Hospitality & Tourism San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Restaurant Manager Salary in San Diego, California

The median restaurant manager salary in San Diego, CA is $88,040 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$88,040
vs State Avg
+$2,480
vs National
+$26,040
Cost of Living
142%

Restaurant Manager Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median restaurant manager salary of $88,040, which is $2,480 above the California state average of $85,560. Compared to the national median of $62,000, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $88,040 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $62,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for restaurant managers in San Diego spans from $53,960 at the 10th percentile to $139,160 at the 90th percentile — a $85,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,800, while senior restaurant managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $130,640. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Restaurant Manager Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $56,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,800
+$16,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,880
+$26,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$130,640
+$38,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $53,960
25th Percentile $68,160
Median (50th) $88,040
75th Percentile $113,600
90th Percentile $139,160

Restaurant Manager Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$112,840
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$104,160
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$90,520
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$73,160
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in San Diego

Education

Most restaurant manager positions require a high school diploma. San Diego and the surrounding California 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 San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Restaurant Manager Jobs in San Diego

Browse open restaurant manager positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in San Diego

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median restaurant manager salary in San Diego, California is $88,040 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $53,960 (10th percentile) to $139,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Restaurant Manager make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,040, a restaurant manager in San Diego earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for restaurant manager pay? ▼
San Diego's median restaurant manager salary of $88,040 is 2.9% above the California state average of $85,560. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a restaurant manager salary of $88,040 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a restaurant manager in San Diego? ▼
Most restaurant manager positions in San Diego 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.