Restaurant Manager Salary in Grand Island, NE: $52,080 (2026)

Restaurant Manager Pay in Grand Island: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Island offers a median restaurant manager salary of $52,080, which is $3,720 below the Nebraska state average of $55,800. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Grand Island pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Grand Island's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $52,080 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Island an attractive option for restaurant managers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for restaurant managers in Grand Island spans from $31,920 at the 10th percentile to $82,320 at the 90th percentile — a $50,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,600, while senior restaurant managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,280. Grand Island is a smaller market (pop. 53,131), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Grand Island by Experience

In Grand Island, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $33,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$33,600

$-6,400 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$53,760

$-10,240 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$77,280

$-14,720 vs national

Percentile	Grand Island	NE State	National
10th Percentile	$31,920	$34,200	$38,000
25th Percentile	$40,320	$43,200	$48,000
Median (50th)	$52,080	$55,800	$62,000
75th Percentile	$67,200	$72,000	$80,000
90th Percentile	$82,320	$88,200	$98,000

Percentile

Grand Island

10th Percentile

$31,920

25th Percentile

$40,320

Median (50th)

$52,080

75th Percentile

$67,200

90th Percentile

$82,320

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in Grand Island

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in Grand Island

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in Grand Island, NE? ▼

The median restaurant manager salary in Grand Island, Nebraska is $52,080 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $31,920 (10th percentile) to $82,320 (90th percentile).

How much does a Restaurant Manager make per hour in Grand Island? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $52,080, a restaurant manager in Grand Island earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Grand Island compare to the Nebraska state average for restaurant manager pay? ▼

Grand Island's median restaurant manager salary of $52,080 is 6.7% below the Nebraska state average of $55,800. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Grand Island, NE? ▼

Grand Island has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a restaurant manager salary of $52,080 in Grand Island has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most restaurant manager positions in Grand Island 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 Grand Island, Nebraska