Hospitality & Tourism Lexington, KY Pop. 322,570

Restaurant Manager Salary in Lexington, Kentucky

The median restaurant manager salary in Lexington, KY is $57,660 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 6.9% above the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$57,660
vs State Avg
+$3,720
vs National
$-4,340
Cost of Living
93%

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

Lexington offers a median restaurant manager salary of $57,660, which is $3,720 above the Kentucky state average of $53,940. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Lexington pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Lexington's cost of living is 93% 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 Lexington spans from $35,340 at the 10th percentile to $91,140 at the 90th percentile — a $55,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,200, while senior restaurant managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,560. With a population of 322,570, Lexington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Lexington by Experience

In Lexington, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $37,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,520
$-4,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,560
$-6,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lexington, KY

Percentile Lexington
10th Percentile $35,340
25th Percentile $44,640
Median (50th) $57,660
75th Percentile $74,400
90th Percentile $91,140

Restaurant Manager Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

Louisville, KY
$57,040
Pop. 633,045
Covington, KY
$54,560
Pop. 40,961
Bowling Green, KY
$52,080
Pop. 74,735
Owensboro, KY
$50,840
Pop. 60,183

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in Lexington

Education

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

Find Restaurant Manager Jobs in Lexington

Browse open restaurant manager positions in Lexington, KY:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in Lexington

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in Lexington, KY? ▼
The median restaurant manager salary in Lexington, Kentucky is $57,660 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $35,340 (10th percentile) to $91,140 (90th percentile).
How much does a Restaurant Manager make per hour in Lexington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,660, a restaurant manager in Lexington earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lexington compare to the Kentucky state average for restaurant manager pay? ▼
Lexington's median restaurant manager salary of $57,660 is 6.9% above the Kentucky state average of $53,940. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lexington, KY? ▼
Lexington has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a restaurant manager salary of $57,660 in Lexington has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a restaurant manager in Lexington? ▼
Most restaurant manager positions in Lexington 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.