Hospitality & Tourism Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Restaurant Manager Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median restaurant manager salary in Chicago, IL is $66,340 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$66,340
vs State Avg
+$7,440
vs National
+$4,340
Cost of Living
107%

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

Chicago offers a median restaurant manager salary of $66,340, which is $7,440 above the Illinois state average of $58,900. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for restaurant managers in Chicago spans from $40,660 at the 10th percentile to $104,860 at the 90th percentile — a $64,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,800, while senior restaurant managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $98,440. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $42,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,800
+$2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,480
+$4,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$98,440
+$6,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $40,660
25th Percentile $51,360
Median (50th) $66,340
75th Percentile $85,600
90th Percentile $104,860

Restaurant Manager Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$66,960
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$58,900
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$52,700
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$50,840
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in Chicago

Education

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

Find Restaurant Manager Jobs in Chicago

Browse open restaurant manager positions in Chicago, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in Chicago

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median restaurant manager salary in Chicago, Illinois is $66,340 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $40,660 (10th percentile) to $104,860 (90th percentile).
How much does a Restaurant Manager make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,340, a restaurant manager in Chicago earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for restaurant manager pay? ▼
Chicago's median restaurant manager salary of $66,340 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $58,900. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a restaurant manager salary of $66,340 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a restaurant manager in Chicago? ▼
Most restaurant manager positions in Chicago 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.