What is the average salary for a Restaurant General Manager?

Apr 3, 2024 | 3 min read

A Restaurant General Manager (RGM) is a vital figure in the food industry, responsible for overseeing daily operations, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maintaining financial stability in a restaurant. They uphold the brand's standards and values, manage the team, and handle administrative tasks, all while fostering a positive work environment.

How much does a Restaurant General Manager make?

As of March 2024, the national average annual salary for a Restaurant General Manager in the U.S. is approximately $65,615, which equates to an hourly wage of around $31.55. However, this figure varies significantly across different states. For instance, New York and Washington state offer higher average salaries of $70,763 and $79,071 respectively, reflecting the high cost of living and demand for skilled professionals. Conversely, states like Georgia and North Carolina report lower average salaries of around $54,000, indicative of regional economic conditions.

In addition to their base salary, Restaurant General Managers often receive a comprehensive benefits package. This typically includes health benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance, financial benefits like a competitive salary and retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. The specifics of these benefits can vary based on the company, location, and other factors.

What are the key factors that influence Restaurant General Manager salary?

The salary of a Restaurant General Manager is influenced by a combination of factors including educational achievements, professional certifications, skill development, years of experience, geographical location, and the specific sector or company within the restaurant industry. Higher levels of academic achievement and industry-relevant certifications can enhance a manager's qualifications, making them more competitive in the job market. Experience is another critical determinant of salary, with longer tenures in restaurant management often correlating with increased earning potential. Geographical location significantly influences salary levels due to variations in the cost of living and demand for skilled managers. Lastly, the specific sector within the restaurant industry and the company one works for also play pivotal roles in determining salary.

What is the job outlook and growth like for Restaurant General Managers?

The job outlook for restaurant general managers in the US shows varying trends. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook for food service managers, which includes restaurant general managers, is projected to show little or no change from 2022 to 2032. However, there will be an average of 39,600 job openings each year over the decade, mainly due to the need to replace workers who retire or change occupations. On the other hand, the job outlook for general and operations managers, which also includes restaurant general managers, is projected to grow 7 percent from 2021 to 2031, with 209,800 new jobs expected.

What is the career growth path for a Restaurant General Manager?

The career growth path for a Restaurant General Manager typically begins with gaining experience in lower-level restaurant roles, such as a server or cook. After gaining sufficient experience and demonstrating leadership potential, individuals may progress to supervisory roles, such as Shift Manager or Assistant Manager. With further experience and skill development, they can then advance to the position of Restaurant General Manager. From there, opportunities for further advancement may include roles such as Area Manager, overseeing multiple restaurant locations, or even executive-level positions within the company, such as Director of Operations or Vice President of Operations.

References

Apr 3, 2024 | 3 min read

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