Hospitality & Tourism Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Restaurant Manager Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median restaurant manager salary in Lafayette, LA is $54,560 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$54,560
vs State Avg
$-1,860
vs National
$-7,440
Cost of Living
88%

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

Lafayette offers a median restaurant manager salary of $54,560, which is $1,860 below the Louisiana state average of $56,420. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $54,560 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for restaurant managers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for restaurant managers in Lafayette spans from $33,440 at the 10th percentile to $86,240 at the 90th percentile — a $52,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,200, while senior restaurant managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,960. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $35,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,200
$-4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,320
$-7,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,960
$-11,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $33,440
25th Percentile $42,240
Median (50th) $54,560
75th Percentile $70,400
90th Percentile $86,240

Restaurant Manager Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$60,760
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$57,040
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$53,320
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$52,700
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Restaurant Manager Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open restaurant manager positions in Lafayette, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median restaurant manager salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $54,560 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $33,440 (10th percentile) to $86,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Restaurant Manager make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,560, a restaurant manager in Lafayette earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for restaurant manager pay? ▼
Lafayette's median restaurant manager salary of $54,560 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $56,420. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a restaurant manager salary of $54,560 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a restaurant manager in Lafayette? ▼
Most restaurant manager positions in Lafayette 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.