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 (98.9) | $95,960 |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | $92,420 | Average (97.1) | $95,136 |
| Bellingham, WA | $93,610 | Above avg (104.0) | $89,999 |
| Topeka, KS | $75,410 | Below avg (85.8) | $87,851 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $98,800 | Above avg (112.7) | $87,642 |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI | $93,550 | Above avg (107.2) | $87,272 |
| Springfield, MA | $85,410 | Average (98.1) | $87,093 |
| Dubuque, IA | $76,910 | Below avg (89.1) | $86,358 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $80,590 | Below avg (93.5) | $86,180 |
| Pueblo, CO | $79,100 | Below avg (93.0) | $85,052 |
| Boulder, CO | $84,820 | Average (100.6) | $84,302 |
| Bismarck, ND | $75,260 | Below avg (89.4) | $84,227 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $92,650 | Above avg (110.4) | $83,927 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $89,090 | Above avg (106.5) | $83,662 |
| Fairbanks-College, AK | $84,610 | Average (101.2) | $83,608 |