Hospitality & Tourism Norfolk, VA Pop. 238,005

Restaurant Manager Salary in Norfolk, Virginia

The median restaurant manager salary in Norfolk, VA is $59,520 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 7.7% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$59,520
vs State Avg
$-4,960
vs National
$-2,480
Cost of Living
96%

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

Norfolk offers a median restaurant manager salary of $59,520, which is $4,960 below the Virginia state average of $64,480. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Norfolk pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Norfolk's cost of living is 96% 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 Norfolk spans from $36,480 at the 10th percentile to $94,080 at the 90th percentile — a $57,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,400, while senior restaurant managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,320. With a population of 238,005, Norfolk is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Norfolk by Experience

In Norfolk, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $38,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,400
$-1,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,440
$-2,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,320
$-3,680 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Norfolk, VA

Percentile Norfolk
10th Percentile $36,480
25th Percentile $46,080
Median (50th) $59,520
75th Percentile $76,800
90th Percentile $94,080

Restaurant Manager Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$81,840
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$63,240
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$62,000
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$60,760
Pop. 249,422

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in Norfolk

Education

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

Find Restaurant Manager Jobs in Norfolk

Browse open restaurant manager positions in Norfolk, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in Norfolk

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in Norfolk, VA? ▼
The median restaurant manager salary in Norfolk, Virginia is $59,520 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $36,480 (10th percentile) to $94,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Restaurant Manager make per hour in Norfolk? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,520, a restaurant manager in Norfolk earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Norfolk compare to the Virginia state average for restaurant manager pay? ▼
Norfolk's median restaurant manager salary of $59,520 is 7.7% below the Virginia state average of $64,480. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Norfolk, VA? ▼
Norfolk has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a restaurant manager salary of $59,520 in Norfolk has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a restaurant manager in Norfolk? ▼
Most restaurant manager positions in Norfolk 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.