Hospitality & Tourism Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Restaurant Manager Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median restaurant manager salary in Boulder, CO is $79,360 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$79,360
vs State Avg
+$14,260
vs National
+$17,360
Cost of Living
128%

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

Boulder offers a median restaurant manager salary of $79,360, which is $14,260 above the Colorado state average of $65,100. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Boulder pays above average for this role.

However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $79,360 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $62,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for restaurant managers in Boulder spans from $48,640 at the 10th percentile to $125,440 at the 90th percentile — a $76,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,200, while senior restaurant managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,760. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $51,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,200
+$11,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,920
+$17,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,760
+$25,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $48,640
25th Percentile $61,440
Median (50th) $79,360
75th Percentile $102,400
90th Percentile $125,440

Restaurant Manager Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Denver, CO
$69,440
Pop. 715,522
Fort Collins, CO
$65,720
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$65,100
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$62,000
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in Boulder

Education

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

Find Restaurant Manager Jobs in Boulder

Browse open restaurant manager positions in Boulder, CO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in Boulder

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median restaurant manager salary in Boulder, Colorado is $79,360 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $48,640 (10th percentile) to $125,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Restaurant Manager make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,360, a restaurant manager in Boulder earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for restaurant manager pay? ▼
Boulder's median restaurant manager salary of $79,360 is 21.9% above the Colorado state average of $65,100. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a restaurant manager salary of $79,360 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a restaurant manager in Boulder? ▼
Most restaurant manager positions in Boulder 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.