Hospitality & Tourism Delaware (DE) Rank #15 of 50

Restaurant Manager Salary in Delaware

The median restaurant manager salary in Delaware is $62,620 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $62,000.

Median Salary
$62,620
vs National
+$620
State Rank
#15 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Restaurant Manager Salary Overview in Delaware (2026)

Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for restaurant manager compensation. Delaware falls in the middle of the pack for restaurant manager pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $62,620 per year, restaurant managers in Delaware earn $620 more than the national median of $62,000.

Delaware's cost of living is near the national average at 101%, meaning restaurant manager salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Delaware is significant: restaurant managers at the 10th percentile earn $38,380, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $98,980 — a $60,600 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Delaware for this role is Wilmington, where the median reaches $65,100.

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 Delaware by Experience

In Delaware, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $40,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,920 per year. The cost of living index in Delaware is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,400
+$400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,640
+$640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,920
+$920 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Delaware

Percentile DE Salary
10th Percentile $38,380
25th Percentile $48,480
Median (50th) $62,620
75th Percentile $80,800
90th Percentile $98,980

Restaurant Manager Salary by City in Delaware

The largest employment areas for restaurant managers in Delaware include Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and Middletown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Wilmington, DE
$65,100
Pop. 70,898 · COL 105%
Dover, DE
$59,520
Pop. 39,403 · COL 96%
Newark, DE
$63,240
Pop. 33,398 · COL 102%
Middletown, DE
$60,760
Pop. 22,350 · COL 98%
Bear, DE
$61,380
Pop. 21,000 · COL 99%

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in Delaware

Education

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

Key Skills

Food Service ManagementStaff SupervisionCost ControlCustomer ServiceHealth & SafetyPOS Systems

Job Outlook in Delaware

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

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Open to Restaurant Manager Roles in Delaware?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in Delaware

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in Delaware? ▼
The median restaurant manager salary in Delaware is $62,620 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $38,380 (10th percentile) to $98,980 (90th percentile).
How much does a Restaurant Manager make per hour in Delaware? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,620, a restaurant manager in Delaware earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Delaware a good state for restaurant managers? ▼
Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for restaurant manager pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level restaurant managers earn $40,400, while senior professionals earn $92,920.
How does Delaware compare to other states for restaurant manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for restaurant managers is Hawaii at $105,400. Delaware's median of $62,620 ranks #15 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Rhode Island ($65,100) and Virginia ($64,480).
What is the entry-level restaurant manager salary in Delaware? ▼
An entry-level restaurant manager in Delaware earns approximately $40,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $64,640. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $92,920.
What city in Delaware pays restaurant managers the most? ▼
Wilmington is the highest paying city in Delaware for restaurant managers, with a median salary of $65,100. Other cities include Dover and Newark.