Food Service Managers
Food service managers are responsible for the daily operation of restaurants or other establishments that prepare and serve food and beverages.
Is food service managers a good career?
It scores 25/100 and ranks #207 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays above the U.S. median wage ($69,390)
- High volume of openings — about 42,000 a year
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Often needs prior experience (less than 5 years)
What food service managers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. food service managers earn between $56,870 and $86,800 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live food service managers jobs
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- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- Less than 5 years
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow faster than average through 2034.
Education
Food service managers typically need a high school diploma, but education requirements for individual positions may vary from no formal educational credential to a college degree.
Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have postsecondary education, especially for jobs at upscale restaurants and hotels. Some food service companies, hotels, and restaurant chains recruit management trainees from college hospitality or food service management programs. These programs may require the participants to work in internships and to have food-industry–related experiences in order to graduate.
Many colleges and universities offer a bachelor’s degree in restaurant and hospitality management or institutional food service management, both of which may be part of a personal and culinary services program. Another field of degree that may be helpful for managers is business. In addition, numerous community colleges, technical institutes, and other institutions offer associate’s degree programs. Some culinary schools offer programs in restaurant management with courses designed for those who want to start and run their own restaurant.
Most programs provide instruction in nutrition, sanitation, and food preparation, as well as courses in accounting, business law, and management. Some programs combine classroom and practical study with internships.
Training
Food service managers typically receive on-the-job training of at least 1 month. Topics covered during this training may include food preparation, sanitation, security, company policies, personnel management, and recordkeeping.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Some states and localities require that food service managers have food safety certification.
Although certification is not always required, managers may obtain the Food Protection Manager Certification (FPMC) by passing a food safety exam.
Important qualities
Business skills. Food service managers must understand all aspects of the restaurant business, including how to budget for supplies, comply with regulations, and manage workers.
Communication skills. Food service managers must give clear orders to staff and be able to convey information effectively to employees and customers.
Customer-service skills. Food service managers must be courteous and attentive when dealing with patrons.
Leadership skills. Managers must establish good relationships with staff to maintain a productive work environment.
Organizational skills. Managers have many different responsibilities, including scheduling and overseeing staff, budgeting, and maintaining financial records. The larger the establishment, the more complex their job is.
Physical stamina. Managers often work long shifts and sometimes spend entire evenings actively helping to serve customers.
Problem-solving skills. Managers need to be able to resolve personnel issues and customer-related problems.
Related occupations
How much do food service managers make?
The national median wage is $69,390 a year, with the middle half earning between $56,870 and $86,800 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is food service managers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 25 of 100 and ranks #207 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +6.4% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a food service manager?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent, usually with less than 5 years.
Where do food service managers earn the most?
Among states, Washington pays the highest median ($95,190). Local pay for every state and metro is below.