positive, collaborative environment with staff and owners.
- Adaptability: Quickly adjusting to industry changes or unexpected situations.
- Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with POS systems and other restaurant technology.
- Decision Making: Quick and effective decision-making skills are essential for managing daily operations.
- Industry Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of the restaurant industry, including trends and regulations, is beneficial.
- Regular Manager Meetings: As a manager, you will likely have to hold manager meetings to stay up to date with what’s going on. You’ll likely have to be able to organize restaurant manager meeting topics for some of the meetings.
Possessing these skills and qualifications can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries in the restaurant management field.
The Most Common Benefits for Restaurant General Manager
Benefits are an integral part of the compensation package for restaurant general managers. Below we listed the most common benefits for restaurant general managers.
- Health Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Retirement Plans
- Bonuses
- Meal Discounts
- Opportunities for learning and development
- Relocation Assistance
- Life Insurance
- Dental Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between a GM and a Restaurant Manager?
The roles of a General Manager (GM) and a Restaurant Manager often overlap but have distinct differences based on the scope of their responsibilities and the level of oversight required. Here are the main differences:
General Manager (GM):
- Scope: Oversees multi location restaurants or departments.
- Focus: Strategic planning and overall financial performance.
- Role: High-level management, including budgeting and long-term restaurant goals.
Restaurant Manager:
- Scope: Manages a single restaurant or location.
- Focus: Daily operations, staff management, and customer service.
- Role: Hands-on with day-to-day tasks and staff supervision.
