Food service managers
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Food service managers in the United States earn a median salary of $69,390 per year — about $33 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Roughly 353K people work in this occupation nationwide, with projected employment growth of +6%.
AI & Automation Risk
While AI can significantly automate administrative tasks like staff scheduling, inventory ordering, and payroll management, the core of the job requires physical presence and real-time human interaction. Managers must physically inspect facilities for safety, handle unpredictable interpersonal conflicts with staff and customers, and perform manual labor during peak hours, which provides a strong buffer against full automation.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kennewick-Richland, WABEST VALUE | $94,890 | Average (100.1) | $94,815 |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | $92,420 | Average (100.9) | $91,625 |
| Bellingham, WA | $93,610 | Above avg (103.3) | $90,590 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $89,090 | Average (98.4) | $90,584 |
| Springfield, MA | $85,410 | Below avg (96.1) | $88,912 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $98,800 | Above avg (111.1) | $88,902 |
| Dubuque, IA | $76,910 | Below avg (87.3) | $88,070 |
| Pueblo, CO | $79,100 | Below avg (91.8) | $86,201 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $92,650 | Above avg (108.3) | $85,576 |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI | $93,550 | Above avg (109.4) | $85,517 |
| Topeka, KS | $75,410 | Below avg (88.8) | $84,902 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $80,590 | Below avg (95.1) | $84,737 |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC | $74,770 | Below avg (88.3) | $84,643 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | $86,630 | Above avg (103.7) | $83,563 |
| Wildwood-The Villages, FL | $71,360 | Below avg (85.4) | $83,536 |