Hospitality & Tourism Tucson, AZ Pop. 542,629

Restaurant Manager Salary in Tucson, Arizona

The median restaurant manager salary in Tucson, AZ is $57,660 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 4.1% below the Arizona state average.

City Median
$57,660
vs State Avg
$-2,480
vs National
$-4,340
Cost of Living
93%

Restaurant Manager Pay in Tucson: What to Expect (2026)

Tucson offers a median restaurant manager salary of $57,660, which is $2,480 below the Arizona state average of $60,140. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Tucson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Tucson's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for restaurant managers in Tucson spans from $35,340 at the 10th percentile to $91,140 at the 90th percentile — a $55,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,200, while senior restaurant managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,560. As a major metro area with a population of 542,629, Tucson typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $37,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,520
$-4,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,560
$-6,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tucson, AZ

Percentile Tucson
10th Percentile $35,340
25th Percentile $44,640
Median (50th) $57,660
75th Percentile $74,400
90th Percentile $91,140

Restaurant Manager Salary in Other Arizona Cities

Scottsdale, AZ
$69,440
Pop. 241,361
Chandler, AZ
$63,240
Pop. 275,987
Phoenix, AZ
$62,000
Pop. 1,608,139
Mesa, AZ
$60,140
Pop. 504,258

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in Tucson

Education

Most restaurant manager positions require a high school diploma. Tucson and the surrounding Arizona area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Food Service ManagementStaff SupervisionCost ControlCustomer ServiceHealth & SafetyPOS Systems

Job Outlook

Nationally, restaurant manager employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Tucson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Restaurant Manager Jobs in Tucson

Browse open restaurant manager positions in Tucson, AZ:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in Tucson

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in Tucson, AZ? ▼
The median restaurant manager salary in Tucson, Arizona is $57,660 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $35,340 (10th percentile) to $91,140 (90th percentile).
How much does a Restaurant Manager make per hour in Tucson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,660, a restaurant manager in Tucson earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for restaurant manager pay? ▼
Tucson's median restaurant manager salary of $57,660 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $60,140. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ? ▼
Tucson has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a restaurant manager salary of $57,660 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a restaurant manager in Tucson? ▼
Most restaurant manager positions in Tucson require a high school diploma. Key skills include Food Service Management, Staff Supervision, Cost Control, Customer Service. The job market is projected to grow 10% nationally over the next decade.