Restaurant Manager Salary in Columbia, MO: $54,560 (2026)

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

Columbia offers a median restaurant manager salary of $54,560, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $54,560. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbia'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 Columbia an attractive option for restaurant managers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for restaurant managers in Columbia 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 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, 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

Percentile	Columbia	MO State	National
10th Percentile	$33,440	$33,440	$38,000
25th Percentile	$42,240	$42,240	$48,000
Median (50th)	$54,560	$54,560	$62,000
75th Percentile	$70,400	$70,400	$80,000
90th Percentile	$86,240	$86,240	$98,000

Percentile

Columbia

10th Percentile

$33,440

25th Percentile

$42,240

Median (50th)

$54,560

75th Percentile

$70,400

90th Percentile

$86,240

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in Columbia

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in Columbia

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in Columbia, MO? ▼

The median restaurant manager salary in Columbia, Missouri 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 Columbia? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $54,560, a restaurant manager in Columbia earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for restaurant manager pay? ▼

Columbia's median restaurant manager salary of $54,560 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $54,560. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼

Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a restaurant manager salary of $54,560 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a restaurant manager in Columbia? ▼

Most restaurant manager positions in Columbia 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.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Columbia, Missouri