Hospitality & Tourism Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

Restaurant Manager Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median restaurant manager salary in Durham, NC is $58,900 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$58,900
vs State Avg
+$1,860
vs National
$-3,100
Cost of Living
95%

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

Durham offers a median restaurant manager salary of $58,900, which is $1,860 above the North Carolina state average of $57,040. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham's cost of living is 95% 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 Durham spans from $36,100 at the 10th percentile to $93,100 at the 90th percentile — a $57,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,000, while senior restaurant managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $87,400. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $38,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,000
$-2,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,800
$-3,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,400
$-4,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $36,100
25th Percentile $45,600
Median (50th) $58,900
75th Percentile $76,000
90th Percentile $93,100

Restaurant Manager Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$60,760
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$60,760
Pop. 467,665
Greensboro, NC
$54,560
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$53,320
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in Durham

Education

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

Find Restaurant Manager Jobs in Durham

Browse open restaurant manager positions in Durham, NC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in Durham

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median restaurant manager salary in Durham, North Carolina is $58,900 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $36,100 (10th percentile) to $93,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Restaurant Manager make per hour in Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,900, a restaurant manager in Durham earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for restaurant manager pay? ▼
Durham's median restaurant manager salary of $58,900 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $57,040. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a restaurant manager salary of $58,900 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a restaurant manager in Durham? ▼
Most restaurant manager positions in Durham 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.