How much does a restaurant supervisor make?
Answer: A typical restaurant supervisor in the United States makes $44,080 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 1.2 million people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Restaurant supervisor pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $29,940 | $44,080 | $65,570 | about 1.2 million |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $59,400 | about 21,000 |
| District of Columbia | $57,170 | about 3,000 |
| Connecticut | $52,940 | about 11,000 |
| Colorado | $50,550 | about 26,000 |
| Vermont | $49,820 | about 2,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., more experience, in-demand skills or food-safety credentials, and added responsibility can help restaurant supervisors earn more. Pay also changes by employer—such as a hotel, school, or restaurant—and by location.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a restaurant supervisor do?
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in preparing and serving food.
What's a typical day like?
Before service, they assign stations, train staff, check supplies, and make sure the kitchen and dining area are clean. During a rush, they move between the kitchen and dining room, help serve food, handle payments, and answer complaints.
How to get this job
In the U.S., finish high school or a GED, gain food-service experience as a cook or server, then move into supervision with on-the-job training. Local rules may require a food-safety certificate.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
A restaurant supervisor may prepare payroll and bank deposits—not just keep the kitchen running!
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Food Preparation and Serving jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/35-1012.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes351012.htm
- www.bls.gov/ooh/Management/Food-service-managers.htm
- www.fda.gov/food/fda-food-code/food-code-2022
- www.servsafe.com/ServSafe-Manager/Get-Certified
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY