Restaurant Manager Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $53,320 (2026)

Restaurant Manager Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median restaurant manager salary of $53,320, which is $3,720 below the North Carolina state average of $57,040. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $53,320 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for restaurant managers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for restaurant managers in Winston-Salem spans from $32,680 at the 10th percentile to $84,280 at the 90th percentile — a $51,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,400, while senior restaurant managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,120. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $34,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$34,400

$-5,600 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$55,040

$-8,960 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$79,120

$-12,880 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$32,680	$34,960	$38,000
25th Percentile	$41,280	$44,160	$48,000
Median (50th)	$53,320	$57,040	$62,000
75th Percentile	$68,800	$73,600	$80,000
90th Percentile	$84,280	$90,160	$98,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$32,680

25th Percentile

$41,280

Median (50th)

$53,320

75th Percentile

$68,800

90th Percentile

$84,280

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in Winston-Salem

Education

Most restaurant manager positions require a high school diploma. Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median restaurant manager salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $53,320 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $32,680 (10th percentile) to $84,280 (90th percentile).

How much does a Restaurant Manager make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $53,320, a restaurant manager in Winston-Salem earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for restaurant manager pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median restaurant manager salary of $53,320 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $57,040. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a restaurant manager salary of $53,320 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a restaurant manager in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most restaurant manager positions in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem, North Carolina