Hospitality & Tourism Colorado (CO) Rank #11 of 50

Restaurant Manager Salary in Colorado

The median restaurant manager salary in Colorado is $65,100 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $62,000.

Median Salary
$65,100
vs National
+$3,100
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Restaurant Manager Salary Overview in Colorado (2026)

Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for restaurant manager compensation. Colorado falls in the middle of the pack for restaurant manager pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $65,100 per year, restaurant managers in Colorado earn $3,100 more than the national median of $62,000.

Colorado's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning restaurant manager salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Colorado is significant: restaurant managers at the 10th percentile earn $39,900, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $102,900 — a $63,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Colorado for this role is Boulder, where the median reaches $79,360.

Nationally, restaurant manager employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for restaurant managers across the country.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Colorado by Experience

In Colorado, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $42,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,600 per year. The cost of living index in Colorado is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,000
+$2,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,200
+$3,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,600
+$4,600 vs national

Build Wealth on Your Income

With a $65,100 income, financial advisors recommend investing 15–20% annually. Start building a diversified portfolio with as little as $10.

See Investment Options →

Salary Percentiles in Colorado

Percentile CO Salary
10th Percentile $39,900
25th Percentile $50,400
Median (50th) $65,100
75th Percentile $84,000
90th Percentile $102,900

Restaurant Manager Salary by City in Colorado

The largest employment areas for restaurant managers in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in Colorado

Education

Most restaurant manager positions require a high school diploma. Colorado has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Food Service ManagementStaff SupervisionCost ControlCustomer ServiceHealth & SafetyPOS Systems

Job Outlook in Colorado

Nationally, restaurant manager employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Colorado's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Restaurant Managers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $31,500 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Restaurant Manager Roles in Colorado?

Get matched with recruiters hiring restaurant managers in Colorado at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in Colorado

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in Colorado? ▼
The median restaurant manager salary in Colorado is $65,100 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $39,900 (10th percentile) to $102,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Restaurant Manager make per hour in Colorado? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,100, a restaurant manager in Colorado earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Colorado a good state for restaurant managers? ▼
Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for restaurant manager pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level restaurant managers earn $42,000, while senior professionals earn $96,600.
How does Colorado compare to other states for restaurant manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for restaurant managers is Hawaii at $105,400. Colorado's median of $65,100 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maryland ($68,200) and Oregon ($68,200).
What is the entry-level restaurant manager salary in Colorado? ▼
An entry-level restaurant manager in Colorado earns approximately $42,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $67,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $96,600.
What city in Colorado pays restaurant managers the most? ▼
Boulder is the highest paying city in Colorado for restaurant managers, with a median salary of $79,360. Other cities include Denver and Colorado Springs.