Hospitality & Tourism Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Restaurant Manager Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median restaurant manager salary in Seattle, WA is $91,760 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median and 28.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$91,760
vs State Avg
+$20,460
vs National
+$29,760
Cost of Living
148%

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

Seattle offers a median restaurant manager salary of $91,760, which is $20,460 above the Washington state average of $71,300. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $91,760 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $62,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for restaurant managers in Seattle spans from $56,240 at the 10th percentile to $145,040 at the 90th percentile — a $88,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,200, while senior restaurant managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $136,160. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $59,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,200
+$19,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$94,720
+$30,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,160
+$44,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $56,240
25th Percentile $71,040
Median (50th) $91,760
75th Percentile $118,400
90th Percentile $145,040

Restaurant Manager Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in Seattle

Education

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

Find Restaurant Manager Jobs in Seattle

Browse open restaurant manager positions in Seattle, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in Seattle

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median restaurant manager salary in Seattle, Washington is $91,760 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $56,240 (10th percentile) to $145,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Restaurant Manager make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,760, a restaurant manager in Seattle earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for restaurant manager pay? ▼
Seattle's median restaurant manager salary of $91,760 is 28.7% above the Washington state average of $71,300. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a restaurant manager salary of $91,760 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a restaurant manager in Seattle? ▼
Most restaurant manager positions in Seattle 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.