Hospitality & Tourism Virginia (VA) Rank #14 of 50

Restaurant Manager Salary in Virginia

The median restaurant manager salary in Virginia is $64,480 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $62,000.

Median Salary
$64,480
vs National
+$2,480
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Restaurant Manager Salary Overview in Virginia (2026)

Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for restaurant manager compensation. Virginia falls in the middle of the pack for restaurant manager pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $64,480 per year, restaurant managers in Virginia earn $2,480 more than the national median of $62,000.

Virginia's cost of living is near the national average at 104%, meaning restaurant manager salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Virginia is significant: restaurant managers at the 10th percentile earn $39,520, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $101,920 — a $62,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Virginia for this role is Arlington, where the median reaches $81,840.

Nationally, restaurant manager employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for restaurant managers across the country.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $41,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,680 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,600
+$1,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,560
+$2,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$95,680
+$3,680 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $39,520
25th Percentile $49,920
Median (50th) $64,480
75th Percentile $83,200
90th Percentile $101,920

Restaurant Manager Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for restaurant managers in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in Virginia

Education

Most restaurant manager positions require a high school diploma. Virginia has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Food Service ManagementStaff SupervisionCost ControlCustomer ServiceHealth & SafetyPOS Systems

Job Outlook in Virginia

Nationally, restaurant manager employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Virginia's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in Virginia

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in Virginia? ▼
The median restaurant manager salary in Virginia is $64,480 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $39,520 (10th percentile) to $101,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Restaurant Manager make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,480, a restaurant manager in Virginia earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for restaurant managers? ▼
Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for restaurant manager pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level restaurant managers earn $41,600, while senior professionals earn $95,680.
How does Virginia compare to other states for restaurant manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for restaurant managers is Hawaii at $105,400. Virginia's median of $64,480 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Hampshire ($65,100) and Rhode Island ($65,100).
What is the entry-level restaurant manager salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level restaurant manager in Virginia earns approximately $41,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $66,560. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $95,680.
What city in Virginia pays restaurant managers the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for restaurant managers, with a median salary of $81,840. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.