Hospitality & Tourism Columbus, GA Pop. 206,922

Restaurant Manager Salary in Columbus, Georgia

The median restaurant manager salary in Columbus, GA is $53,320 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 7.5% below the Georgia state average.

City Median
$53,320
vs State Avg
$-4,340
vs National
$-8,680
Cost of Living
86%

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

Columbus offers a median restaurant manager salary of $53,320, which is $4,340 below the Georgia state average of $57,660. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbus's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $53,320 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbus an attractive option for restaurant managers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for restaurant managers in Columbus spans from $32,680 at the 10th percentile to $84,280 at the 90th percentile — a $51,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,400, while senior restaurant managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,120. With a population of 206,922, Columbus is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $34,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,040
$-8,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,120
$-12,880 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbus, GA

Percentile Columbus
10th Percentile $32,680
25th Percentile $41,280
Median (50th) $53,320
75th Percentile $68,800
90th Percentile $84,280

Restaurant Manager Salary in Other Georgia Cities

Atlanta, GA
$63,240
Pop. 498,715
Savannah, GA
$57,040
Pop. 147,780
Athens, GA
$55,800
Pop. 127,064
Augusta, GA
$54,560
Pop. 202,081

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in Columbus

Education

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

Find Restaurant Manager Jobs in Columbus

Browse open restaurant manager positions in Columbus, GA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in Columbus

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in Columbus, GA? ▼
The median restaurant manager salary in Columbus, Georgia is $53,320 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $32,680 (10th percentile) to $84,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Restaurant Manager make per hour in Columbus? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,320, a restaurant manager in Columbus earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbus compare to the Georgia state average for restaurant manager pay? ▼
Columbus's median restaurant manager salary of $53,320 is 7.5% below the Georgia state average of $57,660. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbus, GA? ▼
Columbus has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a restaurant manager salary of $53,320 in Columbus has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a restaurant manager in Columbus? ▼
Most restaurant manager positions in Columbus 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.